A chaotic start in Fuji gave Fernando Alonso the chance he was hoping for after winning last years Japan Grand prix. While Kubica took the lead early on, Alonso used the first pit stop to pass Kubica with his decision to take less fuel and from then on, he led the race without ever feeling threatened again.

Lewis Hamilton wasn’t so lucky. He took the lead right at the start with a feisty move which was said to have put Raikkonen off the road on the first corner and that maneuver earned him a penalty.

Ferrari driver Massa also got penalized but later managed to finish in eight position after driving like a champion.

1. Fernando Alonso (Renault)
2. Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber)
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)

The season is nearly wrapped up with only two races to go. Competition stays hot with Ferrari leading the field by 7 points at 142 points in all. McLaren-Mercedes is hot on their heels with 135 championship points, followed by BMW Sauber with 128 points.

Given the fact that there are still two races to go, possibilities still exist for either team to take this baby home all the way. We’ll see what the future brings when China fires up the heat on October 19th.

Japan Property Market

Japan was reported to be a lot more foreigner friendly these days than in the past. Despite this trend, the country has also felt the trembles of the international credit crunch since early this year.

While investors were able to take advantage of declines in the Japanese stock market early in October, home owners are still waiting anxiously on what is going to happen in the rest of the world.

Reports of a boom in Japan back in May were indicating that many foreigners were buying property in Japan. Despite the global market, properties are still available and affordable. Especially for British and US buyers.

Buyers looking to invest in Japan are perhaps better advised to look outside the big central hubs of the more known cities such as Tokyo. A 1,020 SQ. FT. apartment in the city went for around $700,000 which isn’t too bad considering Tokyo is one of the trendiest cities in the world.

But Japan is expensive in terms of living as many tourist frequently report.

One factor that works in favor of buyers is that Japanese banks are now happily supplying overseas investors with home loans. While the threshold is a little higher than for Japanese citizens, it still offers many possibilities to those interested.

There certainly are opportunities to be found for investors looking to buy in Japan. This beautiful country with its fascinating culture and local people is definitely worth a visit if not more.

_{Photo credits: Z’Hung Lee via Flickr}

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