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In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, Take sits down with NJ, a San Francisco Bay Area tech worker, gymnastics coach, and pole dance instructor who purchased a pre-renovated condo in Hachioji, Western Tokyo. NJ shares her journey from listening to the podcast to buying a fourth-floor corner unit with views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. She explains her reasoning behind choosing a condo over a detached house, how she uses it as a global warming getaway, and what it was like installing a pole in her Japanese living room to perform a phoenix move. Key Takeaways Why buying a condo in Japan can offer low-maintenance living compared to a detached home.The realities of property costs, HOA fees, insurance, and management fees in Tokyo.Why Western Tokyo and Hachioji offer a mini-Tokyo feel with easy train access and mountain proximity.How to filter for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings for earthquake safety and better insulation.Understanding Japanese real estate as a lifestyle and adventure investment rather than a traditional financial play.Main Points & Episode Highlights Meet NJ: Bay Area tech worker in simulation technologies, gymnastics coach, pole dance instructor, and former Crunchyroll employee.The Motivation: Managing Bay Area real estate frustration, seeking a home base abroad, and creating a winter escape from summer heat.The Search Process: Searching for nine months across Chiba and Western Tokyo, working with real estate agent Yoshi, and touring properties in person before buying remotely.Why Hachioji? Living in Western Tokyo, getting a guaranteed seat on the Keio line, enjoying Mt. Takao hikes, and taking in local views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree.Condo vs. House: Avoiding roof, yard, and exterior maintenance while getting an open-concept 2LDK layout built with reinforced concrete.Living Space & Customization: Measuring living room space for acrobatics, installing a pole for a phoenix move, and adding air conditioning and appliances.Costs & Maintenance: Total purchase price around 17.2 million yen (approximately $114k USD total with closing costs and appliances), plus low monthly HOA and management fees.Visiting & Life in Japan: Staying six weeks, taking language classes, hosting friends and parents, navigating building rules, and enjoying local convenience stores and Indian curry spots.Guest Info & Resources Mentioned Guest: NJ (Tech worker, pole dance instructor, gymnastics coach)Locations Mentioned: Hachioji, Mount Takao, Western Tokyo, Chiba, Saratoga, San Francisco Bay AreaPop Culture & Hobbies Mentioned: Chainsaw Man, Super Mario, Pokemon, Final Fantasy VIIReal Estate Platform & Services: Mokomoko Buyers ClubCall to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share it with anyone interested in Japanese real estate or living in Japan. Explore over half a million Japanese property listings and learn more at mokomoko.com.

Takeru and Joey reach a major milestone on the Buying a House in Japan podcast as they celebrate surpassing  50 episodes. In this episode, they recap all six properties they have purchased across Japan and lay out their plans for their next big focus: rebuilding their $3,500 ski house in Myoko, Niigata. Key Takeaways  150 Episodes MilestoneRecap of All 6 PropertiesThe Myoko Ski Chalet Project: Dealing with snow maintenance, narrow road access, chainsaw demolition teams, meeting with Sekisui Chemical in Tokyo, and working with Mitch at Ikigai Housing in Iiyama. Lifestyle ROI vs. Airbnb Hosting: Why rising host fees and administrative hurdles in Japan make lifestyle value and long-term rentals more attractive than short-term Airbnbs. Resources and Links Mentioned Website: Browse Japanese real estate listings and check out the Mokomoko Buyers Club at mokomoko.com. Mitch at Ikigai Housing / Ikigai Co: Partner in Iiyama assisting with demolition and prefab build options in heavy snow regions. Sekisui Chemical / Sekisui Heim: Corporate home builder in Tokyo evaluated during initial planning. Feedback & Listener Email: Send questions and feedback to [email protected]. Social Media: Follow updates on Instagram and TikTok. Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please give the podcast a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes five seconds and helps others find the show. To browse over half a million listings or start your home-buying journey in Japan, head over to mokomoko.com.

