Reality Check: My Akiya Experience vs Media Myths
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- čas přidán 11. 05. 2024
- I debunk a recent media report that says buying an Akiya in Japan is a 'fantasy'! Buying a house in Japan is a possibility and at the end of the day you just need to do your research. Media have made some claims about Japan that don't sit well with me so I made this video to give my version of Japan. Living in Japan is a possibility if you want to come here to work and buy a property. This also will contribute to the Japanese society and help the labour shortage and the amount of vacant houses.
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#akiya #livinginjapan #costofliving
A bonus video this week😬My other video this week is here if you didn't catch it: czcams.com/video/L0a7wqOKMbU/video.html
I’m certain if Japan welcomed back its Nesei (made returning to Japan easier, ex. Allowing dual citizenship,, making it easier for newer to bring spouse and family, easier transfer of licenses etc)
I know just about every 1st or 2nd generation person in North America want to get out and go back. Especially Canadians.
@@sukisuki6114I'm 2nd generation Japanese American and I agree with you. I have a child learning Japanese and we plan to go visit. I've never stepped foot over there, having been told stories about how I would not be welcome because of being mixed race.
Hi, please note Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
My reasons - I live in America. I've been to Japan many times and went to elementary school there too. I want to move back to Japan where gun violence isn't a problem, the streets aren't filled with trash, drug addicts aren't shooting up or smoking on public transportation, and Japan is a place where I feel safe. Additionally, I want to buy and renovate an older home. Thanks again for the wonderful video.
Sounds really unsafe where you are!
Literally every metro city in America is like that now. Currently on vacation in London with a population of 10x that of my city and it’s significantly cleaner and safer feeling.
London isn't safe. Ex-Londoner born there. London keeps the tourist areas nice and clean but you go off the beaten track and you might have a spot of bother. 😑Don't get on a no.15 bus and go to Upton Park that's for sure!
@@clairefitzpatrick7183 Many cities in Europe are ruined due to bad policies and mass immigration with no background checks?!
You did the right thing! DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE! Most online “critics” are just useless know-it-all’s. With actual zero knowledge or experience in much! You go CHANI!!! You are a star!
Exactly! pay no attention to the trolls and nay sayers they are just people who are afraid to try anything and will try to discourage anyone who dares challenge their cowardly worldview!
I'm drawn to this channel because it inspires renewal. Turning the forgotten into something new and special.
Congratulations on the free marketing for your channel.
Haters gonna hate.
Renewal is a good word😀
We bought our house here in Tokyo for exactly the same reason a base to start our family, with the ability to do what we want to the property, and to bring our cats to Japan! The price of housing in Australia and NZ is just completely insane. Agree 100% with you Chani!
Yes! It is so unaffordable now. And you have cats too 🐱♥️
NZ is terrible now, it is not just the price of housing, but the price of produce is astronomical.
Is it possible for Americans to buy a home in Japan and get residency?
@@MartianInDisguise You will need to get a work or a business visa.
What it really surprise me is that "mainstream media" has not find out why everybody goes now to social media for info. Just watching your clip, I can answer why. Another good example is the now infamous article in the NY Time.
I'm guessing the person who wrote the second article didn't even leave their (home) office. The trend is to grab information from the internet, and then repackage it as 'news'.
Most social media pursues outrage and shock value too. Most TikTokers with millions of views are complete lunatics. "Mainstream" media is just chasing the successful social media. Small social media like this that's just telling someone's real story is just a small niche in social media, so don't pretend social media in general is some salvation. It's not.
Japan is changing. The big cities are still growing while some rural areas are experiencing population decline. A lot of places around the world are seeing similar trends. Social media seems to be a source of ‘doomsday’ reports of collapse and decline and in this case it looks like mainstream media is picking up the habit also, which is very poor journalism. Japan is not in decline, it has some social challenges ahead with the aging population. But then every country has some sorts of challenges. ❤ to everyone in Japan, it’s a wonderful place.
You are exactly right, its constant 'doomsday' reports!
@@ChaniJapan Hong Kong is apparently on the verge of "collapse", too, I saw a few months ago. Make something up for sensationalism, throw in some pictures, and get views and likes. Thanks for posting this :)
Not meaning to nitpick you or anything like that (okay a little 🙂) but I've lived in Japan for a decade and kept an eye on the demographics...5-10 years ago it was the case that Tokyo was growing nicely and places like Osaka and Fukuoka were holding steady or growing a tiny bit. Now that's no longer the case. Greater Tokyo has actually gone into reverse for the first time and the other major centres are no longer bucking the trend. For example, there's no longer enough younger people in rural Kyushu who find jobs in Fukuoka and move to their major regional city. Same goes for other regions. Tokyo will continue to put up a strong face for another decade or so before even it will go into a visible decline. That's absent major foreign immigration, which may happen. At any rate, the changes are only accelerating.
