Hajime Construction Buys 51% of Utah Builder Wright Homes

"Japan-based real estate and construction giants have spent the past decade quietly building footholds across the U.S. housing market. By early 2026, those footholds are transforming into a noticeable wave of expansion. The latest development comes from Tokyo-based Hajime Construction Co., Ltd., which announced on March 10 that it has acquired a 51% equity stake in Wright Homes, a privately owned builder in Utah headquartered along the Wasatch Front."

"Japan-based housing companies expanding into U.S. residential construction through partnerships with established local operators. If the names Sekisui House, Daiwa House, and Sumitomo Forestry dominate that narrative so far, the Hajime-Wright Homes deal highlights a widening reality. The list of Japanese companies seeking U.S. housing opportunities is growing, and their interest in partnering with strong regional builders continues to rise."

"By handling the entire process from sourcing well-located land to constructing and selling homes Wright Homes achieves agile business operations while maintaining an appropriate scale. That disciplined operating model was a central attraction. Hajime identified Wright Homes as a partner with a well-established business foundation and proven track record, capable of steady growth through its land positions and business model."

Japanese real estate and construction companies have been strategically building presence in the U.S. housing market over the past decade, with expansion accelerating by early 2026. Hajime Construction Co., Ltd. acquired a 51% equity stake in Wright Homes, a Utah-based builder founded in 1994, gaining management control. This deal exemplifies a growing trend where Japanese firms partner with established local operators to enter U.S. residential construction. Companies like Sekisui House, Daiwa House, and Sumitomo Forestry have led this movement, but the list of Japanese companies seeking U.S. housing opportunities continues expanding. Hajime was attracted to Wright Homes' strong land acquisition network in Utah, community relationships, agile operations, and proven business model capable of steady growth.

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