In this collaboration episode, the team sits down with Ziv Nakajima Magen, co-founder and COO of Nippon Tradings International (NTI). With 15 years in Japanese real estate, Ziv shares his perspective on shifting market dynamics, anti-foreigner sentiment, changes to visa regulations, and what it takes to navigate Japanese property today. The hosts also discuss their major rebrand from Akiya Mart to Mokomoko, explaining why they outgrew the original name and expanded their scope to cover condos, houses, and beyond. Key Takeaways Market Trends: A post-COVID wave of holiday home buying has elevated prices across rural areas, but political sentiment and shifting visa policies are creating new hurdles for foreign buyers.Immigration & Visas: Tighter rules around the Business Manager Visa and Permanent Residency requirements are pushing some long-term international residents to rethink their strategies.Rebranding to MokoMoko: Why Akiya Mart transitioned to Mokomoko to eliminate pronunciation hurdles, remove negative connotations around "akiya," and represent a full-spectrum real estate search platform.Investing Beyond Akiyas: The sweet spot in Japanese real estate often sits just above empty country homes, including multi-unit buildings and move-in-ready properties.Main Conversation Points 15 Years in Japanese Real Estate: Ziv recounts the evolution of international demand since starting NTI after the 2008 financial crisis.Policy and Sentiment Shifts: Discussion on recent government sentiment, language test requirements, pension checks, and the risk of blanket regulations hurting rural communities.The Tourism Impact: How tourism fatigue in cities like Kyoto influences local attitudes toward non-resident buyers.Property Inspection Tips: Guidance on assessing older concrete and wooden multi-unit buildings before committing to a purchase.What's Next: Ziv's upcoming projects, including an AI property deal analysis tool and a new e-commerce venture.Resources Mentioned Nippon Tradings International (NTI)Mokomoko (Formerly Akiya Mart)Dr. Jonathan Tam on YouTube (Asia-Pacific Economics)Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend looking into Japanese real estate. If you want to explore over half a million properties across Japan, visit mokomoko.com or drop an email to [email protected]!

In this episode of Buying a House in Japan, Taker and Joey sit down with Keito Swan, a half-Japanese U.S. native who bought and fully renovated a 50-year-old akiya in Higashikawa, Hokkaido. Keito breaks down the real expenses behind his $180,000 project, the hard realities of local weather and trash rules, and why he thinks most foreign buyers should think twice before purchasing property in Japan. Key Takeaways The True Akiya Budget: Why cheap listings can quickly turn into $180,000 projects once you factor in full gut renovations and harsh climates.Local Integration Matters: Why understanding community rules, trash sorting, and local events like the Undokai make or break your living experience in rural Japan.The Airbnb Trap: Why managing remote vacation rentals in Japan rarely delivers the expected ROI for average buyers.Financial and Practical Realities: Why liquid capital, language access, or realistic plans for upkeep are non-negotiable for Japanese homeownership. Main Points Keito's Journey to Hokkaido: Driving the Pan-American Highway, leaving a failed deal in Niseko behind, and finding a property in Higashikawa on Suumo while parked in the Atacama Desert.Renovating a 50-Year-Old House: Dealing with sub-zero temperatures, replacing entire plumbing systems, and prepping a house for 10 meters of annual snow.Skepticism Around the Akiya Boom: Unpacking common sales tactics, misleading online listings, and why low-cost rural houses often cost more than they are worth.Living in a Town of 8,000: Joining the local track-and-field day, dealing with village addresses, and building future plans for cabins, an art studio, and an English school. Resources & Links Mentioned Follow Keito Swan on Instagram: @keitoswanBrowse Japanese property listings in English: MokomokoLearn about full-service remote home buying: Mokomoko Buyers Club  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you or someone you know wants to find a property in Japan, check out mokomoko.com or email us at [email protected].

Finding reasonable housing in the Bay Area can feel impossible. In this episode of Buying a House in Japan, Take sit downs with video producer Oliver to talk about his path to purchasing a modern, concrete home in Atami. From growing up in Japan and attending public school in Machida to using astrology and location criteria, Oliver breaks down how his family found their dream getaway near Sagami Bay. Key Takeaways The Bay Area Alternative: How high housing prices in California pushed Oliver to look for international real estate options.Atami Location Perk: Finding an ocean view, mountain backdrop, and quick access to Tokyo via the Shinkansen line.House Selection Criteria: Navigating building safety, post-2006 construction rules to avoid asbestos, and searching for lots with onsen water access.Growing Up in Japan: Oliver shares childhood memories of attending Japanese public school and using key local phrases.The "House of Dao": Creating a relaxing home environment for family, friends, and future guests. Resources & Links Mentioned Browse English friendly Japan real estate listings: MokomokoProperty Purchasing Assistance: Mokomoko Buyers ClubFollow the podcast on social media: Instagram | TikTokReach out to the team via email: [email protected] If you enjoyed this episode, please rate the show 5 stars on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe so you do not miss the next step in this home buying journey!