@@thhseeking Hong Kong is on the verge collapse. Many financial services have moved to Singapore from what used to be the international financial centre of Asia. Both residential and commercial property market in Hong Kong have also performed poorly for about 2 years. That's because of a good chunk of middle class has emigrated.
Totally agree with you. Live your life. Have a place to call your own and also accommodate your family and friends when they come over for a visit. That’s so good to share what’s life is all about. You have done well 👍
I think it's good for you to set this straight. Such a common thing to steal a story and give its own twist. Friday my youngest came home, the house lease ended and no other housing was available. For 20 years our leaders have ignored the population growth and housing market. And now we are stuck with too expensive housing or none available. Young people pay for overpriced housing, and moving to a country with housing is as old as times, the migration to Canada after WW2, to Australia. And now to Japan. Your house and mine are identical. I only paid 20 times more. You were so clever to go to Japan.
Housing is such a massive problem in Australia at the moment. It really is at crisis levels.
@@ChaniJapan It's structural (no pun intended) in Australian construction industry. We don't have enough tradesmen. More building approvals only bid up demand for limited workers.
@@popgomouse And it'll stay that way for a good while because Australia, and the west in general, doesn't offer men any good reason to contribute to it anymore.
Wow! Two videos in a one-week time period- you're going to spoil us! 😃
I don't think I can manage it again! I just couldn't hold this one in 😅
We are a family of 6. We can no longer sustain a affordable lifestyle here in Australia. Our kids will miss out on so much with the cost of living continue to go up. Hopefully, in a few years, we will make the move to Japan. Thank you for this video. You're an inspiration to us all in Australia.
Good luck to you! Family of 6 here already getting ready to make the big move, everything is just so expensive in Australia and I don't think anything will improve while so many are invested in the perpetual growth dogma.
@@AaronBonBarron I believe this cost of living is a long term thing. Even the cost of houses, will continue to go for another 10 years they reckon. So, we are in the early stages of making plans to move. We are super excited, even the kids are super excited to go. What area are you looking at? We're looking at western Tokyo around Tachikawa. But Chani's video is really amazing. Maybe wakayama might be our place lol
@@icykool21 our kids are stoked too, our eldest has been on holiday there with us and loved it. We've bought a house about an hour from Kobe and half an hour to Himeji, just on the other side of Osaka from Wakayama! There's a really surprising amount of places to take kids in the area, the whole country seems very family friendly.
So glad people like you are helping Japan stay viable. With the same thing happening in countries like Korea, they just need to be more open to foreigners. The big cities are so overcrowded, it should become more popular to settle elsewhere.
Yes! There are so many beautiful country towns that are an easy commute to major cities.
@@ChaniJapan Exactly, and with remote work becoming so popular, even a lot of the younger generation are discovering it beats living in cramped city apartments.
@@michaelleary9233 I *have* seen a number of videos here on CZcams about young people moving themselves and their young families to small villages; opting out of the big city life and living sustainably wherever possible. It is heartening! The urban transplants are also buying and renovating akiyas. I also watch videos of foreigners opting to do the same thing as Chani. It is certainly increasingly popular here in the States- to move out and away from the urban areas. My partner and I are in the process of building a small, completely off-grid homestead in rural New Hampshire, USA.
@@michaelleary9233 Look what happed to Europa when they are open to foreigners.
@@23Lgirl it's just poor immigration policies of Europe. Multiple race of people can strive and Prosper. Look at Singapore, USA's economy is still growing because of quality immigrants
Im sorry your original story got highjacked by a sloppy tabloid style journalist. I assume they didnt even bother to speak to you directly. If I were to live the Japanese dream I would do as you have done. Alas I dont have the funds or necessary skill set to live/work in Japan. Love your videos Chani have a fantastic day!
Yes! Highjacked! Perfect description, they were the words I needed 😀
And one more important thing i wanted to add: A person must have a strong mindset in order to fully renennovate an Aikya. To be willing to go through the painful steps. To be all in.
I’ve noticed in my Google news feed that there are “news organizations” that want to sensationalize bad or even good news just to get clicks on their site. I’ve learned to stay away from these stories.
You are doing great. I’m in the U.S. and home renovation is so expensive here. Your costs so far are very reasonable.
I always enjoy watching it.
Be careful of vacant houses that have been built for many years.
Earthquake standards were revised in 1971, 1981, and 2000.
We recommend a slightly more expensive second-hand house built after 1981.
I've heard you either go really old ( the good houses survive and the old construction techniques are actually pretty resilient ) or after 1970. It's the immediate postwar period you have to watch out for.
