Episodes

  • Join Mika, Jesse, and their dog Pancake in this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast as they share their journey from Canada to Japan’s countryside. From converting a traditional Japanese house into a cozy, rustic home, to adjusting to rural life and learning blacksmithing, they open up about the joys and challenges of their new life. Perfect for dreamers, doers, and those curious about alternative lifestyles, this episode is a deep dive into what it takes to build a community and a dream in a foreign land.

    Find our guests here:
    YouTube

    Website

    Instagram

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

    02:09 Journey to Japan: From Teaching to Blacksmithing

    05:50 Living in the Japanese Countryside

    11:20 Challenges and Community Integration

    22:29 Breaking Barriers in Community Involvement

    26:47 Gardening as a Community Icebreaker

    28:47 Challenges of Rural Living

    32:29 The Search for a Permanent Home

  • In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, recorded live from Niigata's Lyme Hotel, hosts chat with Matt Guy, a Japan travel expert who transitioned from Fremont, California, to Myoko, Japan. Matt shares his journey of purchasing and renovating a $6,000 house, tackling challenges such as winter heating, insulation, and snow maintenance. The discussion delves into practical aspects of Japanese real estate, banking, and community integration. Matt also offers cultural insights, detailing local events, communal snow clearing efforts, language learning experiences, and enjoying local attractions like hot springs and dinosaur museums. This episode provides valuable information on adapting to rural Japanese life and the unique rewards and challenges it presents.

    00:00 Why I Moved to Japan

    00:31 Special Guest Introduction

    01:53 First Impressions of the House

    02:38 Challenges of Snow in Miyoko

    04:01 Journey to Miyoko

    09:24 Buying a House in Japan

    11:03 Renovation Experiences

    17:35 Community and Neighbors

    23:38 Finding the Perfect Property

    29:44 Navigating the Purchase Process

    30:53 Challenges of Japanese Banking

    32:36 First Winter and Renovation Challenges

    34:52 Snow Maintenance Tips

    39:44 Winter Road Conditions

    41:47 Natural Disasters in Japan

    45:39 Exploring Japan's Ski Areas

    55:51 Living in Japan: Community and Culture

    58:28 Outro and Social Media

  • Missing episodes?

    Click here to refresh the feed.

  • AkiyaMart sits down with Ron and Hide-san, two experts navigating Japan's complex real estate landscape. From starting a business to helping foreigners find homes in Nagoya, they share the ups and downs of real estate investments, their personal journeys from MMA to international business, and why they believe Japan’s hidden properties are treasures waiting to be uncovered. 

    00:15 Introduction and Dream Home Discussion

    00:34 Meet the Hosts and Special Guests

    01:23 Journey to Real Estate in Nagoya

    15:01 Challenges and Opportunities for Foreign Buyers

    24:49 Navigating Japanese Real Estate Challenges

    26:23 Foreigners and Housing in Nagoya

    29:38 Investment Strategies and Market Insights

    46:55 Dream Homes and Final Thoughts

    Ron

    Hide

  • In this episode of the 'Buying a House in Japan' podcast, hosts Take and Joey converse with Catherine, the first successful customer of the AkiyaMart Direct process, and real estate agent Yoshi Chatani. Catherine discusses her transition from Las Vegas to Tama, Japan, driven by her passion for Sanrio and Hello Kitty. They delve into the home-buying process, tackle challenges like international money transfers via OFX and Wise, and emphasize the significance of patience and property location near landmarks. Catherine provides valuable advice for future buyers and expresses her eagerness to explore Puroland.

    00:00 Introduction to the New Series

    00:43 Special Guests and Their Stories

    01:53 Catherine's Journey to Buying a House in Japan

    02:44 The Buying Process and Challenges

    04:30 Finding the Perfect Condo

    05:36 Details About the New Condo

    08:29 Reflections on the Buying Experience

    10:17 Finding the Perfect Home

    11:26 The Offer and Payment Process

    12:00 Navigating Payment Challenges

    17:32 Advice for Future Buyers

    18:40 Exploring the New Neighborhood

    19:28 Heading to Puroland

  • In this episode, hosts Take and Joey talk with Koen Klinkers from Front Office Tokyo about the challenges and practices in Japanese real estate. Koen shares insights on bank limitations for old homes, cultural preferences for new builds, and unique architectural practices in Japan. The discussion covers renovation challenges, insulation issues, and using CLT in construction. Koen also offers advice on contractor management, drawing importance, and communicates his architectural journey and experiences.

