In under a year you have: 1) Moved overseas to Japan (after planning and saving up for 2 years in Australia); 2) Managed to find an employer and a job and organized a work visa; 3) Found a rental apartment; 4) Bought a car; 5) Purchased an Akiya for USD 13k, and: 6) renovated/remodeled the home substantially, converted a garage space and patio putting in labor and hiring a handyman for bathroom and pipe refitting after dealing with the Council - all by yourself as a lady in her late 40s. -- And you have done all this quietly with dignity. I guarantee most UA-camrs in Japan would have been creating drama and whining for AT LEAST 5-10 episodes for EACH of the points mentioned above. You have done in under 1 year what it takes most people at least 5 years to do (if at all). What you've achieved is EXTRAORDINARY! I wish you the very best going forward.
Oh 🤔 when you mention all these things it sounds crazy that I even thought I could do it. From that moment I started saving I had a strong vision of what I wanted to achieve. I have more ideas in the pipeline that I am very excited about 🤗😁 Thank you for reminding me how far I’ve come ❤️
Agree. The first video I watched, Chani mentioned she had received some harsh critics about the whole thing... I mean, HOW???! How?! How many people can actually do what she did and do it so brilliantly? I'm pretty strong and resourceful but I don't think I could do all this, it's too overwhelming to me. I'm really, really impressed. As one should be!
I'm also living in Japan. I know life ain't easy here ;) you did very well. Very amazing story. Kudos to your strength and ability to handle so much yourself
I admit, I would prefer being in Tokyo but I would grow tired of it quickly. At this moment, I can look over my back fence and see woodland and farms. I think I would appreciate a rural setting in Japan, too.
As someone who don't understand why people wanted small spaces in tokyo compared to country side with bigger space? Wondering how many calamities hit big cities compared to villages and why People wanted to move out when they could just expand the city center of their prefecture?
That's what i love about UA-cam, you can find the channel/youtuber that speaks to you. Im older to, can't connect with the younguns aa much. I can feel happy for them...but never watch again😂😂
Contrary to what you seem to believe the easiest way to move to Japan is to do what Chani did. Teach English. Money doesnt help you much with getting a VISA.
@@maiy8786 Hmmm... you got me thinking... I'm a qualified and experienced teacher of English, with a reasonable-ish level of Japanese... Maybe a potential future here...
My sister just bought a house here in the UK and she had to pay £200,000/$385,000AUD for a house that's not much bigger than yours in an area thats not very nice, and with neighbours who aren't great. Crazy how much cheaper things are in Japan while also being higher quality. I'm learning Japanese right now and building my business so I can hopefully move there in the next few years. Your video showed me that my goal isnt as unrealistic as I had worried, and your other video about your monthly expenses surprised me with how little money it takes to live a fairly comfortable life over there in a place that's so safe and friendly.
While everything seems great in Japan for the short term. How to prepare for retirement in the long term? Can you retire in Japan or you have to go back home?
I lived in Japan (Tokyo and Nara) for 20 years before returning to the U.S. Seeing you tackle challenges brings back many memories. You have made great choices in your house and location. I look forward to your videos. You have such a pleasant delivery style in your speech and positive attitude. Thank you and best wishes!
This is funny: I also spent nearly 20 years in Japan, both near Nara and in Tokyo. I don't think Japan is right for many foreigners: the countryside can feel lonely and boring while city life is busy (exhausting) and cramped everywhere (seating in restaurants, trains and even the apartments) if not outright claustrophobic. Most Japanese are trying to get out, so they think the foreigners who go there are strange. I always thought the best investment decision I ever made was not to buy property in Japan. Maybe prices are low enough now for there to be no downside. But I am not sure. The Japanese government is desperate to raise taxes. They won't cut spending: they want to raise taxes. So I worry about the innovative tax traps that might be around the corner. I don't know what is coming. But I never imagined the BOJ would be buying shares on the stock exchange either (as part of the quantitative easing). But I am pretty sure foreigners are walking into tax traps. I hope I am wrong.
Very few people at late 40s have the courage to start their life from scratch in a totally different country. Very inspirational to me! congrats on all your accomplishments in Japan. Hope you have a wonderful life there!
Not much better out west in Adelaide way either. Pretty amazing that for the price of a house deposit in Australia (or in Chani's case, not even a house deposit), you can get a whole property renovated somewhere else.
Having a closed (lockable) garage inside the main house is such a luxury in urban areas of Japan. That was great thinking ! Did the local building authorities give you any grief or was separate permitting required to change the former beauty salon into a garage ? (IE: did they require any structural changes to accommodate the big garage door ? ) Despite the limited choices one has when getting one of those Toto bath inserts, I think they’re totally worth it. Easy to clean, plenty of shower space and the tubs are usually deep enough to soak your shoulders. Sure, it would have been nice to pick custom tiles or a fancy tub, but just think how easy those are for maintenance!
For the garage, nothing was needed permit wise to change as the house was already on commercial/residential land. There already was an old door so structurally I didn't have to change anything just remove the glass door behind the roller door. 😀
I payed 3000 a month in rent for 12 months in San Francisco, CA, USA. $36000 for a 1 bedroom APT. Let that sink in. Why am I still here 🇺🇲? I love Japan🇯🇵. This just sold me. Have you ever been interviewed before? I want to do this so bad it hurts.