The older homes building techniques have been certified now but they have to add extra hardware to ensure things don't shake loose.
@@DanielJoyce Yes, it is.
I don't want to provoke you, but 90% of the deaths in past earthquakes (Hanshin/Awaji) were due to collapsed houses, and 98% of those were due to the old standards.
Varies depending on region and house maker
Please use this as a reference only.
It’s a relief to see factual honesty for a change and that part of the media exposed for their biased reporting in order to get viewers. What a great idea for Australia and Japan to consider immigration for re- energising rural areas…
Look what happed to Europa when they are open to foreigners.
Thanks for posting this and fighting back against all the BS that some media folks throw out there.
After visiting Japan in 2017 it has been an idle dream of mine to return and live there for a while. Following your journey has been a welcome reality check. It makes me think of how to it happen.
You are exactly right about buying and fixing properties in Japan. Of course anyone who buys a property (in any country) should do their due diligence and know exactly what they are getting into. It's a business deal not a love affair. You are living proof that it is possible to do it successfully. I'm sure many people are learning from your videos. My wife and I moved to Okinawa seven years ago and bought a home (not an abandoned property) with the intent of remodeling it ourselves. We did about half of the work ourselves and hired professional to do the rest. Housing and land prices are quite high here. However, we have found it much cheaper to live here than the US.
It certainly is a lot cheaper.
I've been living in Japan for 5 years now but I've known I wanted to make a life here 15 years ago when I first came on a 2 month government program. I love it here because I feel like I can finally live a comfortable life. Spent my young adult life working 2 to 3 jobs to make ends meet and raise kids in the US. Now I feel like I have a chance to be part of a community, own a home, and actually enjoy life not just work every second to survive. It's not all rainbows and sunshine of course but I never regret moving here.
I’m happy to read this ❤️
Lots of negative press about Japan recently.
They think there's rural desertification in Japan, they should try where I live...all the better for people moving out of the big cities.
As for jobs, there are actually more opportunities than in the big city. Many more qualified jobs are difficult to fill. Plus you don't need to earn so much.
I agree
@@ChaniJapan Where I live, we literally have something called "the empty diagonal" lol. Am planning a trip to my next town south in June and you have to plan food and water ahead because no shops for miles.
Young people here go to big towns for their education but come back. Opposite of my generation.
Chani, would you mind doing a vid about exactly how your teaching job works? You said your Japanese counterpart was doing all the marking/admin etc? I just handed in my notice to mine, and would love a couple of years teaching in Japan, but I don't want to hack the 24/7 responsibilities anymore.
Just designed a control test for tomorrow (it's Sunday) and have class of 55 to mark. You seem to have this weird phenomenon called "time off".
My reasons for moving to France are identical to yours. Well done on your progress :-)
You have a lovely home that fits "you"! What a great joy! P.S. 1800 AUD for your recent renovations seems very reasonable. Well-done! 👍👏❤
Thank you so much! Most of that was in the actual aircon unit itself but I think it was a fair price.
Yes! US$1,326 is very reasonable in my neck of the woods. 😃
We spent 3x as much for one room aircon in our house in the US.
So glad you found a reliable and obviously trustworthy craftsman who clearly knows what he's doing!
Chani, I came across your channel and I must say, I love it, well done. Very informative without fluffing about like so many other channels. Straight to the point. Great information. You make me want to move to Japan. ❤
Thanks for your feedback. I do appreciate it 😀
Yes, Chani is very genuine! I find myself drawn to the "home-made" videos (so to speak) here on CZcams, presented without fanfare or pompous intro music and various shots of the creator as if he or she were a big name news journalist. Those channels are too much like MSM. Chani just gets right into it immediately, and the quality and content of her videos is such that they can stand in and of themselves without the need for any "fluff". 👍
Was pleasantly surprised to see a bonus video today, although not for the best reason (having to respond to the negative article). But we always enjoy your posts, seeing you making a wonderful life for yourself and Millie. What you are doing is enviable. We always watch your videos with great interest because they show what is possible when one researches and prepares well, and does the necessary homework to be successful with such a life-changing move. You ate doing great, Chani! Thank you for sharing these glimpses into your life.
👍🏼👍🏼 for setting the record straight!
I envy you the seeming ease of finding someone to handle your small renovation jobs which look like they were done very well!
Where I live it's very hard to find someone -- and finding someone you can trust to do the job well is even harder.
Trust is a big thing!
What you've done is a win win situation, Australia is in a huge mess of a housing crisis, I really hope more Aussie's can get a house in Japan , the yearly costs are minimal in comparison
I agree 😀
I was fortunate and found a very inexpensive property in Otaru that I just love now. Mainly for snowboarding. But I’ve made many friends and always enjoy my stay whenever I come. I love the peaceful culture and of course the food!
