Real Japan living: What no one tells you! My Akiya discoveries 🇯🇵
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
- Let's dive into the real, non-glamorous side of living in a Japanese house. While Japan is often portrayed as a land of serene beauty and impeccable order, the reality of daily life can sometimes be quite different.
Join me as I peel back the curtain on the challenges and quirks that come with living in an Akiya in Japan.
Whether you're considering a moving to Japan or simply curious about life in a different corner of the world, this video offers a candid glimpse into the reality of Japanese home living that you won't find in the glossy travel brochures.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on all things Japan-related! Arigato gozaimasu!
Thank you for supporting my channel. I have been drinking a lot of coffee making these videos! If you would like to do more to help me keep creating content here is my Ko-fi link: ko-fi.com/chanijapan
@ChaniJapan
#akiya #livinginjapan #japan #japanesehouse
Painting the walls white looks so much better. ❤
I love the wood as is personally, but I was surprised that it looks okay painted - brighter for sure.
After recovering from a flood, I painted all the walls white, and it's so nice and bright !
I like the mixture of wood and white walls.@@27klickslegend
The colour scheme in your Akiya is great. You're a fantastic lady. Enjoy watching your videos. Cheers.
Yep, 100% better! Especially with the framing being dark timber to balance.
My father has lived in Osaka for many years, and after many trips to Japan myself- there are still things that confuse me. Must be weird when they come to Aus also! 😂
Definitely the right choice, painting the walls white is the oldest trick in the book to make a small dark space become alive and feel bigger 👌
This is really an inspiring channel. I'm 42, and am trying to move to Ecuador, where my parents are from. I had many doubts because of my age, but this channel really pushed me to just do it. Problems will come, but that's life. We only live once.
Thanks so much for your comment. I hope you can make your move!
@@ChaniJapan If I move to Japan, it will be your fault :)
@@Songbirdstress😂
ecuador is sometimes controlled by gangsters
in spite of the crime wave?
I love how real your videos are. This is genuinely how most people live.
I do agree painting the walls white makes it brighter especially for the entrance
You may need a primer on the wood first with paint over it. You can switch out the pull cord light for one with a remote. In the US we can get a fan/light with a remote. Works well in the hot weather
My wife is Japanese and I’ve been to Japan two months. I still learned a lot. Great stuff. Renovation looking good.
The white wall definitely gives it a beautiful bright look
I love how they were bewildered by the concept of a laundry room lol
Yes! Normally the washing machine is put in your bathroom or outside here. Under the stairs was not the normal way of doing things 😀
@@ChaniJapan outside was shocking tho. Never would've imagined. Nobody does that in the east coast usa at least
Yes. I would think the weather would damage the machine if it was outside. Going out in winter would also be hard. @@matsalvatore9074
@@RealRuralJapan Luckily there is a floor drain and a big plastic tub/tray thingy under the washing machine. The video didn’t really show this very well.
@@RealRuralJapan I understand, that makes sense. I just found it odd. Not something I would've expected. Especially in a place that gets snow and ice, if it does. I know some parts do in japan.
For about a year now I have become enamored with Japan and its culture. I occasionally fantasize about living there (Okinawa for being a blue zone), not permanent but maybe for a year. I congratulate and admire you for actually DOING what I only fantasize about. Thank you for the videos. They are very informative and I enjoy them.
Visiting here and living here are too very different beasts. I'm sure it's the same in every country, but I've lived in a few now and it seems Japan has the harshest difference personally. It's one of the most amazing places to be a tourist, but to live as a foreigner is incredibly challenging. There is a reason why most end up returning to their home countries after some time. It takes a different breed to thrive here and I applaud those that manage it. Tenacity and perseverance are the words that come to mind
What's a blue zone?
@@Ditronus. The blue zones (there are five of them) are places on earth with extraordinary longevity and health ageing - as in like people there live 5-10 years longer on average than comparable populations in comparably industrialised states. They have been extensively studied by Dan Buettner and colleagues (book, documentary), determining lifestyle factors that contribute to their longevity such as staying active with natural movement as you age, having a purpose, having strong social ties, and eating a whole-food plant-based diet (95+ % plants). It's really fascinating and insightful, I recommend you check it out if you're interested. Sadly, the only blue zone to remain intact today are the 7-day Adventists (a faith community) in Loma Linda, California. The other four have not been able to keep their lifestyle, Okinawa sadly among them with younger generations having a lower life expectancy than their grandparents.
