This week, we're joined by Mitch, the founder of Ikigai Collective, a company specializing in building luxury tiny homes. Mitch shares his journey of moving to Japan, his passion for building, and how he integrates the concept of 'Ikigai'—a Japanese philosophy meaning 'purpose for being'—into his business. Additionally, Mitch talks about his engagement with the local community, including the building of a community skate park. The episode offers a comprehensive look at the nuances of  constructing tiny homes in Japan, the importance of community engagement, and the rewarding experiences that come with pursuing one's passion. Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com]. 01:07 Meet Mitch from Ikigai Collective 02:11 Building Tiny Homes in Japan 06:50 Living and Working in Nozawa Onsen 12:07 Tiny Homes as a Business 16:37 Technical Aspects of Tiny Homes 23:22 Tiny House Industry in Japan 27:10 A to Z Service for Tiny Homes 32:19 Community Involvement and Skate Park 37:08 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Coming to you from Tama Base Camp, Joey and Take welcome special guest Ryan, the representative director of AkiyaMart in Japan, to talk about what's going on with the laundromat purchase in Tama. They delve into details about the financial aspects, potential improvements, and unique challenges of the Japanese real estate and business market.  Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com/]. 00:46 Ryan's Background and Role 02:57 Navigating Business in Japan 05:14 M&A Process and Challenges 09:29 Facility and Operational Concerns 11:29 Future Plans and Improvements 14:08 Identifying the Target Customer 19:19 Financial Analysis and Lease Details 21:12 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Ken and Lan join Take and Joey to share their fascinating story of purchasing a unique house in Osaka, originally an udon shop. They dive into the challenges and emotional rollercoaster of the buying process, including the initial excitement, unexpected delays, and final resolution. The episode sheds light on the practical aspects of house hunting, the importance of patience, and the tools and resources they utilized, including AkiyaMart. Ken and Lan also discuss potential future plans for the property, hinting at a coffee shop, coin laundry, and more. From navigating real estate norms in Japan to dealing with personal setbacks, this episode is a comprehensive guide to buying property in Japan filled with insights and real-life experiences. Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com/]. 01:36 Meet Ken and Lan: Background and Professions 02:28 Ken's Experience in Osaka 04:54 Childhood Influences and Love for Japan 06:37 Ken's Passion for Cars and MMA 09:41 Choosing Osaka: Influences and Accessibility 12:27 The Property Purchase Process 26:34 Virtual Viewings and Sweaty Summers 28:08 Challenges in the Competitive Osaka Market 31:04 The Udon Shop Property Saga 33:18 The Missing Owner Mystery 38:15 A Glimmer of Hope and Finalizing the Purchase 43:01 First Impressions and Future Plans

Erik is back to share his recent success in acquiring a $69 house near Niigata [https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/177567065?currency=usd&is-metric=false], making it his third property in the area. The hosts dive into the details of the purchase, including the challenges of double commission fees and the overall costs associated with putting the house in his name. Erik and the team discuss potential renovations, the perks of the location, and future plans for the property. They also touch on topics like the local fish market, kite surfing, and potential issues such as tsunami risks and neighboring abandoned properties. Towards the end, the conversation shifts to other real estate ventures, including a possible surf house in Shikoku and the ongoing adventures in snowboarding and kite surfing.   Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://www.akiya-mart.com/]. 02:52 Understanding the $69 House Deal 03:55 Double Commission Fees Explained 06:19 Breakdown of Additional Costs 09:02 Property Details and Future Plans 11:59 Renovation and Legal Considerations 25:00 Estimating Renovation Costs 25:34 Discussing Property Condition 26:40 Siding and Structural Concerns 28:37 Tear Down Properties 29:03 Potential of the Miko Spot 30:40 Sauna Business Ideas 32:11 Mobile and Off-Grid Living 34:07 Snowboarding and Surfing Adventures 39:23 Exploring New Property Opportunities 43:28 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Joey and Take welcome back Ninh, a seasoned investor who has successfully purchased three properties in Japan. Ninh shares his journey, detailing his investment strategy, the challenges he faced, and the rewards of owning properties in Japan. He highlights the importance of due diligence, the value of optionality in investments, and the impact of global economic conditions on local real estate markets. With in-depth discussions on property renovations, market trends, and economic analysis, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in real estate investment in Japan. A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store [https://akiyamart.myshopify.com/]. Get yours before they're gone! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://www.akiya-mart.com/]. 05:12 Japan's Economic Landscape 07:15 Real Estate Strategies in Japan 11:34 Ninh's Property Portfolio 13:33 Renovation Stories and Design Choices 18:01 Property Management and Financials 29:45 Rapid Renovations and Furnishing 40:09 Market Trends and Chinese Investments 45:33 Multi-Unit Property Strategy 54:55 Final Thoughts and Advice for Buyers