Perfect! We can prove these headlines wrong, its not a 'fantasy' 😀
My husband and I hope to one day move to Japan with our daughter. My husband was actually born on a military base in Japan. We are in the US and cannot think of any good thing to say about our country. Multiple kids go to school with a bullet shield in their backpacks and healthcare is bottom tier. I love watching your journey because it gives me hope of living a better life.
Love your video's, Chani
We bought a very old, traditional akiya in the countryside (a 'kominka') purely for the joy of restoring an historic home slowly over time, during our visits to Japan. Our plan is to enjoy increasingly longer visits as we move towards retirement (we are early 50's). Thanks for debunking that news article. There are many valid reasons for foreigners buying akiya in Japan and following their dreams! It really is possible ❤
Here in CA, I have two houses and pay $ 8000 USD per year in property taxes for both properties. We pay a base 1% percent and then a ton of other crap fees that were passed thru local elections. One of my properties is a rental. Property tax in other countries is very reasonable. The media has got out of hand by chasing sensationalism and fail to accurately report reality and truth. It's a shame and the main reason I stopped watching TV. Good for you, for setting them straight!
Chani, I’m so pleased that you took the time to rebut the Australian news article. I think your reports, through your CZcams Channel, have been honest, accurate (for your experience) and very helpful for those of us who might like to embark on a similar journey. Keep up the good work!
I have yet to even travel to Japan. I am retired and now have the time to read, study, try to pick up a new language (Japanese!) and possibly travel to Japan. One step at a time, I am preparing for what I hope will be a Grand Adventure, in my late middle years, to immerse myself in Japanese culture. After traveling to Japan, if I still think my Grand Adventure needs to continue, I will follow up with more culture and language study. I cannot envision living in Japan, on my own, without a significant acquisition of language skills that will help me acclimate into Japanese life. We’ll see where this takes me. But, if I can acquire the skills to be independent in Japan, I could definitely imagine buying a small property and making my life in Japan.
I applaud you for your decision to move to Japan and buy a home there. Many people nowadays are stuck in an endless loop of staying put in their present situation. They call it “Normal” or “the way it is”.
There are some like you that is willing to break away from that template.
For me and my family, we have decided to move back to Japan and part time in the Philippines. I have lived in the US for 48 years. It is very different now than when I immigrated to the US.
Keep moving forward and I will be watching your new content!!
In my younger days in the PH, being able to immigrate to the US is like a dream come true.
Now, i wont even think of going to the US even just for vacation. So i can imagine how you say "very different now".
But a trip to JP, sign me up anytime!
Hi Chani. Another excellent video; you're spot on! I taught English in Japan for nearly 22 years, and as retirement approaches we are very much looking forward to moving back there - for good this time. The high cost of living, crime rate, drug use, homelessness, inadequate health care, etc. is proving to be a huge burden for many Canadians which is creating an exodus from this country.
I also saw that article and thought it was dreadful. Thank You for putting this clip and setting them straight.
I'm so enjoying your story, and journey. Please keep it up !
Thank you so much!
Always so lovely to hear from you, Chani 🥰
always enjoy your videos Chani !! Bought and Paid my apartment here in Tokyo with some good old "hardyakka" 😃😃 now considering buying an Aki in the Chiba area, I come by so many of them on my motorbike adventures and the reason being I'd like to buy one is just to be out and about enjoying some DIY
That is a great reason! I love that.
currently in year 3 of rennovation of 200 year old samurai house - can confirm that it is definitely possible. In our case, the structural was made of Keyaki, and are in perfect condition. Replace all flooring, walls and roof, all of which we are doing DIY exept the roof. Flooring done and mint. Walls are 25% done and look very traditional. Its a big time sink but as we get closer to retirement, it makes sense for us. Side benefit: it makes a great excuse to buy a bunch of neat Makita tools :)
Yes I bought new tools too! Having some fun with them 🛠️
I'm just over 50 and have no direct ties in the UK where I am, and I'm really thinking about a big change, which is a new thing for me, as I don't easily deal with change. However, I've reached the crossroads in my life, and I feel like it's time that if I don't take a big step to do something big with my life, I'll miss what could be a great opportunity.
Not sure if I'd go for an Akiya, unless it could be one already done up, as I had my current house refurbished in 2007, and that took so long that I don't really want to go through that again.
First step is to actually visit Japan for the first time, which I'm planning to do later this year, as I love all of the tech, cleanliness and low crime rate of Japan - especially if I could ultimately live not too far from Tokyo.
I'm really enjoying your videos, and it's great to see how they show it's all possible, and very inspirational 😃
Chani it's Great,that you set the record straight on the inaccurate reports.
Chani, I’m really enjoying your videos. Keep going!