Welcome back to the Buying a House in Japan podcast! In this episode, Take and Joey dive into a massive milestone for the team: officially rebranding AkiyaMart to Mokomoko.com. They unpack the tech and administrative challenges of pivoting away from the negative connotations around the word "akiya", dealing with domain migrations, and resetting SEO from scratch. They also share practical tips on managing summer humidity in Japanese homes, the financial realities of trying to install a sauna on a Tokyo property, and the launch of the Mokomoko Buyers Club post-purchase program-designed to handle everything from utilities and tax reps to neighbor welcome gifts and house blessings. Key Takeaways Why the Rebrand Happened: Moving away from the term "akiya" reflects a broader mission to cover all real estate in Japan while dropping the dash from the domain name.Startup Lessons: Switching Google Workspace domains and migrating sites overnight requires a "just do it" mindset, even if SEO takes an initial hit.Home Care Hacks: Desiccant packs fill up fast in Japanese summers; running the AC on dehumidify mode at a higher temperature works best for long-term property protection.Sauna Realities: Urban Tokyo rules, neighbor proximity, and retaining wall retrofits can turn a simple outdoor sauna into a $60,000 project.Post-Purchase Care: Transitioning from home buyer to local resident means setting up tax representatives, local utilities, neighbor greeting gifts, and traditional house blessings. Resources & Links Mentioned Mokomoko (Formerly AkiyaMart): Find over half a million Japanese real estate listings at mokomoko.comMokomoko Buyers Club: Full-service remote home purchasing and post-purchase onboardingHawaii Vacation Rental / Listing: Check out Take's property at cheehoorentals.comHaven Sauna: Battery-backed saunas that standard outlets can charge Connect With Us Email: [email protected]: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for property tours, renovation updates, and home-buying tips.Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and share it with someone looking to buy a home in Japan!

Moving to Japan is a massive life pivot, but the real challenges often start long after the initial honeymoon phase fades. In this episode, we sit down with Richard Sandlin, who shares his raw experience moving from the Bay Area to Sendai with his family. We break down the realities of long-term life in Japan-from navigating the complex "three-year gotchas" like fluctuating taxes and car ownership to why hiring professional help is often the smartest investment you can make. Key Takeaways The "Three-Year Gotchas": Life changes after a few years. Costs, taxes, and bureaucratic requirements evolve in ways many expats aren’t prepared for.Why You Need Professional Help: Whether it’s taxes, visa paperwork, or interpreting complex Japanese regulations, stop trying to do it all yourself. Hiring experts isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to keep your sanity and stay compliant.Finding Your "Why": Japan isn't just about the aesthetic. Whether it's the safety for your kids, better education, or a lifestyle shift, stay connected to your core reason for moving to get through the tough bureaucratic days.Don't Ship Everything: Japan has a world-class secondhand market. Save the shipping costs and buy what you need locally (or use recycling shops like BookOff). What We Covered Sendai vs. Tokyo: Why choosing where you live is the first major "Yes" that dictates your entire experience.The Reality of Remote Work: How living in a foreign country while working for an American company creates a unique "bubble."Navigating Bureaucracy: The truth about ward offices, driver's license tests (the infamous "crank"!), and the stress of physical mail deadlines.Education: Breaking the myth that you need to be in Tokyo to find great, bilingual international schooling for your children. Resources & Links mokomoko – Search over half a million listings for your dream home in Japan.Follow Richard: Connect with Richard Sandlin on Instagram for more insights on travel, points, and living in Japan. Subscribe & Support Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a five-star review-it helps others find the show and takes less than five seconds! If you’re ready to start your journey of buying a home in Japan, head over to mokomoko.com to get started.