@@ChaniJapanActually $3000 a month in rent in SF is not too bad. My son paid more. Don’t forget the income might be at least 5-6 times of an average Japanese. And when you retire in US, your maximize social security income can be over $4000US a month but if someone moves to Japan, retirement back to home country without proper savings can be a major problem. It’s risky to move to Japan without thinking about retirement in the long run.
Chani - Great story telling (you must be a very good English teacher), great video editing, and btw superb work with the house. Wish you a great journey in Japan, and a lot of success with this channel. 🙂
Hello from USA Hats off to you . Going to a new country, taking up a job and buying a house and working on it yourself or hiring people . Because as women we are scared of being taken advantage of and hiring the right honest people etc. the garage looks awesome. And so does the grass carpet. You knowing Japanese helps a lot too. I am surprised that Japan being such an technology advanced country they don’t have central AC and a dryer for clothes. Your videos have inspired me so much that now I need to start working on my home. Decluttering it, cleaning it sprucing it and making it new.
I love your house! I live in Toronto where home ownership is a difficult if not impossible thing so it's very nice to see your affordable housing experience in Japan. Was very interesting to hear how your neighbours commended you on your rehabilitation of the house. You've helped to make the neighbourhood a more desirable place to live. Looking forward to future installments of Chani Japan!
Oh Chani, your house looks amazing 😍. I absolutely love it and I understand why you are so happy here. I'm so glad that you managed to get the water situation sorted. That can be a nightmare in any house 🏠. I love the cat wall 🧱 😻 and the new bathroom. The kitchen has really scrubbed up well. You have really made this house into a beautiful home 🏡 ❤ 🫶
@@ChaniJapan I saw your video about buyers remorse right after getting your house. Glad to see everything worked out. I am fascinated with Japan life videos (experienced by non Japanese though). Your video editing is perfect, good length, and the narration is clear. Kudos.
Wonderful update. Your place looks great. 39K AUD! I come from a two and a half dog town in Oz and you can't even buy a run-down garage in the worst part of town for that! I am in the process of starting a project in Miyazaki and you have inspired me with your channel to perhaps someday start my own.
I am in my late 20s and have been thinking about the future. So many things change in my dreams but one thing remains constant: I want to live in Japan. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾
Hi from Philadelphia, Chani ! I love what you did to the house and found the costs surprisingly inexpensive. Good on you!! Oh and Miss Millie.. I do believe she knows how gorgeous she is!! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Pets to Millie !!
I'm speechless. You can't buy even a studio apartment anywhere in the U.S for this. Barely a single year of rent with 25k AUD! I'm soon to be 30 and have been looking for an avenue of escape and you just made the impossible look easy. This is the real dream. Debt free in a magical land. Wow.
Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I'm in my 40s and I love seeing someone make their dream come true while they're older instead of in their 20s and showing the realistic view that isn't all rainbows and flowers. I was surprised at the cost for everything when the house was finished. I was not that expensive compared to where I live. I was great to see the transformation.
26k usd?😮 dang so i could totally mive to Japan. My japanese has gotten worse over the years but thats so much more affordable than what we have now. Thank you for posting and updating us.
Best aspect of this channel is your upfront with costs and fees, I know it’s relative to your individual situation and can be significantly different in other areas.
How are you such a legend? It’s so funny like I struggle putting the washing away whilst you’re casually just building a house over there. Honestly I feel like if I was stuck on a deserted with you I’d hand you some coconuts and leaves then in 5 minutes we’d have a luxury cruise liner to escape on.
@@ChaniJapan I think that’s why people like your channel. Your videos are relaxing but at the same time you’re just so on the ball and focused on this project.
Great job! You should definitely take a bow on this accomplishment! The videos you did to document your experience are inspirational!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💙💙💙💙
Amazing work! The house is looking great and it’s so enjoyable to watch you handle all of the challenges living in a new country. I’m looking forward to seeing more from your day to day life.
I am in awe! It takes courage to accomplish what you have done. I cannot WAIT to continue watching your channel. I love your home and your attitude toward life! Love to you both!
You're so lucky to have a great kitchen that just needed to be cleaned! In your bathroom came out great! My husband and I have purchased a couple of houses and sometimes you do run into those nasty surprises. Actually really like your bathroom layout and colors it's very calm. Have you thought long-term about maybe removing the AstroTurf in the garden and having someone come in and remove the old concrete? You could either then replace it with some other type of hardscaping or plant Turf but then that would need to be mowed
When I was young, my dream was to live in Japan for an extended period of time because I really enjoy the culture and the food. The problem is I don't know Japanese. I am retired already and so I don't need to work. May I know how long does it take to learn Japanese and is it hard to learn? When are the areas that doesn't require driving that I should consider living?
The bathroom looks great, even though you had to rush it! I'm a similar age as you and looking to move abroad to get a life of my own as well. But finding a job is really the most important thing to be able to do that. I'm still waiting for my opportunity to come before it's too late for me....