So thankful I clicked on the CZcams recommended video of yours. It’s raised a few questions about what I really want in my future. What can I change, what is my dream of the future etc. I’d like to be able to stay in Japan for longer than a tourist stay but I wouldn’t want to work full time either to qualify for a working visa. I love Tasmania but Japan keeps pulling my interest it’s way. Maybe after my second visit this year I’ll have a better idea of what I could do. Thanks again for sharing 😊 🙏
Thanks for your positivity, Chani. Here in Australia the media endlessly talks about how to make lots of money by cornering the housing market. Then they talk about people living in cars. Housing simply as an affordable place for people to live is almost never discussed.
So true!
Really enjoy the varied and always interesting content of your vids, Thanks! Even your 'glitch' interesting as editing skills evolve.
I've tried to fix it 🤦♀️ YT said it will take 1 hour to process 🤦♀️
Another great video and appreciate u sharing the costs with us. All in all not so bad.
Very factual video. Thank you.
Love your balanced view of the world. Thank you.
I’ve just come across your channel and wow i’ve just binged watched all your videos!!! I’m 50 and love how you are living your dream. Thank you for sharing your journey in my favourite country Japan. love from Australia 🇦🇺
Newly subscribed! Looking forward to back viewing your adventure as I have similar reasons in wanting a small akiya.
Thank you do much for stating your story on this complex issue of akiya in Japan!
No worries!
Way to go Chani! Renting is NOT always better than buying- in fact it’s almost always the other way round! You’re an inspiration for doing what you did by moving to Japan and so successfully building your life - little by little bit by bit in a new country with an entirely different culture.
👏 👏 🎉. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and inspiring us in the process 😊. You go girl 🤩!
Oh the media and their drama reporting 🙄🙄 No wonder people get confused. This is why I rarely watch or read any news stories 😕😕 Instead, I watch videos with real people who share real issues and joy 😻 I would love to live in Japan ⛩️. My reason? Because England is crap (understatement) and I want to live a more peaceful life. If I had the money, I wouldn't hesitate. Unfortunately, I don't at the moment and probably never will😮💨. However, it doesn't stop me watching other people make their dream into reality. Don't stop believing. Your videos give me so much joy 🫶♥️
Thanks Amanda 😀 I hope you get there and don't stop believing as you say ♥️
@@ChaniJapan Thanks Chani 🫶♥️
Here i am sitting in the swelterring heat of the philippines and all the crowdedness, overpopulation, , immorality, poverty, hopelessness, toxicity thats going on around, thinking 1st world countries must have it nice. And there you are in England saying crappy is understatement. The irony 😝
Must be nice to move to a peaceful japanese countryside
@@Liz-qm4rb I'm sorry that you're going through this. If you think that England doesn't have poverty, immorality, crime (on a large scale), overpopulation, illegal immigrants working for the drug gangs, a recession, a cost of living crisis, being dictated to as to what we can or can't say, having to apologise for crimes of slavery that weren't even committed by most of our ancestors, and food, gas and electricity prices increased by 100%, mortgage payments more than trebling then you are grossly misinformed. I could go on .... I suggest that you get your facts right. England may be classed as a first world nation but it definitely isn't. Even the Pope said that it looks like a third world country. Case dismissed!!!!
You might find someone who would love to as well and then start planning and working towards it 😊
Your videos are so enjoyable and honest. It’s always good to hear the truth from someone who’s actually been through the experience. I wish I’d moved to Japan when I was younger, I would encourage anyone to look for a different way of life. Do what’s right for you 👍
Good for you Chani. With best wishes from Brisbane for your future!
Thank you so much!
I think the biggest challenge is saving the money on top of picking the right property through extensive research, which is no easy task. While it is possible and there are a lot of abandoned houses, a person really has to be careful as there is the possibility of them being exploited due to lack of extensive research.😊
I also think a lot of people are scared of doing so much work upfront but the end goal is well worth it!
You are so correct! It all comes down to research and knowing the costs, taxes and so on.
You e come a long way. Beautiful home you have! Thanks for your feedback!😊
Thanks so much! 😊
Thanks for giving us a realistic view of how it actually is. I kinda despise this idea to always make a profit out of everything these days. To me it seems like that's all those "mainstream media" outlets are focusing on....
Thank you for a great bonus video Chani.
I fell in love with Japan about 20 odd years ago, and before my recent visit I thought that we both had changed so much, that I may have fallen out of love.
...But that wasnt the case. I fell back in love with Japan...and this time so much harder! I am dieing to come back to Japan. It is the first thing that enters my mind in the morning and the last thing the puts me to sleep. At my current age though and with a young child, I fear the reaper may take me before I can live there.
