This week, friend of the show and AkiyaMart Direct Consultant Erik drops by  to discuss his upcoming relocation to Niigata! The group covers Erik's process and the challenges of moving to Japan. Plus, he touches on the prospects of managing three houses in Japan, including his recently purchased $69 akiya. Come for the conversation, stay to hear practical advice for folks considering a similar move.

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

01:20 Podcast Introduction and Guest Introductions

05:06 Exploring the New Neighborhood

12:36 Visa Application Challenges

17:39 Shipping a Classic Car to Japan

21:07 Joey's Car Adventures in Hawaii

27:48 Visa Process and Moving Preparations

30:49 Advice for Moving to Japan

32:25 Comparing Housing Options in Japan

35:46 Final Thoughts and Farewells

Take and Joey are coming to you this week from Tosashimizu in Shikoku, where they visited perhaps the most unique akiya they've ever seen: An American-Japanese hybrid style house surrounded by dense jungle with beach access.  They discuss the house's features, including Japanese tea ceremony rooms and an American kitchen imported from San Diego. The property also includes a three-car garage made from a shipping container, koi ponds, stone benches, and even a pizza oven. Most intriguing though is the home's trans-Pacific backstory. This home has been on an adventure and there's more to come for whoever purchases this property.

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

00:39 Welcome to the Podcast

00:56 Exploring Kochi Prefecture

03:58 Discovering the Abandoned House

05:00 First Impressions of the House

08:12 Unique Features and Challenges

14:11 Condition and Renovation Needs

16:46 Assessing the Condition of the House

17:09 American vs. Japanese Building Standards

18:31 Renovation Plans and Costs

19:42 Exploring the Outdoor Area

27:04 Discovering the Private Beach

29:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

34:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

This week, Take and Joey are coming to you from Shikoku after hopping a ferry from Tokyo down to Tokushima. This time around, they cover all the recent news in Japan, from bears to the new Prime Minister. Joey shares his newfound habit of reading The Japan Times for the latest updates. They also give a detailed account of their visit to a  well-designed surf house and the unique charm and challenges of Shikoku's smaller towns. 

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

00:31 Welcome to Shikoku

04:04 Japanese News Highlights

07:56 Business Manager Visa Changes

10:45 Political Shifts in Japan

14:43 Impact of Yen Fluctuations

17:02 Trip Impressions and Ferry Experience

21:37 Exploring Kaifu and Surfing Challenges

30:40 Reflections on Shikoku and Future Plans

33:18 Wrapping Up and Call to Action

This week, Take is flying solo but he's in good company! Jon, an early AMD client, shares his story of going from akiya-curious to successfully purchasing a vacation home for his family in Kitakaruizawa. Jon details his experience and collaboration with the team from start to finish, including overcoming initial doubts, navigating the Japanese real estate process, surviving his first encounter with snow, and setting up the property as an Airbnb. 

Speaking of which, you too can stay in Jon's forest retreat the next time you visit Japan!

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

01:35 The Journey to Buying a House in Japan

04:38 The Search for the Perfect Property

06:43 Choosing the Right Location

09:36 The Buying Process and Challenges

14:33 Finalizing the Purchase

19:19 First Impressions of the New Home

21:37 Exploring Rural Beauty

22:10 Arriving at the Villa

24:01 Challenges with the Cold

26:32 Insulation and Heating Solutions

29:19 Family Adventures and Future Plans

31:45 Setting Up the Airbnb

35:19 Airbnb Success and Reflections

37:16 Advice for Future Buyers

38:53 Conclusion and Gratitude

On this episode, recorded live from their home in Myoko, Take and Joey reflect on the past year in the life of the property. They discuss the challenges, half-chances, and eventual new life for this property in Myoko. If you caught last week's episode about Ikigai Collective, this week they dive a bit deeper into their plans to collaborate on the transformation of this property.

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:48 Impressions of the Property

01:48 Background and Purchase Details

07:10 Challenges and Initial Plans

11:11 New Partnership and Future Plans

15:16 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

18:52 Conclusion and Call to Action

This week, we're joined by Mitch, the founder of Ikigai Collective, a company specializing in building luxury tiny homes. Mitch shares his journey of moving to Japan, his passion for building, and how he integrates the concept of 'Ikigai'—a Japanese philosophy meaning 'purpose for being'—into his business. Additionally, Mitch talks about his engagement with the local community, including the building of a community skate park. The episode offers a comprehensive look at the nuances of  constructing tiny homes in Japan, the importance of community engagement, and the rewarding experiences that come with pursuing one's passion.

