As a high schooler, Shu Matsuo left Japan for the United States with no desire to return. Today, Shu and his business partner Brett Lee are “all in” on Japan. In this episode, Shu and Brett share their personal and professional reasons for leaving the US, their newly-launched AkiyaHub service, critical tips for first-time buyers, and most importantly, who should (and shouldn’t) buy a Japanese home.

00:00 Introduction + Shu & Brett’s newly-launched AkiyaHub

05:32 ROI difference in US vs. Japanese real estate

08:51 Going “all in” on Japan

14:37 Cost of living comparisons (US vs. Japan)

15:43 The right kind of person to buy a Japanese home

22:29 How much should I expect to spend on a home?

22:31 Dream homes

24:58 Tips for first timers

28:37 Current Japanese real estate market trends

31:29 Should I wait for things to get cheaper?

32:58 Respecting local sensibilities

33:54 Lessons to learn in addressing the Akiya problem