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In this episode, the hosts discuss recent changes in Japan's immigration and visa requirements, particularly the new language proficiency standards. They delve into the implications of rising interest rates on the housing market, especially for homeowners with variable rate mortgages. The conversation also covers the challenges of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and introduces Mocomoko's new service aimed at assisting property owners in managing their homes in Japan. In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with property management and licensing in Japan, the challenges of flipping properties, and the evolution of their business strategies. They reflect on their growth, networking opportunities, and the importance of adapting to market trends while emphasizing the benefits of investing in Japanese real estate. Takeaways Japan's immigration scene is evolving with new language requirements. The JLPT is now a key factor for many visa applications. Interest rates in Japan are on the rise, affecting homeowners. Variable rate mortgages are common in Japan, leading to potential market shifts. Cash buyers may benefit from increased housing supply due to rising rates. Mokomoko is launching a service to help property owners manage their homes. The JLPT has different levels, with N3 being the new requirement for residency. Reading Japanese novels can enhance language skills significantly. The hosts emphasize the importance of property management services for foreign buyers. Navigating the Japanese real estate market can be complex and requires support. The property comes with a management company attached. Pricing strategies can surprise potential buyers. Hotel licenses can enhance rental opportunities. Navigating property laws in Japan is complex. Networking is crucial for business growth. Business trips have shifted from leisure to strategy. Familiarity with Japan eases the property management process. The importance of adapting to market changes. Building a lifestyle business can be fulfilling. Investing in property can improve quality of life. If you found this show helpful or entertaining, please leave a five-star rating and share it with a friend. Visit mokomoko.com to browse listings and learn more about purchasing property in Japan.

Buying a house in Japan as a non-resident foreigner is entirely possible, but what happens after you get the keys? In this episode, Taker and Joey break down the often-overlooked post-purchase realities of owning Japanese real estate. From navigating complex utility bills and local property taxes to securing Japanese bank accounts and phone numbers, they discuss the heavy administrative hurdles every foreign homeowner faces. Discover how they built a solution to keep your vacation home running smoothly without the constant headaches. Key Takeaways Property ownership in Japan comes with hidden administrative challenges like paying utility bills in person and dealing with language barriers.Standard foreign credit cards and roaming phone plans often fail to work with local Japanese systems and websites.Having a local point of contact or tax representative is mandatory for handling annual property taxes and official mail.The new Mokomoko Home Base service was created to manage these ongoing chores for foreign buyers.Main Discussion Points The shift in the Japan real estate market from asking how to buy a house to figuring out how to manage it afterward.Why standard translation tools and AI emails often fall short when dealing with Japanese sellers and utility companies.Real-world struggles of acquiring a Japanese phone number and local bank account required for monthly payments.Managing property renovations and small maintenance projects from abroad without being on the ground.The introduction of the Mokomoko Home Base basic package and a la carte coordination services.Resources Mentioned Sakura MobileMobalNitoriMokomoko Buyers ClubContact the hosts with questions or feedback at [email protected] you found this show helpful or entertaining, please leave a five-star rating and share it with a friend. Visit mokomoko.com to browse listings and learn more about purchasing property in Japan.

Celebrating over 150 episodes, Joey and Take tackle the most common question they get during client consultations: Where should I buy in Japan? Because buying property is deeply personal, there is no single right answer. Instead, the hosts break down different regions based on lifestyle choices, hobbies, natural disaster risks, and budget so you can figure out what fits your goals. Key Takeaways Start With Your Hobbies: Your location choice should depend entirely on how you want to spend your time, whether that means surfing, skiing, city living, or enjoying hot springs.Natural Disaster Awareness: Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, especially along the Nankai fault line and coastal zones, making hazard maps an essential research tool.Surf Hotspots: Miyazaki and Chiba are the top recommendations for consistent surf, while Kochi and Okinawa offer great waves with a different atmosphere.Skiing and Snow Country: Niseko offers world class powder and an international community at a higher price point, while Otaru and Asahikawa provide great alternatives with strong food scenes and better value.Urban Living: Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya offer true city life with great infrastructure, dining, and more affordable real estate compared to Tokyo.Country Homes and Land: Rural areas like Gifu, Niigata, and Shiga offer traditional farmhouses and large plots of land, but come with added maintenance and transportation needs.Main Points Covered Evaluating Natural Disasters: How to read government hazard overlays for tsunamis and understand the realities of building in coastal areas.Coastal and Surf Living: Why Miyazaki tops the list for surfers and what to expect from local economic conditions and travel access.Ski Property Markets: Comparing the high-end international market of Niseko with up-and-coming winter destinations like Otaru and Asahikawa.Traditional Homes Near Kyoto: Why many buyers looking in Kyoto ultimately find better value and authentic farmhouses in nearby Shiga and rural prefectures.City Alternatives: Exploring Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya as accessible urban hubs with lower entry costs than Tokyo.The Decision Framework: Why having a local support system or knowing someone on the ground makes managing a Japanese property much easier.Resources and Mentions Mokomoko: mokomoko.comContact the hosts: [email protected] to Action If you found this episode helpful, please give us a five star rating and share it with someone looking to buy a home in Japan. Visit mokomoko.com to browse over half a million listings and learn more about the Mokomoko Buyers Club

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 their journey from listening to the podcast to buying a fourth-floor corner unit with views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. They explain their reasoning behind choosing a condo over a detached house, how they use it as a global warming getaway, and what it was like installing a pole in their 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.