I can't believe that the bathroom was renovated in only one week and that it cost less than $10,000USD (since all of your renovations combined were less than that)! That wouldn't happen in California, where I live. They would say it would take a week and it would take 2 months, and it would cost at least 10% more than they estimated. I think the bathroom is perfect and the kitchen is too, after you cleaned it. You can add pops of color in other ways if you want. Beautiful home, and I love Millie. (I also can't live without my 2 cats.) 😻
Love your make do and mend practical approach Chani! Your home looks great! Thanks for another enjoyable video! Milly is adorable - love the cat wall you provided for her! She looks like a real character!
Hello! Chani, my name is Ivy Seah from Singapore. Jus completed watching your Akiya update on purchase of the house and cost of renovations. It was facinating to see how you made minor changes to it and it certainly looks much newer and pleasant to stay. May I ask which town are you staying in? Am considering retiring in small town like yours in Osaka area. Can you also advise how long it took for the processing and completion of the purchase? Thank you! A Bless weekend ahead:)
Hi Ivy. I am in Wakayama. It took me a few months to find the house and then settlement took around 2 months. Lots of house inspections and meeting with the agents in between.
I really like the honest and simple style of your videos. This is great information about your story of moving to Japan and the real problems you faced and their solutions. Also, Millie must love that cat wall!
Millie is so curious and adorable!!! It was so interesting seeing how much work you did on the house! It now looks brand new and very cute!! Must have been a stressful process but super inspiring.
What a lovely property! I believe this is a labour of love. Kudos to you on showing how single women can get things done👏❤!!! And thank you for sharing all your cost information. It really makes me feel like my goal of moving to Japan is realistic and achievable!😍Thank you!
Thank you Chani for the great video and information! Really informative and I am glad everything turned out well in the end! :)Can't wait to see more of your journey!
Congratulations to you settling into your new life in Japan with your pet. On the outside you sound and appear as gentle as a lamb, but I guess on the inside you are as brave as a lion,to follow your dreams and let nothing hold you back. I admire what you have done and achieved. I came to UK from China 18 years ago with a suitcase like you, major culture shock, had to learn the language etc. but it was worth it in the end. Seven years after renting in UK I was then able to buy my own property, it was super stressful, and I didn’t even have burst pipes lol you are amazing for doing what you have done all within the year! Japan is on my to-do-list and I hope to visit there some day. 😊
Your presentation was very impressive. Your speaking voice is calm and genuine...plus, the accent is authentic. Always appreciate the female point of view...because the mostly male arena is so selective and less interactive. You radiate confidence and imagination...Kudos!!
Absolutely love what you’ve achieved. You should be super proud of yourself ❤. You are motivating me to do the same I’m just in the final stages of the transformation of my apartment that I bought in Italy last year. Japan is also my dream. Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤
You are amazing and brave for having done all this in such a short time. I am sure there were challenges, and you took care of them. Wishing you the best in your beautiful home.
Love the videos Chani! Keep them coming :) We are back at our akiya kominka house next week after a few months back home in Australia. I'm finding lots of inspiration from your renovations! Thank you for the great content.
Fantastic video, really helps with perspectives on cost. We are currently looking in Southern Osaka and Wakayama City as well, were there any particular websites you looked at to review the properties you did? Thanks again and keep up the videos :)
Glad it was helpful! I found my place on a website called 'athome'. I found this was the most user friendly. I started looking before I came to Japan and followed the market for about 6 months. I really wanted to be sure of the prices and what was and wasn't selling.
Im a new subscriber and have been watching some of the move videos. You have done so well to renovate the house. It looks beautiful and I enjoy your down to earth presentation style Chani.
I really love your channel ♥️ I've been watching you for a long time and love everything you did to that place. It was inspiring. You guys have a beaut spot and some great big land. Thanks for the comment 😀
I’ve looked at some places in Wakayama because it’s with 90 mins drive-time to my home.But I’m mainly looking for secluded, forested land to make a ‘campsite’. But if there is a house that would be okay. Maybe for use as storage, supplementary sleeping quarters, mounting a solar system, etc. Not into a DIY house. Oh, looks like you bought a very similar air pump to the one I just replaced. It gave up the ghost after almost 35 years. The city just came by to inform me I was ‘obligated’ to pay to hook up to the city sewer system they put in about 10 years ago. Unless their is some sort if ‘penalty’ that ‘obligation’ isn’t going to impact my decision.
Thanks for another interesting video Chani. Your renovations look great and I especially like the personality you were able to put into the laundry with the tiles and plants. I’m glad all the early problems didn’t put you off and you can now enjoy your lovely home with Milly 😻
Congratulations! Yes, there are always unwelcome surprises with renovations, but you managed to buy and renovate a house in under a year in a fireign country. That is a great achievement. The house looks beautiful, I'm sure the neighbours were over the moon.
Love your videos Chani, thank you for sharing!!! I'm delighted that you created your channel. I look forward to your videos and it excites me to see whenever you upload a new one! Your new home is coming together sooo well, I love it! The cost is really great too, all things considered. Sending you love from Oregon! 💗
I loved your video! Thank you and I hope to do something like this someday. I lived in Wakayama decades ago and have a soft spot for that area. Keep up the great content.
thank you so much for sharing your story. still need to find a way to stay in japan and work here, but the Akiya is definitely something I dream to find, as long as I can stay here!!!!