It's here. Episode 100! Coming to you from Tama Base Camp, Joey and Take celebrate their journey and milestones reached along the way. They reflect on their initial intentions, unexpected successes, and their experience of the past couple years, including the coin laundry they're buying in Tama. They share retrospective highlights, including memorable characters and pivotal decisions that shaped their journey. The episode underscores the blend of learning, adventure, and business evolution experienced over the past two years. A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store [https://akiyamart.myshopify.com/]. Get yours before they're gone! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://www.akiya-mart.com/]. 00:00 Celebrating Episode 100 02:00 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 08:03 It's happening. Buying a Coin Laundry 16:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Japan 26:57 Memorable Characters and Stories 32:43 Lowest Moments in Property Buying 37:03 Building a Business in Japan 46:20 Exciting Collaborations and Future Plans

On this week's episode, Joey and Take catch up after their summer vacations and give some updates on various property investments in Japan, such as insulation projects, property renovations, and successful property sales. They also discuss their new business venture: purchasing a coin laundry business in Tama. Then they give a preview of the next episode, coming to you from Japan for number 100. Let's go! A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store [https://akiyamart.myshopify.com]. Get yours before they're gone! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://www.akiya-mart.com] 01:30 Summer Vacation Recap 05:27 Property Updates and Renovations 12:18 Investment Property Insights 17:47 Structural Issues and Renovation Challenges 23:01 Challenges in Buying a Coin Laundry Business 30:22 Exploring Business Multipliers and Profitability 35:09 Upcoming Japan Trip and Exciting Plans 37:26 Episode 99 Wrap-Up and Teasers for Episode 100

Joey, and Take are once again joined by Erik. This time, diving into their experiences buying akiya, covering unique challenges and insights only akiya buyers would understand.  Key topics include the intricacies of dealing with Japanese trash regulations, the constant need for temperature regulation in older homes, and the intricacies of Amazon deliveries. They also explore the nuances of Japanese door locks, the perpetual state of home renovations, and the importance of balancing wealth and health while living in Japan.  A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store [https://akiyamart.myshopify.com]. Get yours before they're gone! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com] 01:01 Introduction to the Hosts 03:03 Erik's Trip to Niigata 09:28 Understanding Japanese Trash Culture 22:05 Navigating Cultural Differences 23:10 Locking Systems in Japan 24:28 AkiyaMart Direct Program 25:02 Understanding Japanese Home Construction 31:20 Challenges of Eating Out in Japan 37:11 The Importance of Having a Car 38:34 Amazon Delivery Issues 41:55 Managing Property Maintenance 42:49 Conclusion and Merch Announcement

In this episode, Joey and Take discuss their latest venture into buying small businesses in Japan, specifically focusing on a coin laundromat in the Tokyo suburb of Tama. They explore the opportunities and challenges presented by Japan's declining population and its impact on the small business market. Is it the first episode of Buying a Laundromat in Japan? Stay tuned! A limited supply of coin laundry-themed t-shirts are available in the AkiyaMart merch store. [https://akiyamart.myshopify.com/] Get yours before they're gone! Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com/] 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:34 Meet the Hosts and Their Journey 01:36 Exploring the Idea of Buying a Small Business 02:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Small Business Acquisition 03:49 Specific Business Opportunity: Coin Laundry 05:29 Financial Considerations and Initial Steps 07:18 Potential Business Enhancements and Future Plans 20:19 Brainstorming the Laundromat Concept 21:00 Naming the Laundromat 24:28 Franchise Considerations 25:14 Marketing Strategies 26:37 Launch Party Ideas 30:41 Merchandise Announcement 36:19 Upcoming Japan Trip 38:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

