How I purchased my Akiya (abandoned house), and how you can too. Part 1!

One thing to keep in mind for those who are looking to do this in Japan. Doing your own reno is one thing, but making it earthquake proof is something else entirely. During the most recent earthquake in Ishikawa and Toyama, most of the houses that collapsed are these traditional "Kominka" style houses, some of which had been renovated to be cafes and hostels (getting cheap house and renoing them has been a silent trend for Japanese too), but they were never earthquake proofed. Retro fitting will be costly to the point you might as well just buy a new house, but you are not safe from earthquake virtually anywhere in Japan. Some are safer than others, but you can't completely rule it out wherever you go. People in Toyama hadn't experienced bad earthquakes for so long they weren't prepared for it. The chance of having a catastrophic earthquake in Kanto area in the next 30 years is about 70% according to official report, so you need to add that into consideration.

It's a lovely home!

What a dream. I’ve been binging your house videos. Wife and I also moved to Japan back in 2008, and have been loving life here so much. We’re gov’t employees in small town now and we plan to stay here for life. This country does so many things right, life is easier in a place that is so orderly and pristinely maintained, people are polite and community-centric. Congratulations on such an endeavor!

Instead of painting over the shikkui. You should replaster with shikkui. It has very good pest, mould and humidity control. There are many colours and textures. Happy reforming ❤😊

Aloha From Hawai'i Eric. I am looking forward to your progress on this project. I was born and raised until age 7 in Tokyo, and Chiba ken. My mother was Japanese, and my dad spoke fluent Japanese so Japanese is my first language. I have been away for close to 60 years, but I still consider Japan my home. I am retired from a State government job here in Hawai'i but my pension is way to small to survive here. I have been dreaming og "coming home" with my 3rd generation Japanese American wife, and finding a nice rural akiya to restore and live in the rest of our twilight years. I am hoping Shikoku or Kyushu since the weather is relatively mild. Ryu Kyus would be too hot and humid, like Hawai'i. Again, I look forward to seeing your progress. Keep up the great work.

Japan is the most beautiful country in the world...

Wow! That carved panel, that home shrine altar, those sliding doors, even the tatami are gorgeous. You are so lucky. The house is old, but is pristine.

That layer of paint sure did a lot! Really interesting to get some insight into how the whole process of buying an akiya works. From picking the location, to talking to the locals, to making sure your email translations ended up correctly, one can really feel your passion for this project. Please keep the videos coming, and 日本語頑張ってください！

great advice & insights!

Hi Eric great video, I'm planning to visit Japan in the summer of 2024 and after that will be my initial steps to relocate.

Wow. Just so beautiful. You have done a lovely job with the paint, the house was already awesome but that paint really added a special touch! I am sure the previous owner, though she is now in the spirit world, would be very pleased to have you living there and taking such good care of the home. Many thanks to you for sharing this. ✌

thanks brother!

Great info! Changing the walls to white definitely a good call to brighten the rooms up.

Thank you for investing in the Japanese local area! You are helping its economy to get revitalized

Awesome can’t wait to go on the adventure with you and live vicariously through you guys

You bought yourself a beautiful house. The white paint looks (to me) a bit stark at the moment, though in keeping with the shoji. I laughed when you explained writing emails and checking translations. I bought a house in France and have to do the same until my French skills are much improved. Arigato, great video.

You altered the rough green walls that always catch on wool sweaters to smooth white walls. Well done.

Man you are wonderful, how open and honest you are, please keep it up!

Those painted paper doors are gorgeous!! The paint really brought the home to life!!

I love the view so peaceful and quiet