For me...I want to move there becuase I love the place in all that it has to offer and in all of the "faults" that it may have. I love the people and culture...I love the food....temples...shrines and all of the natural beauty of nature. I am not a spiritual person and I am very grounded...but...feel connected to Japan in so many ways. I wish I could explain and understand it myself. I absolutely love your story...I hope one day it will lead me down the same path.
I know that feeling of being connected! I understand what you are saying ♥️
@@ChaniJapan That connection is so wonderful. It absolutely just feels right...but at the same time I find it very stressful because I want to act on it but I cant.
Throughout your journey Chani...when you have felt that connection...did you ever try to understand it? Why is it there and where does it come from ? I mean...like me you are clearly not Japanese!! I am bothered by the fact that I have a connection to a country for which I have no clear ethnic linage...but it is very much there. IT IS REAL...as Im certain you know.
I absolutely know that feeling of connection to Japan! ❤️
@@cameronsaunders9020 I dont really understand your question. Perhaps you can articulate what you are asking a little better. Whay is it you decided to live there?
Obesssion is always seen as such a bad thing...but perhaps obsession is simply an emergent property of the connectedness one feels for a place...a person...an object!?! I dont know. Im not saying that its good...I dont think Japan is perfect...and I dont have any expectation of Japan. I just simply feel better connected to the place than my current home country...also Australia!
@@cameronsaunders9020i'm curious where you lived before japan, and why you moved to japan?
People from other countries have their own personal stories that make them feel they wanna move to japan.
For many of us in the UK owning our own homes is just a dream beyond reach, property is too expensive and many young people in their 20s even 30s have had to move back with their parents for a chance to try and save as rents are too high and greedy landlords are just allowed to get away with charging extortionate prices, in my area a family recently became homeless as their rent increased by £100 a week! Its lovely that you've achieved your dream, it's very inspirational and I really enjoy the channel and hearing you speak Japanese, it sounds so lovely, its a beautiful language...l learnt a bit when I studied Wado Ryu, but only the names for martial moves sadly lol 😂
Good onya Chani!!🎉 ❤
Thank you Chani for your "reality check". My husband and I are seriously considering purchasing a property in Japan and are currently looking at our options. I understand many of the comments made relating to a sense of connectedness, this is definitely my experience every time I go there. It is a place I want to engage with and contribute to. Your video has helped encourage me further in this endeavor. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing ❤😊
Thank you so much for your honest information about Japan Chani! If I were younger, I would be very tempted to move to Japan myself.
Not related but that shirt is so complimentary to your eyes!
🔵 my son previewed the video for me and he thought I digitally altered my eyes! But it is just the shirt making them look more blue than normal 🤣
Your statement about 'creating a home' definitely hit close to home (so to speak). Lived where I am for 25 years, but it's never really felt like home to me - and having lost my spouse the final ties to this place are gone. But when I returned to Japan last year, I felt like a peace I've not known in decades. So, I'm definitely inspired by your words and deeds. Been looking at property and VISA requirements ever since. I'm interested in having a place to retire, work on my writing business, and live... just... _live_ for once.
Anyway, the greatest success to you with this new stage of life. The foyer looked amazing! I'd be interested to know more about the A/C situation - as I'm terrible with heat. The irony of being in Texas is not lost on me. (And that tax rate was crazy! How could it be that low?!)
Recently found your channel - thank you for the informative and honest videos! 😊 To start, my husband and I are simply looking for a vacation home to be able to spend more time in Japan. Somewhere outside of the city or somewhere rural. Maybe in the future, if opportunity permits, we'll look into moving to Japan permanently but we don't want to be working there as we heard working in Japan can be tough. Also, I've subscribed!
Welcome!
Thank you for taking the time to set the misinformation straight that was clearly written by someone solely out for 'clicks' and traffic credit.
You have worked very hard to get your own home in Japan and are enjoying that effort. Thank you for sharing your life story, truths including the not so shiny moments that go along with it all. You are much respected and appreciated! Thanks again!
I love your channel thanks for sharing your valuable life
Thanks for watching!
We got up to the mountains near Tottori, and there are a few houses falling down up there... at the same time, there are some nice houses that people have done up and look great... so completely agree - there are houses collapsing, but they are in far off places, and tend to be the exception.
It must be so frustrating to see your story/photos used out of context, Chani. I admire your ability to stay cool, calm and collected as you set the record straight! Very well done too!
You tell 'em Chani. I hate it when a story is distorted like that! For me, I would move to Japan in a heart-beat if there was a long-term residency visa that didn't require me to work (since I am retired). It's unclear whether or not you can actually move there and be guaranteed a residency visa. Instructions I've seen online say you have to ask in person at the embassy (which in my case is in another country). They could make it a little easier??
tks for the sincere content! being in Japan since the nineties I did the same and absolutely THERE IS NOT such a thing as a collapsing Japan. A nation accustomed to live on tatami and sleep on thin futon has a looooong way before "collapse"! I do not even worry about low birth rates here because for me, Japan need just three japanese nationals to be alive to push forward the unique miracle of its hard core culture and teach to the collapsing west more profound values to live with.