OMG it looks awesome. Thank you so much. It helps to know about the additional costs and taxes for these. The astroturf definitely makes it look very welcoming.
You are so inspiring! I am glad I found your channel. I am looking to buy an Akiya in Japan in the next hopefully 5 years (?). I am residing in the neighbouring country South Korea since 5 years now and unfortunately as much as I love it here too, there is no chance of buying a (affordable) house here. Looking forward to more videos of yours!
I am so impressed. You have done a great job of this. I helped a friend with an akiya 25 years ago in the heart of Kobe. We had to pretty much take the house down to the bones. It took us two years on weekends to restore it. And like you said, it was worth it. I would be happy to do this again someday. Thank you for inspiring me and others.
Have you started watching the Sumo, I'm going to try and get tickets on my next trip, I'm a recent convert .....a new rikishi Takerufuji is demolishing the opposition :)) cheers from central victoria :)))
thank you for your accuracy, plans showing , explanations of difficulties and all the details what product you used, costs etc very very very nice video ones again
*Have you seen my Real Japan Living Video on day to day life?* ua-cam.com/video/KE_HnXRU2HA/v-deo.html
Hello :) just wondering if you can tell me how you found an Akiya in japan? Thanks
YOU GO, GIRL!
😍😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😀😀😀😀😀❤️❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
In under a year you have: 1) Moved overseas to Japan (after planning and saving up for 2 years in Australia); 2) Managed to find an employer and a job and organized a work visa; 3) Found a rental apartment; 4) Bought a car; 5) Purchased an Akiya for USD 13k, and: 6) renovated/remodeled the home substantially, converted a garage space and patio putting in labor and hiring a handyman for bathroom and pipe refitting after dealing with the Council - all by yourself as a lady in her late 40s. -- And you have done all this quietly with dignity. I guarantee most UA-camrs in Japan would have been creating drama and whining for AT LEAST 5-10 episodes for EACH of the points mentioned above. You have done in under 1 year what it takes most people at least 5 years to do (if at all). What you've achieved is EXTRAORDINARY! I wish you the very best going forward.
Oh 🤔 when you mention all these things it sounds crazy that I even thought I could do it. From that moment I started saving I had a strong vision of what I wanted to achieve. I have more ideas in the pipeline that I am very excited about 🤗😁
Thank you for reminding me how far I’ve come ❤️
so true! This is my dream! I don’t have the funds yet, but i’m moving back this year and i’ll get started on the saving. You’re inspiring me so much!
Agree. The first video I watched, Chani mentioned she had received some harsh critics about the whole thing... I mean, HOW???! How?! How many people can actually do what she did and do it so brilliantly? I'm pretty strong and resourceful but I don't think I could do all this, it's too overwhelming to me. I'm really, really impressed. As one should be!
I agree but im sure she secured the job before arrival. Otherwise, the only way she could have came to Japan was on a student visa.
I'm also living in Japan. I know life ain't easy here ;) you did very well. Very amazing story. Kudos to your strength and ability to handle so much yourself
I am Japanese. Wakayama like many other parts of Japan has declining population problems. Thank you for moving in and helping local economy !
Wakayama really is a beautiful place with lots of nature ♥️
We are hoping to end up in the Wakayama area too :)
Its nice to hear Japan is open minded to foreigners moving in.
I admit, I would prefer being in Tokyo but I would grow tired of it quickly. At this moment, I can look over my back fence and see woodland and farms. I think I would appreciate a rural setting in Japan, too.
As someone who don't understand why people wanted small spaces in tokyo compared to country side with bigger space? Wondering how many calamities hit big cities compared to villages and why People wanted to move out when they could just expand the city center of their prefecture?
Lovely to see a moving-to-Japan story that isn't either a 22-year-old on parents' money, or a retired person with loads of money anyway.
also nice to see a renovation project that doesn't involve buying a 5,000 year old barn in the middle of nowhere.
That's what i love about UA-cam, you can find the channel/youtuber that speaks to you. Im older to, can't connect with the younguns aa much. I can feel happy for them...but never watch again😂😂
Totally!! Super realistic and showing all the good and the not so good!
Contrary to what you seem to believe the easiest way to move to Japan is to do what Chani did. Teach English.
Money doesnt help you much with getting a VISA.
@@maiy8786 Hmmm... you got me thinking... I'm a qualified and experienced teacher of English, with a reasonable-ish level of Japanese... Maybe a potential future here...
My sister just bought a house here in the UK and she had to pay £200,000/$385,000AUD for a house that's not much bigger than yours in an area thats not very nice, and with neighbours who aren't great.
Crazy how much cheaper things are in Japan while also being higher quality.
I'm learning Japanese right now and building my business so I can hopefully move there in the next few years. Your video showed me that my goal isnt as unrealistic as I had worried, and your other video about your monthly expenses surprised me with how little money it takes to live a fairly comfortable life over there in a place that's so safe and friendly.