What does life look like two years after buying an akiya in Japan? Hosts Joey and Take give a raw, unscripted run-and-gun tour of Tomo Base Camp right before heading to the airport. They dive deep into the trial-and-error of their home espresso setup, showcase major house renovations like double-pane window installations, navigate the unexpected challenges of local trash schedules, and share upcoming plans for a backyard barrel sauna and cold plunge setup. Key Takeaways The Reality of Akiya Living: Owning property in Japan comes with unique logistics, including managing strict local trash schedules when hosting guests or leaving for extended periods.Major House Upgrades: Adding double-pane windows and extra insulation helps regulate extreme seasonal temperatures and improves energy efficiency.The Coffee Journey: Why home espresso setups are a hands-on hobby requiring constant troubleshooting, dial-in adjustments, and gear modifications.Outdoor Space Renovations: Transforming the yard with lighting, custom walkways, a cold plunge, and future plans for a backyard sauna. Resources Mentioned: Property: Tomo Base CampCoffee Gear: Gaggia Classica Espresso Machine, Baratza ESP GrinderRecovery Gear: Doctor Ice Cold PlungeCompany: Moko Moko Takamori K.K. Loved this episode? Please leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! If you are looking to buy your own property in Japan, check out the Moko Moko Buyers Club to browse over half a million listings in English. Have questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on Instagram and TikTok.

Buying a house in Japan is just step one. What happens next? This week, Joey and Take sit down with Akane Hoshino, the operations lead behind their new post-purchase support program, Mokomoko Buyers Club. Akane has spent the past year helping foreign homeowners navigate the parts of Japanese life that don't show up in any listing: utility setup, tax paperwork, and neighborhood customs. Key Takeaways: - Setting up gas, water, and electric in Japan often requires a Japanese bank account, in-person scheduling, and multiple phone calls, and the process varies by company and by region - Foreign homeowners who aren't tax residents of Japan need a designated tax representative to handle property tax communication with the government - Neighbor greeting gifts are a real and important custom when moving into a Japanese home, and food is not always the safest choice - Priest blessings (typically Shinto) are a common and meaningful step for new homeowners, especially in older houses - Internet setup can take up to a month through providers like NTT, which is why the team now ships every customer a Starlink Mini instead In This Episode Akane's international upbringing across Japan, the U.S., Singapore, and the Philippines, and how it shapes her work with foreign clients - A breakdown of the "core five" post-purchase services: utility setup, bill payment, tax representation, neighbor greetings, and priest blessings - Real client stories, including Joey's own frustrating internet installation experience - Why the team switched to Starlink Mini for faster, English-language internet setup - Akane's picks for where she'd buy a house in Japan outside Tokyo: Fukushima and Aomori Resources Mentioned - Ikea Mart / Mokomoko Buyers Club post-purchase program - Starlink Mini for satellite internet setup Connect With Us Looking for a home in Japan? Browse over half a million English-friendly listings on our site, or reach out with questions and feedback by email. You can also find us on Instagram and TikTok for property tips, home-buying updates, and renovation progress. If you found this episode helpful, leave us a five-star rating. It takes five seconds and helps other foreign buyers find the show