@@Ditronus.A blue zone is where the elderly live often to a centarian. This would be Okinawa.
I had never heard of musical garbage trucks until a couple of weeks ago on a trip to Okinawa I saw (and heard) one playing Greensleeves, so cute! I can imagine a few people hearing it, think "oh crumbs I need to put the rubbish bag out!" and get it out there in the nick of time 😂
You did an amazing job w the new home. It looks cozy. The white color brings wonderful light to the room. Kitty is looking happy and cozy in the new home. I’m looking forward to the next vlog.
Thank you so much!
@@ChaniJapan Yes, the cat is really beautiful. Does the cat like to go outside and sit on your wall?
Really enjoy your narrative about living in Japan. You’re honest and humble and you speak your mind. ⭐️
I’ve lived near Tokyo (off and on) for many years. Years ago when I first got married to my Japanese wife, we visited Japan quite often. Her parents lived in a house built in the 1930’s. After hundreds (if not thousands) of small earthquakes over the years, the beautiful old tiles on the roof had shifted a bit and it had started to leak. Back in the booming 1980’s they called a roofing company and were quoted some crazy price like the equivalent of $150,000 to replace the roof. Being a young naive American, I decided to climb up on the roof and see if there might be an easier way. I ended up going down the street to the local hardware store, buying a bag of mortar for ¥500 and one by one, I just reset the few tiles where the roof was leaking. Problem solved ! My in-laws were impressed ! 😂. It was a good thing, because not too many years later a big construction company offered to buy their house and land and now there’s a huge 14 story mansion. We now live on the top floor, exactly 14 stories above where the house used to sit and can enjoy the beautiful rising Sun every morning. Now I have to go outside and scrub the big rooftop veranda several times a year to keep the Tokyo grime at bay… what have I gotten myself into ? 😅 🪣🧽💦. The mansion is actually showing its age a little now too, so I’ve started to upgrade a few things whenever I’m over there. We are planning to retire in Japan very soon. Life has gotten crazy expensive in Seattle, and our precious dollars go ALOT farther in Japan (Yes ! We can actually afford to eat out once in awhile !).
Anyway, I really like your philosophy. Life is short and we should strive to do the things we WANT to do. Eating cake for dinner… yeah ! 🍰 😋… why not ?!!
Thank you so much for yor comment and story. I love that you helped the in-laws get an awesome result for their property. A few $ go such a long way here.
What a story @sleeplessstu
Thank you for the content. I'm a young man looking into living in Japan as an ALT for a few years. Content like this helps me understand the things not often covered by larger channels
I was an ALT for 11 years. I'm also president of the ALT union local. Happy to answer any of your questions. I don't actually know what Chani does, but I don't think she is an ALT.
@@nippoliticaDO ALT opportunities exist in rural areas like these?
@@plainvanillaguy This is downright cosmopolitan versus some ALT placements. You can be placed on the top of mountains or on far flung islands. Places where the number of students for the entire area fit into a single classroom. Chani's area isn't at all too rural for ALTs. The smallest school I ever taught at had only 90 students, and that wasn't as rural as some placements.
The fact that there’s no garage in Japan and people park their cars 🚗 outside just shows how safe Japan is 🇯🇵🇯🇵. I didn’t notice that and that’s true about parking outside. Japan is truly community.
Japan is safe as long as you’re not a woman. Stalkers are terrible in Japan and men coming onto you are very aggressive
Your videos are such a breath of fresh air in the whole Japan content creation sphere. Love seeing the nitty gritty, and getting to experience all the little obstacles and discoveries you make as a new resident in the country. Will definitely be following along your journey, keep up the great work!
Glad you like them! I will keep making more as time allows.
I’m an Aussie and learning Japanese! I love your videos. My dream would be to live in Japan so I love your pointing out the everyday dilemmas and not romanticising life in Japan.
Can’t wait see more of your content. Good luck with your renovations 😊
Thanks so much 😀
Hi there. My son live in Japan. He teach Japanese. His channel is Light Smit. I also love Japan.
Love from South Africa 🇯🇵🇿🇦🌷💕
I love the wall. You've done an excellent job of painting it 👏. It certainly brightens the house up 🫶
Thanks so much! 😊
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world doesn't need to move to Japan. What we MUST DO TO is LEARN FROM JAPAN. Period..🇧🇷🇧🇷
I'm so glad I found your channel, it's all so interesting. And YES the white is looking great on the walls :)
Yay! Thank you!