Life is certainly more affordable here if you can budget and manage the lower income. 🐱
While everything seems great in Japan for the short term. How to prepare for retirement in the long term? Can you retire in Japan or you have to go back home?
I lived in Japan (Tokyo and Nara) for 20 years before returning to the U.S. Seeing you tackle challenges brings back many memories. You have made great choices in your house and location. I look forward to your videos. You have such a pleasant delivery style in your speech and positive attitude. Thank you and best wishes!
Hi Beth, I hope to live in Japan someday. May I ask what brought you back to the US after being there for such a long time?
Nara is a beautiful spot! 20 years is a long time in Japan 🇯🇵😀. Thank you for your comment ♥️
@@lauravirgin8796 major change in marital status
This is funny: I also spent nearly 20 years in Japan, both near Nara and in Tokyo.
I don't think Japan is right for many foreigners: the countryside can feel lonely and boring while city life is busy (exhausting) and cramped everywhere (seating in restaurants, trains and even the apartments) if not outright claustrophobic. Most Japanese are trying to get out, so they think the foreigners who go there are strange.
I always thought the best investment decision I ever made was not to buy property in Japan. Maybe prices are low enough now for there to be no downside.
But I am not sure. The Japanese government is desperate to raise taxes. They won't cut spending: they want to raise taxes.
So I worry about the innovative tax traps that might be around the corner. I don't know what is coming. But I never imagined the BOJ would be buying shares on the stock exchange either (as part of the quantitative easing).
But I am pretty sure foreigners are walking into tax traps. I hope I am wrong.
@@whitesamurai i agree i guess other countrys have same
problems of US&CND&UK&EU&JP NORTH countrys
camping car van life peoples increasing
There’s nothing more satisfying than just walking around your new house and seeing your achievements, and just enjoying 😊
Well done you!!
Yes! Thank you! 🤗
Milly is living her best life 😊 Your house is lovely.
Yes, she is certainly spoilt. Thanks 😀
Very few people at late 40s have the courage to start their life from scratch in a totally different country. Very inspirational to me! congrats on all your accomplishments in Japan. Hope you have a wonderful life there!
It looks such a good neighborhood😊 I can imagine how much they are happy and relieved to see someone very decent like you moving in. I would be😊
The neighbors are lovely. Everyone puts out nice flower pots so it feels friendly. 😀💐🌺
$40k in Sydney would get you a garden shed for about 6 months :) Incredible how affordable some areas in Japan are.
Not much better out west in Adelaide way either.
Pretty amazing that for the price of a house deposit in Australia (or in Chani's case, not even a house deposit), you can get a whole property renovated somewhere else.
Great transformation. There is something very therapeutic in taking something old and banged-up and bringing it back to life. Well done!
Thanks 😀
Having a closed (lockable) garage inside the main house is such a luxury in urban areas of Japan. That was great thinking ! Did the local building authorities give you any grief or was separate permitting required to change the former beauty salon into a garage ? (IE: did they require any structural changes to accommodate the big garage door ? ) Despite the limited choices one has when getting one of those Toto bath inserts, I think they’re totally worth it. Easy to clean, plenty of shower space and the tubs are usually deep enough to soak your shoulders. Sure, it would have been nice to pick custom tiles or a fancy tub, but just think how easy those are for maintenance!
For the garage, nothing was needed permit wise to change as the house was already on commercial/residential land. There already was an old door so structurally I didn't have to change anything just remove the glass door behind the roller door. 😀
I payed 3000 a month in rent for 12 months in San Francisco, CA, USA. $36000 for a 1 bedroom APT. Let that sink in.
Why am I still here 🇺🇲? I love Japan🇯🇵. This just sold me. Have you ever been interviewed before? I want to do this so bad it hurts.
Very expensive rent 😲
@@ChaniJapanActually $3000 a month in rent in SF is not too bad. My son paid more. Don’t forget the income might be at least 5-6 times of an average Japanese. And when you retire in US, your maximize social security income can be over $4000US a month but if someone moves to Japan, retirement back to home country without proper savings can be a major problem. It’s risky to move to Japan without thinking about retirement in the long run.
Chani - Great story telling (you must be a very good English teacher), great video editing, and btw superb work with the house. Wish you a great journey in Japan, and a lot of success with this channel. 🙂
Wow, thank you! It is very much appreciated. Your support means a lot to me and your kind words encourage me to keep making videos!
Hello from USA
Hats off to you . Going to a new country, taking up a job and buying a house and working on it yourself or hiring people . Because as women we are scared of being taken advantage of and hiring the right honest people etc.
the garage looks awesome. And so does the grass carpet. You knowing Japanese helps a lot too.
I am surprised that Japan being such an technology advanced country they don’t have central AC and a dryer for clothes.
Your videos have inspired me so much that now I need to start working on my home. Decluttering it, cleaning it sprucing it and making it new.
Hi there! yes the turf was the best I could do to fix the ugly cement. The people I've dealt with have been honest thankfully.
I too would have been frustrated by having to make immediate decisions on the bathroom, but in the end, it looks great!