As usual, journalists never let the facts get in way of a good story!!!!!!!! Great video.
Good on you Chani! looks like a lovely house and a really cute cat. Best wishes for your life in Japan from a NZ'er who used to live there.
Thank you! 😊
1. Cost of living. 2. Opportunity and living a fulfilling adventurous life, 3. Culture and community, 4. Living mortgage free, 5. Diversity of entertainment and things to do, 6. More mobile life, vs sedentary.
These are just a fewr reasons why we are selling our home to move to Japan in the new year. Through 100s of hours of research, so much of what can be found online highlights the negative vs the positive. Also why I love your channel. Just an honest evaluation of life in Japan for someone non Japanese. Inspiring for sure to know it can be done so well without being independently wealthy.
This is my dream too as an older single woman with my cat. I have a realestate license and even though i dont speck the language yet i hope there is a way to integrate my love of old Japanese homes and perhaps helping others find their dream home! You are doing great and appreciate the inspiration and hope you are showing us!❤️
Pay absolutely no attention to this media outlet. They always do sensationalism type stories. They generally steal from other credible sources and stories and make their own version. There are risks and then there are calculated risks. You researched thoroughly before taking on this risk. You have found your little pocket of happiness and the rewards and benefits from doing it so ( successfully) should be applauded. Coming from Australia myself, and just having bought a house with a large mortgage, due to how ridiculous the prices are here in Australia, I do get a very satisfying feeling by watching your videos and what you have managed to achieve. More luck to you on this wonderful journey 😊
Hello, I haven’t heard you mention your name yet. One of your videos popped up on my CZcams yesterday. I have watched a few now and am enjoying them. I live in Brisbane. I am a Japanophile and would love to travel around Japan and live there for say 3-6 months. I’m now 65 and have only travelled to Japan once back in 2018 for 5 months. I will be coming over again in November for 3-1/2 weeks. I worked for a Japanese company in Brisbane for 30 years and we would have expats come every 5 years or so. I have many friends that live and work in Tokyo and a friend living in Nagasaki. Good on you for making the move, I admire what you have done and living your best life.. Cheers Kaylee
Hi I’m Chani
I am glad you did this video. Owning a house and not pay heavy rentals is the right way to go. In a limited lifetime, too many people are just working so hard to pay for accommodation and food that they have no time left to enjoy life.
Wishing you the best
I've been to many dying villages in many parts of Japan and actual falling down houses like in that second article are really rare. In fact they usually look better from the street than they really are. The most actually collapsed places I've seen were not really houses, were in Hokkaido where a number of winter cycles can do it when there are no neighbours, and I got the impression those places were not really old but built during the boom. Houses that look a bit tired are much more common than collapsed or overgrown houses.
I agree, there are a few older, messy houses around if you look hard enough.
@@ChaniJapan Yep, I've probably seen more hoarder houses in Japan than collapsed or overgrown houses, and they're not exactly common.
I'm interested to buy in Japan because I love the country and I have a daughter in law and granddaughter there. Also the cost of living in the U.S. is extremely high. My retirement funds would go further in Japan.
This was a great video! Thanks for sharing. It’s unfortunate, but in the world of mainstream media, I guess sad and disrupting content draws attention. Everyone has there own reasons of moving to Japan. If it makes sense, then go do what we want to pursue. I just moved to Japan. Sold a 1BD room condo in US and bought a 5 BD room in Japan with price less then what I originally bought in the US. It was a no brainer lol
You did the right thing, I love you home. It's disgusting that the media company did what they did.
I'd love to be as brave as you as love everything about Japanese culture, it's a dream to visit.
Keep strong Hun. Big hugs from Kent Uk. X
Hi Chani! Your reasons for wanting to move to Japan align exactly with what I have being dreaming of myself. Somewhere nice and affordable to live with good infrastructure to call my own and not having to pay rent or a huge mortgage. I don't want to have the stress or burden of debt for the rest of my later years. I don't think I should be so worried if my home will be worth hundreds of thousands more than I initially invested in it in order to support my retirement. I'd rather save up the money I would pay to rent/mortgage and have that money in an account where I can access it anytime. In my country (Canada) the prices of houses is so extreme from even just 30-40 years ago, but it's not really real, if that market crashes and house prices plummet those perceived investment gains are just gone.
It looks like that 2nd article was just sensationalism/clickbait. I love that you have taken an adventure with life that makes you happy!