    Link to Frontoffice Tokyo: https://frontofficetokyo.com/

    00:00 Introduction to Japanese Real Estate Challenges

    00:31 Meet the Guest: Koen Klinkers

    00:55 Koen's Journey and Architectural Insights

    01:49 The Tokyo Real Estate Cycle

    05:06 Architectural Projects and Client Stories

    08:00 Renovation Challenges and Solutions

    13:45 Insulation and Energy Efficiency in Japan

    21:16 The Appeal and Reality of Akiya

    24:10 Banking Obstacles in Renovation

    27:40 Finding the Right Carpenter

    28:21 Contractor Experiences in Beppu

    29:20 Challenges with Japanese Contractors

    30:41 Payment Strategies and Trust Building

    33:36 Importance of Clear Agreements

    40:15 Painting and Finishing Touches

    42:34 Exploring Architectural Styles

    47:42 Sustainable Building Practices

    48:45 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

  • In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Joey and Take record live from Tama Base Camp in Tokyo, bringing exciting updates on their real estate ventures. They discuss their new house at Tama, successful delivery of items via a Japanese phone number, and an exciting Mikoko ski property acquisition bought for a mere 3,500 USD due to its proximity to a graveyard. They address renovation challenges, such as dealing with an unreliable contractor in their Beppu property renovations, sharing advice and lessons learned. The complexities of securing services like renovation and property management in Japan as foreigners are candidly discussed, with insights on leveraging local strategies for real estate bidding. They also provide practical tips on getting a Japanese phone number to simplify various logistics like deliveries. The episode wraps up with a brief mention of the hosts' speaking engagement at an upcoming Japan Real Estate Summit.

    Japan Real Estate Summit: https://www.realestate.jp/

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:24 Recording Live from Tama Base Camp

    00:38 Navigating Japanese Delivery and Phone Numbers

    00:59 Diary Series and Tokyo Updates

    01:07 Journey to the New House

    01:48 Property Updates and Reflections

    03:22 Exciting News: New Car License Plate

    03:54 Sake Suite Renovation Plans

    05:10 Off-Market Deal in Miyoko Ski Country

    10:50 Challenges with Kitakyushu Property

    13:17 Drama with Beppu Property Renovation

    20:16 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

  • In this episode of 'Buying a House in Japan,' hosts Joey and Take are joined by Erik Buhrow, who shares his experience of purchasing a home in Niigata Prefecture using the Aki Mart Direct program. Discussing the challenges and adventures of buying a property in Japan, Eric's story involves overcoming misconceptions about foreign ownership, navigating the logistics of registering utilities, and arranging cultural traditions like a Shinto blessing. His background in construction and love for Japanese culture and cars adds rich detail to his journey, providing insightful advice for prospective buyers. Eric emphasizes patience, the importance of location and passion, and turning this unique homebuying process into a fulfilling adventure.

    00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts

    00:30 Welcome to Buying a House in Japan

    01:07 Meet Eric Burrow

    01:42 Eric's House Purchase Experience

    02:28 Insurance and Costs Breakdown

    05:49 Why Niigata Prefecture?

    10:21 Eric's Love for Cars

    13:00 The Car Buying Process in Japan

    18:51 Business Plans and Future Visions

    21:39 The Home Buying Journey

    24:45 Reflecting on the Journey

    24:59 Roofing and Renovation Insights

    26:04 Unexpected Challenges and Decisions

    27:34 Client Experiences and Advice

    29:54 Financial Transactions and Tips

    31:29 Navigating Japanese Real Estate

    32:07 Cultural Considerations and Trash Management

    36:32 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

  • Get your Japan Real Estate Summit Tickets here: https://summit.realestate.jp/
    Ziv's Podcast: Japan Real Estate Podcast
    Nippon Tradings International: https://nippontradings.com/

    In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Take and Joey welcome back highly requested guest Ziv Nakajima from Nippon Trainings International. They discuss the complexities of purchasing property in Japan, Ziv's personal journey in real estate, and insights into various market trends. The conversation also covers the upcoming Japan Real Estate Summit, featuring a diverse array of speakers and cutting-edge workshops. Additionally, the hosts delve into Ziv's personal and professional experiences, exploring his advice for prospective investors and the evolving landscape of Japanese real estate.  

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 

    00:48 Ziv Nakajima's Background and Real Estate Journey 

    02:50 Resources and Networking in Japanese Real Estate 

    05:16 Upcoming Japan Real Estate Summit

     10:10 Challenges in Japanese Real Estate: Tenant Issues 

    15:21 Trends and Opportunities in Japanese Real Estate 

    18:50 Investing in Japanese Real Estate 

    20:07 Exploring Thai Real Estate Opportunities 

    21:24 Understanding the Right Fit for Low-Cost Properties 

    23:32 Buying and Selling Businesses in Japan 

    24:48 Personal Insights and Reflections 

    31:22 Daily Routines and Productivity Tips

     34:09 Upcoming Summit and AkiyaMart Features

  • In this episode, Take and Joey share more lessons from their latest investment in a Kyuushu rental property. They discuss long-term rental strategies, renovation insights, and how to navigate Japan’s unique housing market. With tips from their expert deal-finder Keaton, they explore the delicate balance of making savvy investments without breaking the bank. Whether you’re new to Japanese real estate or a seasoned investor, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experiences.

