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