In this episode, returning guest Nick from Japan Remotely discusses the recent changes in the Business Manager Visa regulations, which have drastically increased the initial investment requirement and mandated the hiring of local employees. He also addresses alternative visa options, the importance of contributing to the Japanese community, and how these changes impact future relocation plans. Additionally, Nick provides an update on his personal journey, including potential plans to move to Fukuoka, and introduces new resources like Japan Remotely Academy for those seeking to navigate these new immigration challenges. Buying a House in Japan is a production of AkiyaMart. Find your Japan dream home at akiya-mart.com [https://akiya-mart.com/]. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:40 Nick Woolley's Expertise in Japanese Immigration 01:52 Understanding the Artist Visa 03:46 Nick's Personal and Business Updates 05:50 Considering Relocation Options 07:11 Fukuoka as a Potential Destination 10:53 Changes to the Business Manager Visa 14:39 Implications of the New Visa Requirements 25:14 Future Business Strategies and Opportunities 26:24 Challenges of Hiring in Japan 27:34 Navigating Startup Capital Requirements 30:41 Visa Renewal Concerns 31:27 Impact of Visa Abuse Cases 34:51 Strategies for Moving to Japan 36:31 Exploring Alternative Visa Options 40:26 Combining Work and AIA Business 42:50 Adapting to New Visa Regulations 46:21 Final Thoughts and Solutions

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Joey and Taka sit down with Melanie and Christian, recent buyers through the AkiyaMart Direct Buyers Club. The couple shares their journey from the U.S. to Uno, Okayama, where they purchased and began renovating their dream property. They talk about what first drew them to Japan, the challenges of navigating the buying process, tackling a major termite infestation, and their vision to transform the home into an artist residency. Along the way, they highlight the importance of community, preparation, and local support. 📸 Check out Melanie and Christian's project: * Website: LINK [https://www.sadouinn.com/] * Instagram: LINK [https://www.instagram.com/thesadouinn/profilecard/?igsh=emdpOGpjM3o4aXl1] * Airbnb listings: [Chicchai Room] LINK [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1389014087226586156?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=48f7dbbb-f38d-4867-861b-54bc8b90d771] | [Sadou Suite]  LINK [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1389014087226586156?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=48f7dbbb-f38d-4867-861b-54bc8b90d771&source_impression_id=p3_1756461489_P3nq0yjlH_A9IUYn]  [Moonrise Suite] LINK [https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1389014087226586156?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=48f7dbbb-f38d-4867-861b-54bc8b90d771&source_impression_id=p3_1756461489_P3nq0yjlH_A9IUYn] Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to the AkiyaMart Direct Buyers Club 00:50 – Meet Melanie & Christian 01:11 – Melanie's Journey to Japan 03:04 – Christian's Dream of Japan 03:32 – Discovering Japanese Real Estate 06:10 – Choosing Okayama & Uno 12:03 – The Artist Residency Vision 16:30 – The Purchase Process 28:06 – Ryo's Crucial Role 29:02 – Navigating the Transaction 29:43 – Money Transfer Challenges 30:37 – From Offer to Keys in Hand 33:46 – First Impressions & Initial Challenges 38:28 – Dealing with Termites 45:29 – Community Support & Involvement 50:34 – Advice for Future Buyers 52:01 – Future Plans & Closing Thoughts

Navigating Japan Property and DIY Challenges with AkiyaMart Consultant Jay Horta In this episode of the Buying A House in Japan Podcast, hosts Take, Joey and Jay, an AkiyaMart consultant, delve into the intricacies of purchasing and renovating properties in Japan. Jay Horta shares his personal experiences with challenging renovations, budgeting tips, and the value of buying in smaller towns. Despite hurdles, including unregistered vehicles and costly home repairs, Jay provides advice on planning, determining a property's purpose, and understanding renovation costs. The conversation also explores the appeal of Japan's culture, the safety benefits, and life in less-populated areas. Tune in for practical insights and real-life stories on buying a house in Japan. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:34 Meet Jay Horta: Background and Experience 01:29 Challenges of Owning Property in Japan 03:27 Jay's Journey to Japan and Cultural Insights 09:44 First Property Purchase: Lessons Learned 17:39 The Van Saga: A Cautionary Tale 23:15 Speed Cameras and Visa Concerns 23:54 Advice for Buying Property in Japan 25:10 Negotiating Property Prices 25:46 Property Features and Renovations 27:48 Budgeting for Property Purchase 33:19 Living in Japan: Safety and Lifestyle 35:35 Visa Challenges and Solutions 37:50 Construction and Renovation Tips 41:53 Preparing for Property Consultations