    00:10 Introduction and Podcast Overview

    00:20 Insights on Japanese Real Estate Market

    01:48 Challenges and Strategies for Long-Term Rentals

    04:10 Renovation Tips and Tricks

    13:41 Negotiation Tactics and Final Thoughts

  • Joey and Take join Risa on her inaugural podcast and share their journey of turning a post-layoff dream into a thriving business. Discover how these two friends started AkiyaMart, a company dedicated to helping foreigners buy and renovate abandoned homes in Japan. Learn about the challenges, triumphs, and the “doer” mentality that drives them to succeed in a market most would shy away from.

    Find Risa's newsletter and podcast here

    00:10 Introduction and First Impressions

    06:06 The Birth of Akiya Mart

    16:03 Challenges and Customer Insights

    27:06 Embracing the Doer Mentality

    31:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Japanese Real Estate

    37:45 Future Plans

  • In this episode, Joey and Take dive into the exciting new features coming to AkiyaMart, including zoning and hazard maps, historical sold data, and customizable email alerts. Learn how these updates will enhance your property search experience in Japan, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical challenges and creative solutions driving these innovations.

    00:10 Introduction

    02:02 AkiyaMart Upgrades and SEO Efforts

    06:46 Challenges and Future Features

    18:17 Tackling Documentation and Feature Requests

    19:34 Dream Features for AkiyaMart

    24:12 Exploring Property Investments and Future Plans

  • Take and Joey dive into their latest adventure: purchasing a $3,500 akiya in Kitakyushu, Japan. They discuss the process of securing this bargain property, the challenges they anticipate, and the potential rewards. With insights from their trusted local contact, Keaton, who has negotiated the deal and offered to manage the renovation and rental process, they explore whether this investment could be a game-changer.

    Link for the property listing
    Contact us at "[email protected] 

    00:10 Intro and Podcast Memories
    01:05 Celebrating 100 True Fans
    01:19 New T-Shirt Design Collab
    03:14 Upcoming Tokyo Event
    04:12 New Property Acquisition in Fukuoka
    15:55 Assessing the Property's Viability
    17:06 Documenting the Process
    18:12 Exploring Kitakyushu and Travel Plans
    21:09 Tax Implications
    22:10 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

  • In this episode, Joey and Take dive into the challenges of setting up and managing a business bank account in Japan as foreigners. They share their frustrating experiences with Japanese banking technology, the complexities of accessing online banking, and the unexpected hurdles they encountered along the way. If you're considering doing business in Japan or just curious about the realities of Japanese banking, this candid discussion provides valuable insights and warnings. Tune in to hear their plans for overcoming these obstacles and their thoughts on finding better banking solutions in Japan.

    00:10 Introduction and Greetings

    00:23 Recap of Previous Episode

    00:33 Japan's Economic State

    01:21 Banking in Japan: An Overview

    01:51 Challenges of Opening a Personal Bank Account

    02:30 Setting Up a Business Bank Account

    06:27 The Struggles with Online Banking

    08:40 Comparing US and Japanese Banking

    10:02 Frustrations with SMBC

    18:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Description: In this episode, Joey and Take discuss the recent fluctuations in the yen and their impact on Japan's real estate market. Joey, with a master's degree in macroeconomics from Cambridge, explains the yen carry trade, the Bank of Japan's interventions, and the resulting effects on exchange rates and the stock market. They also share insights on how these changes influence property prices for foreign buyers and offer practical advice for navigating these economic shifts. Plus, they talk about the latest developments at Tama Base Camp and their exciting new property venture in Hiroshima. Tune in for a blend of economic analysis and real estate strategies.

