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