Thanks again for another informative video, Chani. I guess the second article took a similar approach to the abandoned home story that I've seen on the NHK channel app, although those stories haven't mentioned anything about people getting 'stung' with the costs. But the reality in any country, if you're buying a 'fixer-upper', whatever you save in purchasing it, may require further investment to renovate. The overall costs that you've mentioned in your videos, seems very reasonable! My mom had inherited property in Okinawa for decades that were empty lots, and decided to build a house on one in 2017 for around $60,000! It had to be up to typhoon code as well, so that was pretty cheap. Not sure if today post-lockdown, building a house in Japan is that cheap. But that could be an option for some, buy the land, knock down a really run down house, then building a fresh new one.
Could be a option if you can afford it 😀
You inspire me with every video. I’m excited for your Japanese language lessons. 😊
Thank you! 😃
Somewhere to live that I can afford. That is the simple answer in a single sentence. I live in the countryside now (in Aus), so inaka is fine by me. Language is my only barrier to Japan, which is a country I visit each year. I am unlikely to get a full time visa as I am retired, but Japan as a base for my travels is a perfect fit for me. Your videos are great, keep up the good work.
Both my partner and I fell in love with the country and visit regularly. Our dream is to buy a place to stay when we visit, also because we hope to stay for longer periods of time after we retire. We are well aware that properties in Japan lose value with time, due for instance to safety regulations getting stricter with time, and so this is not going to be an investment, just a treat to ourselves, as costs can be so low (of course, the condition of the building must also be kept in mind, as we would rather avoid the hassle of substantial renovations). Ideally, we would love a wooden traditional house, in a rural but fearly easily accessible area.
I'm not sure if i want to move to Japan yet, i'm currently considering attending a Japanese language school in 2025 for a year to see how i like it there. But the reasons i'm considering it are both because Japan seems like such a nice country to live in and also because i'd actually be able to buy my own home in a few years (even on a Japanese salary) I'm currently still living at home with my parents at 25 because the house prices here are completely unaffordable for me😢
As usual, This is great information! lol I read that 'fear-mongering' article and had a good laugh. Unless the ONLY research you do on Akiyas are the Major news outlets that report all the negative side of the abandoned homes, or the 'FREE houses' international stories. anyone who takes some time to research and Watch videos like yours knows most of the positive, negative and hidden cost side or Buying and living in an Akiya
My reason for wanting to buy an Akiya in japan is - I Have stage 4 Cancer ( iDH Mutated Glioblastoma) and Want to do more with my life than sit around and wait for it to kill me. My wife and I love Japan and All the things we learn from Watching NHK. So we decided to set a Goal of trying to Live in Japan for a few years and Experience living in another country.
That is a great plan. Enjoy your life how you want. ❤️🙏
I love the dry humor 😂 My reasons for wanting an Akiya are the same as yours, to have a place of my own w/o rent and living the Japanese dream
We have a nice mansion in Tokyo, but it’s nice to leave the concrete jungle once in awhile and enjoy some “greenery” on occasion. We’ve been kind of casually looking along the coast for a fixer upper. Like you, we really don’t want to spend a lot of money. Perhaps I’m just looking for a retirement “project” to keep me out of trouble 😉. I’m looking forward to learning more about Japanese plumbing, carpentry, and DIY products. I’ve dabbled with small projects at the condo, but looking for a little more of a challenge. There are lots of smaller vacation cabins that were built during Japan’s heyday boom years, but finding one that suits our needs and isn’t too far up a crumbling, windy, narrow road is proving to be a bit more challenging than we thought. 😅 You’re an inspiration for sure !
A project sounds like fun!
In my case I'm looking for a holiday home. Probably in Okinawa although another in Tokyo/Chiba/Saitama might be useful. Thanks for your videos!
That's cool how you can hire and talk to Japanese handymen! What you're doing is quite interesting, I'll be following your journey. Perhaps you can buy another Akiya and setup an AirBnB side hustle.
I would love to do that in Wakayama so all you guys can come and stay 😀
@@ChaniJapanwakayama in kansai? I'd totally visit you! 🤣 i've only ever been to kansai on 4 trips, theres so much left to explore
Yes, agreed Chani, you CAN still find an affordable house to renovate in Japan. People just need to do their homework. For us it was more economical to buy land and build for our business. There is one abandoned house ( that I know of) in our area that has experienced a lot of water and structural damage. I don’t know if it is available but it would cost a lot to make liveable. But there are also affordable properties for sale, like yours, that just need some TLC.
Thank you for your video, you gave me so much courage to buy an Akiya house and move to Japan from my country, This is what different between some people who still live in the dream and you, you show the reality life needs to face the challenges, have a great life in Japan, hope I will be there soon
Best of luck!
@@ChaniJapan ty