Crows are very intelligent. My favorite birds. If you give them cherries and pennies, you'll have a personal army.
I agree, they are very smart creatures.
Love my visiting crows!!
What do they do with the pennies?
@@roundtwo3321 not sure. I think they just like shiny objects. I've heard they'll bring you gifts that are shiny objects
I found it all absolutely fascinating. Wonderful how you are melding your own preferences into your Japanese home.
Hi there! Glad you found the video. To answer your question, I was a high school teacher in Australia. I don't know about all visa categories, but I do know there is a shortage of Nurses/aged care workers here. That may be an option with your qualifications?
The white wood looks great in the hall. Really interesting video and makes me realise how much better at efficiency and thinking of the environment Japan is.
Thank you! Cheers!
I’m thrilled at your house purchase! It looks very nice, now that the initial problems have been solved. I’m something of a DIYer and sometime handyman myself, and love the changes and improvements you’ve done. Yes, the painted surfaces are definitely an improvement and I am looking forward to seeing more of your home improvement journey. Good luck!
Thanks! I will post an update once I've finished a few more things.
I’m so glad I found your channel!! It’s so refreshing to see someone I can relate to who is doing something I dream of doing. I can’t wait to see more of your journey!
Love the recycling scheme. What a great idea and incentive!
Once it hits June, it's gonna start to get real humid. You might see black mold popping up where you put that washing machine, the tatami room, and anywhere that doesn't get used/ventilated regularly. Nothing you can really do to keep it dehumidified permanently, it's just how the weather is in the summer seasons. Loving the videos. Good luck out there
How do you get rid of the mold safely in Japan?
If you're talking about a full on wall to wall infestation where you'd need PPE, all I can offer you is some light prayers. But typically, if it's just in small areas, you can make a solution of dish wash soap & water or dilute bleach with water, spray it and wipe it off with a towel. Maybe wear a face mask and gloves while cleaning. To keep the area moderately dry and prevent mold (if it's a closed space like under the kitchen sink), you can buy disposable charcoal dehumidifiers that'll probably last about a month or two depending on how moist the area is. Otherwise you're gonna have to keep the room ventilated, open windows and let air through frequently like once or twice a day. Hope that helps
Yes, mold can be an issue. It's possible to buy room de-humidifiers which work reasonably well.
I have discovered, living in humid Queensland now, that if I leave the light on all day, and put a plant in the room, I don’t get any mould on the ceiling. (Bathroom this is). And the light is a good strong led one. Since I discovered this trick, I’ve done the same in the toilet and in the spare bedroom.
Oil of Clove removes mould
Excellent video Chani, totally love this!
Thanks Kara 😀
I agree. The wall looks much better painted white as it makes the room brighter.
Absolutely yes love the change in your wall
Thanks for the video. I find it fascinating to learn about everyday life in Japan, with the perspective of a new migrant.
The outdoor is starting to look cheerful. It reminds me of the space in a st Kilda flat my friends rented in our 20s we still had a good time drinking, bbqing and talking
This was a cool little bit of insight, and I liked the edit, as well as the home renovations you've done.
Thanks for the awesome video ❤
Cool, I found all that fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I agree, the entrance looks way better with the white paint, brightens it up heaps. Great video!
Thanks!
Wow, your handyman was quite a find!!
This is absolutely impressive. I’m Japanese living outside Japan more than half of my life and am in my 50s. Started thinking about maybe I want to move back eventually but I’m too comfortable where I am in the US. Your video helps me see what I need to know if I were to return. I’m also considering Akiya but that means I have to go somewhere I don’t know as I am from near Tokyo🥹 I’m so following your video. Thank you for sharing Chani🙌
This is fabulous so interesting can’t wait for more and yes white is great ❤
I’d love to make an artist retreat in Japan: find one of those old rural homes and set it up to take 4or 5 artist for a couple weeks to explore and work. I think that would be a nice retirement. I use to dream of having a book/video/ small gallery/ creative space by the sea on the NSW coat somewhere but Japan looks so interesting
That would be cool!
Baby oil and a soft cloth for stainless steel, you only need a small amount on the cloth and wipe over comes up like new.
Great tip!
For a proper clean, use vodka and a micro fiber cloth.
Then rub with oil... 👌
Was really refreshing to watch your channel
Your videos are really interesting. I love hearing about day to day life in Japan!
