I Dream of Akiya

On this episode of I Dream of Akiya, hosts Ryo and Kai sit down with their friend and business partner Sean to revisit their very first Airbnb project—an old home in Tamagawa, Ota Ward, Tokyo. They share stories of the design process, the local permitting hurdles, and the unique requirement of hosting a neighborhood meeting to gain approval.

Sean also gives a peek into the Seoul rental market, where tenants often pay two years of rent upfront and landlords are more commercially minded—making lease arbitrage deals for Airbnb more straightforward than in Japan. Together, they contrast the two real estate ecosystems and reflect on what it takes to creatively navigate Japan’s tight housing norms.

Whether you're curious about Tokyo Airbnb strategy, local real estate permitting, or how Korea compares, this episode offers both insights and laughs from on-the-ground operators.

Ever wondered what it’s like to own a home in Japan—maybe even a super cheap one in the countryside? In this first episode of I Dream of Akiya, Ryo Takemoto and Kai Boyd dive into the world of Akiya—Japan’s vacant homes—and why they might just be the hidden gems you’ve been looking for.

From rural adventures and real estate surprises to Airbnb hacks and moving-to-Japan tips, this episode covers:

• What Akiya are and why so many exist
• The real reasons people are buying homes in the Japanese countryside
• Osaka’s rising appeal as an investment spot
• Cultural quirks and legal stuff foreigners should know
• How to turn an old house into a cozy Airbnb

Whether you're dreaming of a slow life in Japan or just curious about a totally different side of the country, this is a fun, eye-opening place to start.