Thanks 😀 Yes it was frustrating and a lot of trust involved with leaving some important decicions up to the builder to get it done in time.
I love your house! I live in Toronto where home ownership is a difficult if not impossible thing so it's very nice to see your affordable housing experience in Japan. Was very interesting to hear how your neighbours commended you on your rehabilitation of the house. You've helped to make the neighbourhood a more desirable place to live. Looking forward to future installments of Chani Japan!
Thanks. Home ownership in Australia has also become very difficult. 🤗
Oh Chani, your house looks amazing 😍. I absolutely love it and I understand why you are so happy here. I'm so glad that you managed to get the water situation sorted. That can be a nightmare in any house 🏠. I love the cat wall 🧱 😻 and the new bathroom. The kitchen has really scrubbed up well. You have really made this house into a beautiful home 🏡 ❤ 🫶
Thank you so much!! I am glad it got to this stage now 😀
Loved the fake grass and the look of the renovated house overall.
Thanks for that. The fake grass is also nice under foot and I don't have to mow it which is a bonus! 😀
@@ChaniJapan I saw your video about buyers remorse right after getting your house. Glad to see everything worked out. I am fascinated with Japan life videos (experienced by non Japanese though). Your video editing is perfect, good length, and the narration is clear. Kudos.
@@jackh127 thanks so much 😃
Wonderful update. Your place looks great. 39K AUD! I come from a two and a half dog town in Oz and you can't even buy a run-down garage in the worst part of town for that!
I am in the process of starting a project in Miyazaki and you have inspired me with your channel to perhaps someday start my own.
Miyazaki looks like a beautiful place.
I am in my late 20s and have been thinking about the future. So many things change in my dreams but one thing remains constant: I want to live in Japan. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾
I hope you can do it one day! ♥️
I am Japanese. You are welcome!
Hi from Philadelphia, Chani ! I love what you did to the house and found
the costs surprisingly inexpensive. Good on you!! Oh and Miss Millie..
I do believe she knows how gorgeous she is!! Thanks for sharing your
journey with us. Pets to Millie !!
Thank you so much! 😃👋
I'm speechless. You can't buy even a studio apartment anywhere in the U.S for this. Barely a single year of rent with 25k AUD! I'm soon to be 30 and have been looking for an avenue of escape and you just made the impossible look easy. This is the real dream. Debt free in a magical land. Wow.
You did a great job sorting those issues out. Actually the house looks great, well done!
Thank you! I appreciate the comment 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I'm in my 40s and I love seeing someone make their dream come true while they're older instead of in their 20s and showing the realistic view that isn't all rainbows and flowers. I was surprised at the cost for everything when the house was finished. I was not that expensive compared to where I live. I was great to see the transformation.
Thanks for watching!
It’s beautiful! You can always tweak it with art etc. as you find pieces you love. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
So true! I hope to find some nice art for the walls.
26k usd?😮 dang so i could totally mive to Japan. My japanese has gotten worse over the years but thats so much more affordable than what we have now. Thank you for posting and updating us.
Don’t forget income in Japan is lower too. Everything is relative.
Best aspect of this channel is your upfront with costs and fees, I know it’s relative to your individual situation and can be significantly different in other areas.
How are you such a legend? It’s so funny like I struggle putting the washing away whilst you’re casually just building a house over there. Honestly I feel like if I was stuck on a deserted with you I’d hand you some coconuts and leaves then in 5 minutes we’d have a luxury cruise liner to escape on.
I also struggle to put the washing away 🤣 But if I get motivated to do something I can push through.
@@ChaniJapan I think that’s why people like your channel. Your videos are relaxing but at the same time you’re just so on the ball and focused on this project.
I live in Japan,you did a great job. A touch of America with the turf in the front yard and the garage. 😊
Great job! You should definitely take a bow on this accomplishment! The videos you did to document your experience are inspirational!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💙💙💙💙
Amazing work! The house is looking great and it’s so enjoyable to watch you handle all of the challenges living in a new country. I’m looking forward to seeing more from your day to day life.
Glad you enjoy it!
I am in awe! It takes courage to accomplish what you have done. I cannot WAIT to continue watching your channel. I love your home and your attitude toward life! Love to you both!
Thank you so much!! 🐱
Wow! Remarkable achievements for that price.
I'm finding the cost of materials and labour are a lot more affordable here.
You're so lucky to have a great kitchen that just needed to be cleaned! In your bathroom came out great! My husband and I have purchased a couple of houses and sometimes you do run into those nasty surprises. Actually really like your bathroom layout and colors it's very calm. Have you thought long-term about maybe removing the AstroTurf in the garden and having someone come in and remove the old concrete? You could either then replace it with some other type of hardscaping or plant Turf but then that would need to be mowed
When I was young, my dream was to live in Japan for an extended period of time because I really enjoy the culture and the food. The problem is I don't know Japanese. I am retired already and so I don't need to work. May I know how long does it take to learn Japanese and is it hard to learn? When are the areas that doesn't require driving that I should consider living?
House looks fantastic!!! What a transformation. You have done a great job, you should be proud of yourself!!