I used Windex to clean stainless surfaces. You can also use windex to clean your laminate cupboard doors, fridge doors, bathroom stalls, bathtub, any porcelain finish, etc. Windex is also great for cutting down grease in the kitchen.
Great tip! Thank you 😀
Mix a little bit of vinegar with water and there ya go.
FYI - I lived in a house with a water heater like that. You can actually get a subscription service to have them refill it for you. Super easy.
Thanks! I never knew that. I will investigate it. That would be a lot easier.
Just found your channel ❤ I love how you are showing us all the little things that most people don't show of living in Japan!
It is wonderful to see daily life in Japan. Every thing looks wonderfully clean and orderly. Your personable and practical explanation is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your postings.
Thank you very much!
I worked in a tourist park in Australia and it had a few older cabins with the good old timber ply panelling. One of them had had a smoker living in it and a square metre of wall area would turn a bucket of water a dark tea colour 😮 but after a good sugar soap scrub and paint with a light beige colour it was transformed. I have seen some nice "shabby chic" painting with a light blue base coat then a white overcoat lightly sponged off before it dries, giving a beachy vibe.
Very cool!
I love the recycling machines outside of the supermarket. I have multiple recycling bins but the council picks them up only once a month and sometimes we have to take the excess to a local centre. No points though! Very interesting to see how another country functions.
The point system is great because I shop there so I can use them on groceries!
Thank you so much for all your videos! I find them so interesting and inspiring.
Glad you like them!
The white is lovely. You’re doing a terrific job!
Thanks 😀
Chani, wow nice improvements to the house. The garage, washing machine in the house, trap doors. The house must be happy to have you as an owner.
The white color paint on the wall looking nice!
Thank you so much 😊
Like the white paint. It brightens up the area.
Thanks!
The white paint is very nice. It's also a way of adding your energy into the house rather than living with the previous owners' choices. A bit time consuming to paint the grooves, but patience is free and painting one of the cheapest, easiest and quickest ways to refresh a space. Also a lot less mess than ripping it out and putting up sheet rock/drywall/gyprock --whatever it's called in Australia.
Good move with the washing machine. It's always fun to see a team of Japanese people figure out how to do something no one has asked them to do before.
So fascinating, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I worked for an eco cleaning company in Byron Bay 10 years ago. To clean and polish a stainless steel bench we would use bicarb soda and vinegar mixture to do an initial clean and we would use a little drop of olive oil on a clean cloth to shine the steel benches. Try it out 👌
Great tip!
Or baby oil ( Johnson)
Oh yeah the white is definitely an improvement! There's nothing I hate worse than that dark feeling like the walls are closing in on you. It's looking really good so far!
All the very best Chani from Melbourne. Really look forward to every video that you will put out on your progression in Japan. I'm 35 bogged down with work, kids and everything else to do what you did...inspiring to see you take the leap and maybe will help me make the same call down the line.
It looks great. Have fun decorating. Love your place
Thank you! 🤗
Yes, the white paint does make it better as it makes it brighter. I would keep doing this.😊
I think so too!
ps. regarding the stainless steel counter top, u prolly already know this, but make sure to always keep them dry to avoid water stains. it was always very satisfying for me to wipe them down at the end of doing the dishes.
Have stainless benches too in Oz, spray and wipe does it.
@@mazzdacon2134 why would you unnecessarily use chemicals for cleaning near to where you also do food prep?
@@homebrandrules wipe them down with what?
@@mazzdacon2134 a very clean, slightly wet and as hot a rag as yr hand can handle. then rinse it under the hot as possible water, squeeze as much hot water out as you can, and if needed wipe the counter down a second time to remove any water streaks. to preserve the longevity of the rag i used to either hang it on the edge of the sink at the front OR on the neck ( as they're v.long in japan) of the tap to air and dry it out. plz make my effort of this long a rse detailed commentary worth it by NEVER wasting money on cleaning agents you don't REALLY need. hot water, bleach, citrus extract are all thats really needed to maintain a clean home ( and elbow grease) . make your grandmama proud, and your bank balance slightly healthier (and the environment) . regards from the hikikomori gaijin
@@homebrandrules thank you
The hole in the floor in the kitchen is for cold storage like potatoes, fruits and things that don't need to be refridgerated but stored in cool space. i loved mine!
Good to know!
This is the first video of yours that i have seen, and i noticed what a calming voice you have. I also appreciate how simple and uncomplicated the video is, but it's also to the point. I plan to move to Japan in the future and i am starting to prepare now, by learning the language and watching videos about life in Japan. So this was perfect for me. Arigato! :)
Wow, thank you!
