In the podcast episode "Why are Houses in Japan So Cheap?", hosts Take and Joey explore various factors contributing to the low cost of houses in Japan. 

They discuss the abundance of abandoned homes, especially in rural areas, and the impact of Japan's economic stagnation and demographic shifts, such as population decline and the younger generation's preference for urban living. The episode also touches on the cultural inclination towards new items, the perception of houses as depreciating assets, and the favorable US dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate. Additionally, they mention impending taxes on abandoned properties, which could further increase the supply of houses. The hosts caution against the notion of "free houses" in Japan, noting the need for significant renovations and the associated costs.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/
Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

The hosts Take and Joey celebrate surpassing the typical podcast milestone of 12 episodes. They reflect on their recent experiences in Japan, particularly the challenges and insights gained from setting up an Akiya (abandoned house) in Beppu. 

The episode covers a range of topics, from renovation struggles like a completely gutted kitchen to logistical issues such as the importance of having a local phone number and cash in a cash-based society. They also discuss the benefits of quick decision-making, the invaluable help from a local 'fixer,' and the insights gained from living in the Akiya during renovations. The hosts conclude the episode with enthusiasm for their ongoing project and look forward to future developments.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/
Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

In this episode, Joey and Take discuss their experiences and updates from Japan. They chat about headphones, reflect on Thanksgiving, and share updates on their house construction, including the installation of a horikotatsu in the living room. They talk about Akiya Mart, their house search tool, and its new features.

The duo shares insights from their interview with the Nikkei Shimbun about Japan's increasing abandoned houses. They discuss the challenges in dealing with these properties and interactions with local real estate agents, highlighting the issue of Japan's aging population and its impact on housing.

As they prepare to leave Japan, they mention their job hunts and the future of Akiya Mart. The episode concludes with a humorous note about the problem of wild animals in abandoned homes.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/
Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

Joey and Take discuss their real estate ventures in Japan, focusing on using self-directed IRAs and 401Ks for property investment. They highlight the complexity and potential of this strategy, especially in areas like Tokyo. 

The episode also covers their experiences with house renovation, the challenges of poor insulation in Japanese homes, and updates on their website Akiyamart, a platform for Japanese real estate discovery. They conclude with reflections on their financial situation and the learning opportunities from their projects.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/
Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

Take and Joey are both jobless at the moment and are trying to figure out how to make some money. They have hired a contractor to renovate the house, and they are also looking for ways to scale their business so that they can buy more houses in the future.

In this episode, they discuss their progress on the renovation, their plans for the future, and their concerns about running out of money.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/ 

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

Joey & Take share an update on the recent fire that occurred near their house in Beppu, Japan. 

They discusses their interest in potentially buying the land where the burned house stands. They also talk about their experience with two contractors, with one offering a surprisingly low quote for their renovation project. 

The episode concludes with Joey preparing for a Halloween party and describing his costume, which is inspired by the movie "How High."

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

Take and Joey discuss their experiences with two contractors as they plan renovations on their house in Japan. 

They provide insights into their interactions with these contractors and their cultural nuances, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding when working with Japanese contractors. The contractors measured, discussed earthquake-related concerns, and made suggestions for their home. Take and Joey both prefer the smaller, more independent contractor (Contractor A) over the larger company (Contractor B), due to their willingness to accommodate customization. They anticipate quotes for the renovations in the range of 6 to 8 million yen (approximately 40,000 to 70,000 USD) for Contractor A and expect Contractor B's quote to be higher. The contractors' professionalism, focus on measurements, and consideration of earthquake safety were notable takeaways. They are eager to see the quotes and share more details in a future episode.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

Take and Joey tackle the post-Fukuoka cleanup after a night out. They share their experience with a cleaning service that helped with a massive amount of trash, including construction materials. The service also tackled the removal of sticky tape residue from windows.

They discuss the intricacies of trash sorting in Japan, which can be quite different from other countries, focusing on the burnable vs. non-burnable categories and some exceptions.

The duo also shares their experience with a local gym and its pricing, as well as the convenience of nearby coin laundry facilities. They mention the ease of finding used goods in recycle shops and express their desire for lower prices in some cases.

Overall, they reflect on the progress they've made in making their new house feel like home in just two weeks.

Stay tuned for more insights into their journey as they work on their house in Japan.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

The hosts, Take and Joey, reflect on their first 10 days living in a cheap abandoned house in Japan. They discuss their experiences and challenges, such as the need for DIY renovations, assimilating into the local community, and adapting to Japanese culture. They also compare their property to a more expensive, move-in-ready option they considered in another area. They emphasize that this adventure is suitable for people who have a deep love for Japan, are ready for some rough living conditions, and are willing to make an effort to connect with the local culture. They discuss the potential for future opportunities in the area and their upcoming plans.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy

In this episode the hosts, Take and Joey, discuss their recent experiences in Japan as they work on renovating an abandoned house. They share their progress, including improving their living conditions, finding a fixer to help with language barriers, and exploring local onsen (hot springs). They also mention their plans to visit another potential real estate property in a different area. The hosts express their excitement and satisfaction with the purchase and their overall experience in Beppu, Japan. They discuss the cost of living and the friendliness of the locals they've encountered. The episode is filled with enthusiasm and optimism about their project and their future in Japan.

Japanese Real Estate Finder: https://www.akiya-mart.com/

Video tour of our house: https://vimeo.com/878142072?share=copy