Website Challenges, Investment Strategies, and the Complexities of Establishing a Japanese Corporation In this episode of the 'Buying A House in Japan' podcast, hosts Joey and Take discuss various issues and updates. They begin by addressing recent challenges with their website, including issues with scrapers and duplicate listings, and their plans to fix these problems. Next, they provide insights into their Akio property investments and talk about possibly consolidating their assets to invest in a higher-quality property. They also delve into their experiences establishing a Japanese corporation, handling legal documents, and navigating the complex Japanese bureaucracy. The episode wraps up with a discussion on possible future investments and overcoming business challenges in Japan. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:40 Podcast Milestones and Future Plans 01:41 Website Issues and Fixes 05:14 Challenges with Duplicate Listings 09:55 Akiya Bank Listings and Challenges 14:11 Reddit Community Reactions 16:40 Consolidating Akiya Investments 23:54 Travel Logistics and Future Plans 27:01 Wrapping Up and Moving Forward 27:16 Property Updates and Sales Strategy 29:31 Challenges of Starting a Business in Japan 33:30 Navigating Japanese Bureaucracy 40:05 Visa Requirements and Office Space 48:09 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Navigating Japan's Rental Market with Robert. In this episode of the 'Buying a House in Japan Podcast,' the hosts interview Robert, an AkiyaMart preferred agent, Robert. The conversation delves extensively into the rental market for foreigners in Japan, offering invaluable insights and advice. Robert shares his journey from arriving in Japan in 1984 to becoming a seasoned real estate agent specializing in rental properties for foreigners. They discuss the challenges and nuances of the Japanese rental market, including the importance of having a domestic phone number, bank account, and emergency contact for renting a property. They also tackle topics such as the condition of property listings, the role of the Rains database, and the seldom-discussed potential of leasehold properties. Providing practical advice for prospective renters and buyers, the episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the real estate landscape in Japan. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:35 Meet Robert Sorenson: From Navy to Real Estate 02:48 Challenges and Changes in the Rental Market 05:08 Understanding SOFA Status and Military Rentals 08:18 Photography in Japanese Real Estate Listings 14:20 The Role of Rains in Japanese Real Estate 22:56 Navigating Rental Contracts as a Foreigner 28:02 Navigating the Japanese Rental Market 28:14 Securing a Japanese Phone Number 29:23 Apartment Hunting in Tokyo: Budget Breakdown 34:49 Understanding Guarantor Companies 39:52 Advice for Buying Property in Japan 42:50 Leasehold Properties: A Missed Opportunity? 45:56 Ideal Vacation Homes in Japan 47:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Take and Joey discuss important updates for their growing listener base. They introduce their new subscription service on AkiyaMart, featuring property alerts, historical sales data, disaster risk filters, and an Airbnb eligibility tool. The conversation also covers various improvements, such as the addition of satellite views and ownership rights filters. Joey shares insights into the complexities of Japanese real estate, the current political climate that might affect foreign property buyers, and personal anecdotes about their brewing interest in active lifestyles and vacation plans. The hosts close by reflecting on their journey and expressing appreciation for user feedback that has helped fine-tune their service. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:26 New Features and Updates 03:11 Espresso Machine Upgrades 07:47 Nagasaki House Sale 09:39 Contractor Challenges 13:50 Japanese Politics and Real Estate 25:03 Future Plans and Travel 28:49 Planning the Koto Trip 29:17 Virtual Assistant Services 30:13 Booking and Travel Tips 31:49 Amazon in Japan 32:50 New Subscription Launch 33:52 Exciting New Features 38:19 Airbnb Eligibility Insights 44:15 Ownership Rights Filter 45:51 Disaster Risk Filters 49:00 Layout and Room Count Filter 55:28 Subscription Plans and Marketing 57:45 Final Thoughts and User Feedback