    00:10 Introduction and Welcome

    00:23 Back from Japan: Travel Stories

    01:14 Tama Base Camp Rental Details

    02:03 Market Predictions and Yen Carry Trade

    04:39 Impact of Exchange Rates on Property Prices

    07:29 Understanding the Yen Carry Trade

    09:42 Bank of Japan's Actions and Market Reactions

    15:04 Global Economic Factors and Their Effects

    17:03 Real Estate Trends and Affordability

    19:13 Conclusion and Future Plans

  • In this episode, Joey and Take interview Kendall Bharath, a preferred agent with AkiyaMart based in Hokkaido. Kendall shares his experiences living in Japan for over a decade and provides a deep dive into the real estate market in Hokkaido. From the challenges of managing properties in snowy climates to the cultural nuances of buying homes in Japan, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in Japanese real estate. Kendall also highlights the unique charm and lifestyle of Hokkaido, making a compelling case for why it might be the perfect place for your next investment. Tune in for a blend of practical advice and personal stories that bring the Hokkaido real estate market to life.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:31 First Impressions of Tama Base Camp

    01:44 Recap of Akiyama Party

    04:32 Kendall's Background and Journey to Japan

    06:46 Life in Hokkaido and Real Estate Insights

    11:39 Challenges in Japanese Real Estate Market

    12:05 Cultural Norms in Japanese Workplaces

    14:14 Negotiating Commissions and Offers

    19:59 Foreign Buyers and Market Dynamics

    22:56 Tourism and Community Sentiment in Hokkaido

    26:17 Understanding Japanese Customs

    26:31 The Importance of Speaking Japanese

    26:42 Challenges of Communication

    28:12 Depopulation and Housing Solutions

    30:35 Exploring Hokkaido: A Hidden Gem

    33:01 Living in Hokkaido: Nature and Lifestyle

    36:47 Hokkaido's Culinary Delights

    39:05 Real Estate Opportunities in Hokkaido

    45:11 Challenges and Tips for Homebuyers

    48:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

  • Join Joey and Take as they share their experiences settling into their new home in the Tokyo suburbs. They talk about dealing with the sweltering summer heat, the quirks of their 1970s house, and the surprisingly efficient appliance deliveries. They also dive into the pros and cons of suburban life, like long commutes to central Tokyo and the warmth of their new neighbors. Plus, get an update on their renovation project in Beppu, with exciting progress and plans for furnishing the place for future Airbnb guests. It's a fun and honest look at the highs and lows of embracing life in Japan.

    00:00 Introduction 

    01:06 Rapid Fire Questions begin and House Insulation

    04:40 Furniture and Appliance Delivery

    10:40 Living Experience and Neighborhood

    11:50 Konichiwa Texts and Tokyo Distance

    12:09 Reality of Tokyo Commutes

    13:35 Driving in Tokyo: Costs and Experiences

    15:50 Airbnb Plans and Updates

    16:10 Beppu Renovation Progress

    20:00 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

  • In this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey interview Yoshi Chatani, a successful real estate agent in Japan. Yoshi shares his journey from a rock music lover to a real estate expert and offers valuable tips for foreign buyers. They discuss legal requirements, cultural differences, and real estate opportunities in Osaka. Tune in for practical advice and expert insights on buying property in Japan.

    Timestamps: 

    00:12 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:22 Yoshi's Background and Journey

    03:08 Real Estate Insights and Challenges

    11:20 New Real Estate Law and Its Impact

    16:53 Property Management Services

    21:07 Discussing Rental Contracts and Monthly Rentals

    21:53 Exploring Golf Courses and Memberships

    22:20 Opinions on Living in Tama City

    23:05 Future Developments and Transportation

    24:52 Real Estate Around American Military Bases

    29:22 Investment Opportunities

    35:56 Lightning Round: Quick Questions and Answers

    39:52 Conclusion

  • In this episode, we welcome Ryo Takemoto, one of AkiyaMart’s dedicated real estate agents. Ryo shares his experiences from growing up in Osaka to working with international clients in Japan’s real estate market. He offers practical insights into Airbnb management, investment strategies, and the exciting upcoming casino development in Osaka. Ryo's humble approach and deep knowledge make this episode essential listening for anyone interested in navigating the Japanese real estate landscape.

  • Take and Joey recap their first week at Tama Base Camp, appreciating Tama's spacious environment and the convenience of having a car. They recount their unpleasant stay at Fuchu Urban Hotel and a lively housewarming party.

    They introduce a new series featuring preferred agents and aim to modernize Japanese real estate with tech tools. They share their experiences with Amazon for home supplies, handling cardboard, and gifting cookies to neighbors.

    They note Tokyo's election season's quirky candidates and express concerns about Japan's economic sentiment. Lastly, they look forward to improving their home and their next property venture in Osaka.

  • In Episode 34, "From Keys to Comfort - Our Tokyo Base Camp Adventure," we dive into the thrill of getting the keys to our new home in Tama City, Tokyo! Join us as we explore the highs and lows of moving into a freshly renovated, turnkey property. From the breathtaking views and spacious lot to the unexpected steep hill and bustling neighborhood, every moment is an adventure. We share our first-day experiences, the surprising challenges we faced, and our excitement about transforming this house into our dream home. Don't miss this action-packed episode filled with laughter, discovery, and the joy of new beginnings! Tune in for an inside look at our Tokyo Base Camp!