Can You Actually Run an Airbnb in Japan as a Foreigner? Take and Joey welcome back one of their top real estate agents, Ryo Takamoto of Real From the Homes, for a deep dive into what it really takes to buy a property in Japan and turn it into a short-term rental. Ryo has helped launch more than 30 Airbnb properties across Japan, and in this episode he walks through the zoning rules, licensing process, costs, and changing regulations that every foreign buyer needs to understand before jumping in. Key Takeaways Foreigners without Japanese language ability essentially cannot get a minpaku (short-term rental) license on their own; the paperwork and health center process are entirely in JapaneseZoning is the single most important factor: commercial and semi-commercial zones offer the most flexibility, and some residential zones only qualify for minpaku (180-day) licenses, not ryokan/hotel (365-day) licensesJapan's national minpaku law caps short-term rentals at 180 days by default, but local municipalities can now restrict that down to zero, and cities like Osaka, Tokyo's 23 wards, and Kyoto are tightening rules while cities like Otaru, Nagano, and parts of Kyushu remain more welcomingGetting from keys-in-hand to first guest typically takes 3 to 4 months, but can stretch to a year depending on the city and renovation scopeBudget roughly 15–20% above the property purchase price for light renovation, fire safety compliance, and furnishing to get a property Airbnb-ready What They Cover Ryo's path from a Uber Eats internship in Osaka to Recruit (parent company of Indeed and Jalan) to launching his own Japan real estate and Airbnb management companyThe difference between minpaku (180-day) and ryokan/hotel (365-day) licenses and how zoning determines which one is availableWhy cities like Osaka have pulled back "special minpaku zones" and what's driving recent enforcement, including reports of targeted raids on unlicensed short-term rentals in ShinjukuThe specific steps to get licensed: fire code installation and inspection, health center application and review, furniture and guest-ready setupReal renovation and licensing cost breakdowns in yen and USD for a typical detached houseWhy most owners aren't chasing big ROI, but rather using Airbnb to offset ownership costs while maintaining a lifestyle property in JapanRecommended regions for buyers looking outside of Tokyo and Osaka, including areas along the Inland Sea and smaller cities with friendlier health center processes Resources Mentioned Akiya Mart: browse listings with a minpaku zoning overlayReal From the Homes: Ryo’s agency supporting international buyers with renovation, Airbnb setup, and property managementJapan Innovation Campus (JIC): the network where Take and Joey first connected with Ryo Enjoyed the Episode? If you found this helpful, leave us a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes five seconds and helps other buyers find the show. Got questions about buying or running an Airbnb in Japan? Reach out through our site or find us on Instagram and TikTok for property tips and updates on our own renovations

This week we welcome Narumi, our newest team member and consultant, for her first appearance on the show. Narumi is Swiss Japanese, grew up in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, and moved to Tokyo two years ago to reconnect with her Japanese heritage and chase what she calls her big city girl dream. She walks us through her path from language school in Kobe to a role at the Swiss Embassy in Japan to a cross border M&A company, and shares what she has learned helping clients navigate buying property in Japan. Key Takeaways Narumi grew up speaking German, English, and French, and started learning Japanese from scratch when she moved to Kobe for language schoolFull immersion, working at a Japanese company where no one spoke English, made the biggest difference in her fluencyJapan's vacant home crisis has a lesser known parallel: small business owners without successors, sometimes giving away entire companies for freeShikoku (Takamatsu, Kochi, Tokushima) came up as an underrated region worth a look, though it is harder to reach and better suited to buyers with some Japan experience alreadyJapanese bureaucracy can be a serious hurdle for foreign residents, including family register requirements that require support from relatives back in JapanYounger generations in both Switzerland and Japan increasingly doubt they will ever be able to afford a home, which is part of why more people are exploring options like Akiya In This Episode Narumi's background, her apprenticeship in Switzerland, and her decision to move to JapanHer JLPT journey, including a near miss on the N2 exam and her upcoming retakeWorking at the Swiss Embassy and later in cross border M&A, sourcing succession deals between Japanese business owners and international investorsThe connection between Japan's declining population, its vacant home problem, and its business succession problemFrequently asked questions from consultation clients, including "where should I buy" and "are these prices actually real"A candid conversation about phone anxiety in a second language and tricks for getting simpler Japanese from customer serviceRecommendations for underrated regions, ferry routes, and Narumi's own dream home picks (Kamakura and Takamatsu) Resources Mentioned Buying a House in Japan's property listing site (linked in show notes)Book a consultation with the team, including NarumiFollow along on Instagram and TikTok for property tips and renovation updates Call to Action If this episode helped you or made you smile, leave us a five star rating. It takes five seconds and helps other listeners find the show. Got a question or a topic you want covered?