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, hosts Joey and Take welcome judicial scrivener Hiro to explain his role in real estate transactions in Japan. Hiro, who has over 26 years of experience, clarifies the difference between a judicial and administrative scrivener and details the complex process of title transfers, emphasizing how his services simplify the procedure for foreigners. The discussion covers topics like inheritance laws, the required documentation for property purchases, and the potential risks of not using a judicial scrivener. Hiro also shares insights about his personal journey into the profession and the importance of working with knowledgeable professionals in the real estate market. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 00:44 Understanding the Role of a Judicial Scrivener 01:00 Meet Hiro: Our Judicial Scrivener 01:48 The Real Estate Transaction Process 03:53 Hiro's Journey to Becoming a Judicial Scrivener 07:04 Specializations and Services of Judicial Scriveners 08:15 The Importance of Using a Judicial Scrivener 10:16 Document Requirements and Identity Verification 20:03 Inheritance and Real Estate in Japan 24:42 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode of the Buying A House in Japan Podcast, the team—Erik, Joey, and Take—reunite to discuss critical steps and considerations for purchasing property in Japan. They cover a wide range of topics from setting up a Wise.com account for seamless fund transfers, understanding the cultural and logistical differences in rural Japan, to tempering expectations on the transaction timeline. Eric highlights the importance of a vision board for your ideal property, Joey emphasizes having extra cash on hand and dealing with Japan's unique bureaucratic challenges, while Take stresses the need for energy and flexibility in this process. The episode also touches on the implications of Japan's current political climate on foreign property buyers and underscores the importance of having realistic expectations. Overall, the discussion provides practical tips for anyone serious about buying a house in Japan. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:49 Morning Coffee Rituals 02:46 Current Events in Japan 03:54 Political Climate and Real Estate 09:30 Six Things to Know Before Buying Property in Japan 21:55 Defining Your Dream Home 22:28 The Vision Board Approach 22:49 Real Estate Search Success Story 23:52 Visa Challenges and Realities 25:13 Navigating Japanese Bureaucracy 29:16 Energy and Commitment Required 35:09 Financial Preparedness 37:32 Final Tips and Encouragement

In this episode of the Buying A House in Japan Podcast, Joey and Take reflect on their ongoing journey of purchasing homes in Japan over the past two and a half years. Joey shares his globetrotting adventures from Halifax to various parts of Japan and California. The hosts discuss the challenges and triumphs of maintaining multiple properties, including the importance of road access, weather conditioning, and overall project management. They also explore potential new projects like container homes, and reflect on the enjoyment and struggles with their current AKIYA houses. Despite acknowledging the immense effort required for such undertakings, both Joey and TKE express their satisfaction with owning homes in Japan and consider future possibilities. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:35 Reflecting on Past Episodes 02:24 Current Locations and Recent Travels 03:19 Driving Adventures in Japan 05:37 Traveling with Elderly Parents 10:18 Exploring Karuizawa 13:59 Exploring a Potential Property Project 15:05 Challenges of Maintaining Multiple Properties 17:27 Considering New Property Projects 18:47 Review of Kazaa and Local Attractions 19:49 Unexpected Earthquake Prediction 21:24 Vehicle Registration and Maintenance 22:50 House Maintenance Tips and Challenges 27:07 Reflecting on Property Investments 28:33 Future Property Aspirations

In this episode of the 'Buying a House in Japan' podcast, the hosts discuss the latest updates on their property renovations. Current challenges include overgrown gardens that need immediate attention, and house interiors that are mostly complete, except for outdated kitchens and treacherous staircases. They reflect on the progress made so far and outline next steps for achieving a fully polished property. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:43 House Maintenance Priorities 01:31 Garden Overhaul 04:13 Indoor Renovations and Kitchen Talk 07:21 Shower Experience 11:25 Property Investment Insights 13:37 Final Thoughts and Next Steps

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, the hosts celebrate their final in-person recording before switching to remote sessions. They reflect on their time together, especially Joey's recent experiences in Otaru, Japan—a place known for its cold weather, stunning scenery, and surprisingly excellent food scene, including standout Neapolitan pizza. Joey updates listeners on a property purchase in Otaru—a duplex with significant potential for Airbnb rentals or personal use. The discussion spans topics from the challenges of snow removal to the unique architecture of the area. They touch on the real estate market trends in Japan and introduce new features on their Amart platform, including sold data for better market insights. Exciting travel plans and personal anecdotes round out this episode, offering a blend of real estate advice, travel tips, and culinary delights. 00:00 A Bold Pizza Claim 00:24 Podcast Reunion and Future Plans 00:41 California Vibes and Sauna Mornings 01:14 Travel Tales: From Indonesia to Hokkaido 01:53 Property Purchase in Otaru 04:13 Exploring Otaru: Scenic Train Rides and Cold Weather 07:25 Otaru's Food Scene: From Seafood to Pizza 11:37 Challenges of Buying Property in Otaru 13:36 Exploring Dual-Purpose Living Spaces 14:22 Property Condition and Necessary Updates 15:25 Amart Seal of Approval: Nagasaki and Beyond 17:37 Real Estate Trends and Market Insights 21:08 Travel Plans and Personal Stories 26:27 New Features and Future Plans for Amart