Thank you so much! 😃
The bathroom looks great, even though you had to rush it! I'm a similar age as you and looking to move abroad to get a life of my own as well. But finding a job is really the most important thing to be able to do that. I'm still waiting for my opportunity to come before it's too late for me....
Thank you for the comment. I hope that you can find your opportunity ♥️
Certainly can't buy a house in Australia for 39k that house is very cute.
I can't believe that the bathroom was renovated in only one week and that it cost less than $10,000USD (since all of your renovations combined were less than that)! That wouldn't happen in California, where I live. They would say it would take a week and it would take 2 months, and it would cost at least 10% more than they estimated. I think the bathroom is perfect and the kitchen is too, after you cleaned it. You can add pops of color in other ways if you want. Beautiful home, and I love Millie. (I also can't live without my 2 cats.) 😻
Thank you so much 😀
Great job and I'm really liking your channel.
Thank you very much! 😊
Love your make do and mend practical approach Chani! Your home looks great! Thanks for another enjoyable video! Milly is adorable - love the cat wall you provided for her! She looks like a real character!
Thank you so much! She is such a character 🐱
I am in awe of your spirit and can do attitude. Please sprinkle some my way.....The transformation is fantastic, and Millie is adorable.
✨Sprinkle sprinkle✨
Hello! Chani, my name is Ivy Seah from Singapore. Jus completed watching your Akiya update on purchase of the house and cost of renovations. It was facinating to see how you made minor changes to it and it certainly looks much newer and pleasant to stay. May I ask which town are you staying in? Am considering retiring in small town like yours in Osaka area. Can you also advise how long it took for the processing and completion of the purchase? Thank you! A Bless weekend ahead:)
Hi Ivy. I am in Wakayama. It took me a few months to find the house and then settlement took around 2 months. Lots of house inspections and meeting with the agents in between.
I really like the honest and simple style of your videos. This is great information about your story of moving to Japan and the real problems you faced and their solutions. Also, Millie must love that cat wall!
Thank you so much! Millie loves the wall 🐱 she is still a kitten so very adventurous. 😃
Millie is so curious and adorable!!!
It was so interesting seeing how much work you did on the house! It now looks brand new and very cute!! Must have been a stressful process but super inspiring.
Thank you so much! 🤗
The house has been given a new life! So exciting! You’re doing a great job to make your house a home! 😊
Thank you so much ♥️
Love seeing how this works in Japan. Adore the tile in your washer under the stairs. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching!
What a lovely property! I believe this is a labour of love. Kudos to you on showing how single women can get things done👏❤!!! And thank you for sharing all your cost information. It really makes me feel like my goal of moving to Japan is realistic and achievable!😍Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It makes me happy to know you found the cost information helpful!
Regardless of the problems I fully agree that you came out very well! Enjoy!
You are so peaceful and matter-of-fact about how things went. I'm so glad to follow a UA-camr closer to my age.
Thanks so much 🩷
Thank you Chani for the great video and information! Really informative and I am glad everything turned out well in the end! :)Can't wait to see more of your journey!
😀👋 more coming
Love watchingcur Channel, you definitely made some Really Good Choice Chani 🥰🇬🇧🇬🇧
Thank you so much 🤗
Great video! Love the transformation and all the great details and ideas you shared about the journey!
Thanks so much! Very kind of you 🤗❤️
Your home looks amazing worth all the trials and tribulations. ❤
Your house is beautiful ❤ I can feel the love you have for the place and Milly of course
Good renovation! You are doing it!
Thank you!
So helpful! It looks really good. I will refer back when I get to the garden of my new home next spring. Exciting!!!
Wow i think you've been doing a great job 👍😀
Thanks 😊
Congratulations to you settling into your new life in Japan with your pet. On the outside you sound and appear as gentle as a lamb, but I guess on the inside you are as brave as a lion,to follow your dreams and let nothing hold you back. I admire what you have done and achieved. I came to UK from China 18 years ago with a suitcase like you, major culture shock, had to learn the language etc. but it was worth it in the end. Seven years after renting in UK I was then able to buy my own property, it was super stressful, and I didn’t even have burst pipes lol you are amazing for doing what you have done all within the year! Japan is on my to-do-list and I hope to visit there some day. 😊
Wow you've made a big move too! Well done for buying that property. I'm sure it was well worth it ♥️ I hope you get to Japan one day 😀
Think your handyman is a friend for life! Quite the buy for $39k
Good idea with the fake grass. Really spruced up the garden.
Your presentation was very impressive. Your speaking voice is calm and genuine...plus, the accent is authentic. Always appreciate the female point of view...because the mostly male arena is so selective and less interactive. You radiate confidence and imagination...Kudos!!
So nice of you
Absolutely love what you’ve achieved. You should be super proud of yourself ❤. You are motivating me to do the same I’m just in the final stages of the transformation of my apartment that I bought in Italy last year. Japan is also my dream. Thank you so much for sharing ❤❤
Wow an apartment in Italy sounds great 😃
Very nice how things are shaping up. Love seeing that bathroom all new!
Thanks so much! 🤗
You are amazing and brave for having done all this in such a short time. I am sure there were challenges, and you took care of them. Wishing you the best in your beautiful home.
