How We Bought Our Abandoned House in Japan | Process, Costs, Risks, Finance, How to Find One

"You're probably wondering why I'm crouching. Well, this is a pretty long video and I'm just trying to mix things up." one of the best lines I have ever heard in a video lol.

Me a random American who has never even been to Japan:
YouTube algorithm: You wanna buy and renovate a traditional Japanese home?
Me: yeh

I'm not interested in buying one, yet this guy was so efficient in his explanations I watched the whole thing

"So why did I buy an abandoned house? Well, I love BBQing." That's a valid answer.

Yokai in house: “You just fell for the oldest trick in the book”

Aren’t you worried about your children meeting totoro there?

I think a housing crash will happen because all those people who bought homes over asking price, although it was at a low interest rate, they are over their heads. They have no equity if the housing prices continue to go down, and if for whatever reason they cannot afford the house anymore and it goes into foreclosure because even if they try to sell, they will not make any money. I think this will happen to a lot of people especially with the massive layoff predicted for the future and the cost of living rising at a high speed.

Went back in 1980 to visit an old friend and his wife. They were living legally in an abandoned bank. Even had a small backyard. Being right on a major highway, he played a cassette of bird sounds on loop. I enjoyed my time there.

That house looks perfect for raising two wolf children

“You may be wondering why I’m crouching”
Me: listening closely expecting some reason related to your surroundings
“I’m just trying to mix things up”
😂😂 super interesting vid, nowhere near the time of my life where I’m interested in buying houses but a fun video anyway

I have been researching Akiya with my partner for a while and this is THE most informative video we have ever found. From start to finish, explanations of tax processes and auction houses, to the actual renovation and financing, this is incredible. Thank you and well wishes for your home!

this reminds me of during the early 2000s when people were buying holiday houses along the Victorian surf coast as hobbies for $100k, they are all over $1 million now. this seems like a fun project for those who have the time. Well done for finding greener pastures in Japan, Melbourne price has gotten nuts!

I like the crouching. Really made things feel fresh.

Not sure why this was recommended to me but it's interesting.

Been to Japan to visit several areas in 2008. Absolutely fell in love with the countryside around Kyoto. Loved your video all the way. Such an attention to details! Thank you for taking the time to do such a good job. I subscribed to your channel.

For one who had toyed with that same idea of making an akiya purchase years ago...thanks for all the useful info! May you and family have many akiya blessings!

Things I learned today: Japan has Costco.

His voice is so expressive but his eyes are so serious haha

I'm so impressed with these old homes that were built so long ago. It proves just how smart the Japanese people are and were in their construction skills. I love admiring the architecture.

Loved all the driving and time lapse video you incorporated into this. It gives us a glimpse of everyday life that was quite beautiful. Thank you ❤