Sam Hanada, half Japanese and half Kiwi, moved to Japan through the JET Program and spent three years working inside a Japanese city hall before a short, eye-opening stint at a "black kigyo" (exploitative company) sent him looking for something better. Now working with the team on consultations and leading the new Mocha Moko Ambassador affiliate program, Sam shares what daily life in a small Chiba town is really like, how he built deep community ties through a 300-year-old local festival, and practical advice for anyone navigating Japanese bureaucracy or job hunting from scratch. Key Takeaways The JET Program has three distinct tracks (ALT, SEA, CIR) with very different Japanese-language requirements and levels of support"Black kigyo" red flags include vague job descriptions, personal bank accounts used for company funds, and "we're a family" language during interviewsMaking an effort to integrate is reciprocated in rural Japan — the "unwelcoming countryside" stereotype didn't match Sam's real experienceCity hall work in Japan deliberately rotates employees between departments every few years to keep them generalists rather than specialistsJoining a local matsuri (festival) turned out to be one of the most effective ways to build genuine community connections and even led to freelance work In This Episode Sam's path to Japan: growing up half Japanese in New Zealand, learning the language later in life, and choosing the CIR (Coordinator for International Relations) track of JETWhat it's actually like working inside a small-town city hall, including the daily "chorei" morning meeting and generational mix of coworkersThe population decline reshaping small Japanese towns, and how municipalities merge to preserve city statusThe full story of the "black kigyo" company Sam quit after one week, and the specific red flags to watch for when job hunting in JapanHow Japanese overtime contracts (zangyo) actually work and why "family culture" language in interviews deserves scrutiny●Practical tips for visiting a Japanese city hall: what to bring, the best time of day to go, and how to prepare paperwork in advanceHow Sam got pulled into his town's 300-year-old dashi (float) festival through a work connection, and why it became a turning point for his sense of belongingSam's current role running the Mocha Moko Ambassador affiliate program and doing consultations for people navigating countryside Japan Resources Mentioned Book a consultation and you may be paired directly with Sam for guidance on countryside livingLearn more about the Mocha Moko Ambassador affiliate programBrowse listings on the show's English-friendly property search siteFollow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok for property tips and renovation updates Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and leave a five-star rating — it takes five seconds andreally helps the show grow. Have a question about moving to Japan? Send it our way.

Erik, a repeat guest and veteran of the Akiya-buying process, joins the hosts for a July 4th cookout to talk about how he ended up owning four homes in the same small Niigata village. A remodel company owner from Minnesota, Erik shares how he uses his construction background to renovate traditional Japanese homes, why staying in one community unlocks off-market deals, and how gardening and rice-paddy planting have become his fastest path to real integration. Key Takeaways Off-market deals happen when you're embedded in a community, not when you're cold-emailing sellers from afar. Owning multiple homes in the same small area (versus spreading across the country) lets you actually maintain and care for each property. Traditional roofing styles (clay tile vs. thatch vs. metal) vary by region and climate, and understanding them helps with renovation decisions. Gardening and helping neighbors with rice planting are among the fastest ways to build real relationships in a rural Japanese community. "Anti-foreigner sentiment" headlines don't mathc the on-the-ground experience in most rural areas. Neighbors are often grateful when someone renovates an abandoned home.In This Episode Erik's background running a remodel company in Minnesota and how it translates to Japanese home renovation. The story behind his fourth home purchase... A literal walk across the street! Differences between clay tile, thatched, and metal roofing across Japanese regions. Why buying multiple properties in one small area beats spreading purchases across the country. How Erik's plans for a "cultural exchange" stay experience are taking shape, including QR-code guided local activities. A local pizza spot with a Michelin Guide nod and a surprisingly innocent backstory behind its name. Why Niigata deserves more attention: fermentation and miso history, blacksmithing, sake, surfing, and skiing. Erik's first season of vegetable gardening — what worked (basil, potatoes, herbs), what didn't, and how ChatGPT became an unlikely farming advisor. What it's really like to help plant rice with a neighbor's family, and why "planting hell" is a more accurate description than "peaceful hobby". Postwar farmland-size restrictions in Japan and how they shaped today's small-scale farming culture. Practical tips for anyone considering a garden plot after buying a home in the Japanese countryside.Resources Mentioned Book a consultation with the team to start your own Japan home-buying journey Browse listings on the show's English-friendly property search site Follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok for property tips and renovation updatesGot a question or topic you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments or send us an email using the contact info in this description. You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok for property tips and updates.   🏠 Browse 500,000+ English-friendly listings at https://www.akiya-mart.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📸 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for properties, tips, and renovation updates