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world desires a japanese society . Prepare to be amazed: BRAZIL has more japanese descent than the WHOLE Japanese society in JAPAN ITSELF. DID YOU KNOW THAT? BRAZIL HAS THE BIGGEST japanese society in the world outside Japan. We have A " SECOND JAPAN" in BRAZIL. YOU DIDN'T know that, did you? Among all people on eath , WE BRAZILIANS wish the ENTIRE JAPAN WOULD MOVE TO BRAZIL. WE LOVE THESE PEOPLE in all ways. We have a lot to learn from them. JAPAN , YOU ARE WELCOME IN BRAZIL!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷
San Paulo has the second largest Japanese population
@@miyoshimoore7417 🇧🇷🇧🇷 São Paulo ALONE, MAY HAVE almost half of the JAPAN'S POPULATION. Check it out.🇧🇷🇧🇷
The white walls are lovely! You just make that place your own. Have a blessed day!
Thank you! You too!
Loving your down to earth, real life insights of your Japan experience. Looking forward to more.... the white looks 100% better on the walls as there's plenty of other wood/wood colour accents around!
Beautiful video. I love the painted plywood. Beautiful house.
Very kind of you to say that. Thanks 😀
I love your videos very informative for people like me that are interested in moving there and what to expect. The more info the fastest or easier the decisions can be made to move.
Thanks 😀 More to come!
Really enjoy following your life in japan is encouraging and brave.
This is so informative! Thank you so much for sharing ❤
You are so welcome!
Wow, you are living my dream! This was very informative, thank you. The white on the entry wall looks a lot better and brighter. ❤
Interesting video
😌☺️😲🇯🇵
Hi Chani. Just discovered your channel - great job! And the white walls look good. Cheers!
Yes, painting the Walls white is a great idea.
Really great work.
Thanks a lot!
Wonderful and congratulations 👏
Thanks 😀
I really like your series. I'm hoping to retire with my wife (a Japanese national) in Japan in a few years and your videos have been a great resource.
It's great just learning about such strange everyday things. For me it's just so close to life. Thank you :)
Glad you enjoy it!
Super interesting those daily life details! And white walls make the space appear bigger.
I think so too! I just need to find the time to paint the rest now. I keep procrastinating. 😅
Very interesting insight into a different culture. And yes! I like the painted wall better than the wood!
Glad you enjoyed it!
wow looking good !! I learn a little bit more about japana thanks to your videos, really entertaining. Cheers from Chile
Thx for the video. I learnt alot ^^
Cool
Thank you for such an interesting video. Love the white wall, and your beautiful cat.
Thank you! 😊
Yes! The white looks so much better. White always looks clean and really makes the area seem larger.
Thanks 😀
Thanks for your lovely video and information.Love Sweden🥰
You are very welcome 😀
What a wonderful home! I 'thought' you'd have a tiny house but yours has a good amount of space and you configured things beautifully. Interestingly, too, I didn't anticipate that there would be "much" English - that's really great actually! Thank you for your video
Thank you so much!
Wow so different and interesting ❤
Thank you! Cheers!
The white colour is great, it brightens the area! 👌
Thank you! Cheers!
Very interesting, I'd like to see more of the renovations you do over time.
Just stumbled across your site - and I absolutely love it! Thank you for sharing your life and experiences in Japan ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks so much for watching ♥️
Thank u! That was really interesting. 🤗
You’re welcome 😊
Yes the White wall looks great!
Thanks 😀
The white looks great!
This is very interested. I like this information ❤
First time here. Great vid!
Oh my god yes. The white walls are so much better. Well done.
Thanks and welcome
The white paint on the plywood walls is so much better. For a luxury look one can also use lining paper and then put a wallpaper of their choice over that. You are certainly pulling the whole building into a home of your choice and taste. Great job.👍😍
Thanks for the idea 😀
Yes keep painting walls white or a neutral beige to brighten the area. Love the info and tour.
Yes! Thank you!
some people prefer dark moody rooms, it helps to relax and switch off better. You can bring good electric light there, but most of time people spend there in low light and it really helps to calm down. But it is personal.
Love the white walls!
I love the white wall you painted against the dark frames. Pintrest has alot of inspirational ideas also. Your house is coming along great 👍✨
Oh thank you! I should look at pintrest more often 😀
I enjoy your Home. It is very beautiful.
Love the white wall, much brighter