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

01:07 Meet Mitch from Ikigai Collective

02:11 Building Tiny Homes in Japan

06:50 Living and Working in Nozawa Onsen

12:07 Tiny Homes as a Business

16:37 Technical Aspects of Tiny Homes

23:22 Tiny House Industry in Japan

27:10 A to Z Service for Tiny Homes

32:19 Community Involvement and Skate Park

37:08 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Coming to you from Tama Base Camp, Joey and Take welcome special guest Ryan, the representative director of AkiyaMart in Japan, to talk about what's going on with the laundromat purchase in Tama. They delve into details about the financial aspects, potential improvements, and unique challenges of the Japanese real estate and business market. 

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

00:46 Ryan's Background and Role

02:57 Navigating Business in Japan

05:14 M&A Process and Challenges

09:29 Facility and Operational Concerns

11:29 Future Plans and Improvements

14:08 Identifying the Target Customer

19:19 Financial Analysis and Lease Details

21:12 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Ken and Lan join Take and Joey to share their fascinating story of purchasing a unique house in Osaka, originally an udon shop. They dive into the challenges and emotional rollercoaster of the buying process, including the initial excitement, unexpected delays, and final resolution. The episode sheds light on the practical aspects of house hunting, the importance of patience, and the tools and resources they utilized, including AkiyaMart. Ken and Lan also discuss potential future plans for the property, hinting at a coffee shop, coin laundry, and more. From navigating real estate norms in Japan to dealing with personal setbacks, this episode is a comprehensive guide to buying property in Japan filled with insights and real-life experiences.

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

01:36 Meet Ken and Lan: Background and Professions

02:28 Ken's Experience in Osaka

04:54 Childhood Influences and Love for Japan

06:37 Ken's Passion for Cars and MMA

09:41 Choosing Osaka: Influences and Accessibility

12:27 The Property Purchase Process

26:34 Virtual Viewings and Sweaty Summers

28:08 Challenges in the Competitive Osaka Market

31:04 The Udon Shop Property Saga

33:18 The Missing Owner Mystery

38:15 A Glimmer of Hope and Finalizing the Purchase

43:01 First Impressions and Future Plans

Erik is back to share his recent success in acquiring a $69 house near Niigata, making it his third property in the area. The hosts dive into the details of the purchase, including the challenges of double commission fees and the overall costs associated with putting the house in his name. Erik and the team discuss potential renovations, the perks of the location, and future plans for the property. They also touch on topics like the local fish market, kite surfing, and potential issues such as tsunami risks and neighboring abandoned properties. Towards the end, the conversation shifts to other real estate ventures, including a possible surf house in Shikoku and the ongoing adventures in snowboarding and kite surfing.  

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

02:52 Understanding the $69 House Deal

03:55 Double Commission Fees Explained

06:19 Breakdown of Additional Costs

09:02 Property Details and Future Plans

11:59 Renovation and Legal Considerations

25:00 Estimating Renovation Costs

25:34 Discussing Property Condition

26:40 Siding and Structural Concerns

28:37 Tear Down Properties

29:03 Potential of the Miko Spot

30:40 Sauna Business Ideas

32:11 Mobile and Off-Grid Living

34:07 Snowboarding and Surfing Adventures

39:23 Exploring New Property Opportunities

43:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Joey and Take welcome back Ninh, a seasoned investor who has successfully purchased three properties in Japan. Ninh shares his journey, detailing his investment strategy, the challenges he faced, and the rewards of owning properties in Japan. He highlights the importance of due diligence, the value of optionality in investments, and the impact of global economic conditions on local real estate markets. With in-depth discussions on property renovations, market trends, and economic analysis, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in real estate investment in Japan.

A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store. Get yours before they're gone!

Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com.

05:12 Japan's Economic Landscape

07:15 Real Estate Strategies in Japan

11:34 Ninh's Property Portfolio

13:33 Renovation Stories and Design Choices

18:01 Property Management and Financials

29:45 Rapid Renovations and Furnishing

40:09 Market Trends and Chinese Investments

45:33 Multi-Unit Property Strategy

54:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Buyers