It's been two years since Take and Joey bought their akiya in Tama, and this episode is a full walkthrough of everything that's changed. From a brand new cold plunge to an unexpected termite discovery under the floor, the guys break down every upgrade, what it cost, and what they'd do differently. What You'll Learn How they threw their first big party at the property, including neighbor etiquette and gift giving norms in Japan. Why they installed a cold plunge before a sauna, and what it actually cost compared to buying one in the US. The e-bike upgrade that changed how they get around their rural Tokyo neighborhood. New rules around e-bike helmets and sidewalk riding that could affect your permanent residency application. Why they finally found termites in the house and what the treatment process looks like in Japan. Their plan for insulation and double-glazed windows, including expected costs and government subsidies. A practical trash storage tip every akiya owner needs to keep the crows out. How meal delivery services have changed their eating habits on renovation trips.Key Takeaways Renovating a house in Japan is a slow, ongoing process. Take and Joey talk honestly about what it took to move from "camping in an empty house" to a place that feels finished, and why rushing the process usually backfires. They also share real numbers on cold plunge installation, insulation costs, and termite treatment, so you know what to budget for if you're considering a similar property. Resources Mentioned Their real estate listing site for browsing Japanese homes Clean Keeper outdoor storage container (trash solution) Panasonic e-bikes (used market)Connect With Us Have questions about buying a house in Japan? Send an email to the address in our show description, or find us on Instagram and TikTok for property tips, home buying updates, and behind the scenes renovation content. If this episode was helpful, leave us a five star rating. It takes five seconds and helps other people find the show. 🏠 Browse 500,000+ English-friendly listings at https://www.akiya-mart.com/ 📧 Questions? Email us at [email protected] 📸 Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for properties, tips, and renovation updates

A Hawaii family buys an oceanfront home in Japan for $16,000 and it has a surf break out front, a bike path, and ski resorts 40 minutes away. This is how they did it. In this episode, host Take Kurosawa sits down with Chris Rose, a former Army veteran, longtime Hawaii resident, and Buying a House in Japan direct program customer, at the Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on Oahu's east side. Chris shares his full journey: from falling down the Instagram rabbit hole of cheap Japanese homes to closing on a stunning two-story oceanfront property in Itoigawa, Niigata for just ¥2.5 million (~$16,000 USD). What You'll Learn How Chris went from browsing Instagram to owning an oceanfront home in Japan in under two months The one filter trick on the Buying a House in Japan website that helped him find the perfect property the day it was listed Why he passed on a more popular (and pricier) Myoko ski town property The "checklist method" Chris used to evaluate every listing, and the boxes his Itoigawa home checked that nothing else did What it's really like to arrive at your new Japanese home in February with snow on the beach How they set up the house before arriving: Amazon JP deliveries, heaters staged by their coordinator Eric, and a professional deep clean Tips for meeting your Japanese neighbors the right way (hint: bring macadamia nut chocolates from Hawaii) How Chris's son Luke practiced with a Japanese water polo team, including a former Olympian coach, during their trip Why Chris recommends buying in Japan for the right reasons, not just because it's cheap The logistics of getting from Honolulu to a small coastal town in Niigata, and how they're still refining their travel systemAbout Chris Rose Chris Rose is a former U.S. Army veteran and 25-year Hawaii resident who spent two years living in Okinawa while working a government position at Pearl Harbor. A surfer, skier, and homeschooling dad of three, Chris purchased his Japan vacation home through the Buying a House in Japan direct program in late 2025. His property is located in Itoigawa, Niigata; oceanfront, with a 20-mile coastal bike path behind it, a surf break out front, and ski resorts 40 minutes away. Resources & Links Mentioned Buying a House in Japan website: browse 500,000+ English-friendly listings at https://www.akiya-mart.com/ Amazon Japan (amazon.co.jp): for pre-arrival furniture and bedding delivery Hard Off / Book Off: secondhand shops in Japan for gear, surfboards, and more Myoko, Niigata: popular ski town and nearby reference point Joetsu City: the nearest major city to Chris's property, with Shinkansen access Toyama: alternative arrival city with a Costco, ~2 hours from ItoigawaKey Takeaways Set your search filters to "listed within the last day" and check daily, the best properties go fast Write a personal letter with your offer explaining who you are and how you'll use the home as it matters to sellers Budget for a deep professional clean ($500–$1,000) before your first stay, which is worth every yen Bring gifts for neighbors immediately; macadamia nut chocolates from Hawaii were a hit Hawaii residents have a geographic advantage; you're already halfway to JapanSubscribe & Leave a Review If this episode helped or inspired you, please leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, which takes five seconds and makes a huge difference. Share this episode with anyone who's been dreaming about buying in Japan.