Thank you so much!
Love the videos Chani! Keep them coming :) We are back at our akiya kominka house next week after a few months back home in Australia. I'm finding lots of inspiration from your renovations! Thank you for the great content.
You are coming back! How good. Your house is truely lovely in the countryside. How long are you back for?
@@ChaniJapan Just one month this visit :)
Very intersting. And this is a very intact building. YOu did great work.
Fantastic video, really helps with perspectives on cost. We are currently looking in Southern Osaka and Wakayama City as well, were there any particular websites you looked at to review the properties you did? Thanks again and keep up the videos :)
Glad it was helpful! I found my place on a website called 'athome'. I found this was the most user friendly. I started looking before I came to Japan and followed the market for about 6 months. I really wanted to be sure of the prices and what was and wasn't selling.
Im a new subscriber and have been watching some of the move videos. You have done so well to renovate the house. It looks beautiful and I enjoy your down to earth presentation style Chani.
Thanks so much! 😊
Great job! We renovated an Akiya in rural Yamaguchi
I really love your channel ♥️ I've been watching you for a long time and love everything you did to that place. It was inspiring. You guys have a beaut spot and some great big land. Thanks for the comment 😀
I’m happy to have heard this story. Also I’m a big cat person and that is a cool cat.
I’ve looked at some places in Wakayama because it’s with 90 mins drive-time to my home.But I’m mainly looking for secluded, forested land to make a ‘campsite’. But if there is a house that would be okay. Maybe for use as storage, supplementary sleeping quarters, mounting a solar system, etc. Not into a DIY house.
Oh, looks like you bought a very similar air pump to the one I just replaced. It gave up the ghost after almost 35 years. The city just came by to inform me I was ‘obligated’ to pay to hook up to the city sewer system they put in about 10 years ago. Unless their is some sort if ‘penalty’ that ‘obligation’ isn’t going to impact my decision.
Thanks for another interesting video Chani. Your renovations look great and I especially like the personality you were able to put into the laundry with the tiles and plants. I’m glad all the early problems didn’t put you off and you can now enjoy your lovely home with Milly 😻
Thank you so much! 🐱
Love this. Amazing! So impressed. Love the cat wall - brilliant - haven't seen one before. So glad you're settling well and thriving there!
Thanks so much! 😊
Beautiful home! I particularly love your laundry room. Thank you for sharing. So inspiring
Thank you so much!
Amazing Job on the house looks great. I wish I had your guts I lived in Japan for 6 years as a kid miss it very much.
Thank you 😀
Congratulations! Yes, there are always unwelcome surprises with renovations, but you managed to buy and renovate a house in under a year in a fireign country. That is a great achievement. The house looks beautiful, I'm sure the neighbours were over the moon.
Love your videos Chani, thank you for sharing!!! I'm delighted that you created your channel. I look forward to your videos and it excites me to see whenever you upload a new one!
Your new home is coming together sooo well, I love it! The cost is really great too, all things considered.
Sending you love from Oregon! 💗
Oregon♥️ Wow! Hi there 😀 Thank you for your lovely comments.
I loved your video! Thank you and I hope to do something like this someday. I lived in Wakayama decades ago and have a soft spot for that area. Keep up the great content.
looks fantastic, Nice renovations, and Milly is such a beautiful lady! 😀👍
Thank you ☺️
Thank you for sharing the videos , these brought me a lot of courage
You’re welcome!😊
thank you so much for sharing your story. still need to find a way to stay in japan and work here, but the Akiya is definitely something I dream to find, as long as I can stay here!!!!
You can do it!
OMG it looks awesome. Thank you so much. It helps to know about the additional costs and taxes for these. The astroturf definitely makes it look very welcoming.
Thanks 👋
You are so inspiring! I am glad I found your channel. I am looking to buy an Akiya in Japan in the next hopefully 5 years (?). I am residing in the neighbouring country South Korea since 5 years now and unfortunately as much as I love it here too, there is no chance of buying a (affordable) house here. Looking forward to more videos of yours!
You can do it! I hope you can achieve your goal 🩷
everytime I watch a akiya video its always AWESOME SO CHEAP WOULD BUY 5 MORE! Thank you for your honesty
G'day from Sydney, awesome job you've done on the house. Love the cosy little BBQ area😊❤
I’m glad you like the BBQ area! 😄
I love Millie. Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm truly enjoying your videos
You are so kind! Thank you very much ❤️
I am so impressed. You have done a great job of this. I helped a friend with an akiya 25 years ago in the heart of Kobe. We had to pretty much take the house down to the bones. It took us two years on weekends to restore it. And like you said, it was worth it. I would be happy to do this again someday. Thank you for inspiring me and others.
Thanks for your kind words. In the heart of Kobe! What a great location 🏡
Thank you so much for detailed and very practical videos! You are amazing with what you have achieved with your lovely house!❤
Thank you so much!
keep pluggin along very nice chani
Thanks, will do!
you've a very calming voice it's great to see this journey
Thanks 😀
Right choice you made Your house looks beautiful, God bless you.
Thank you so much! 🐱
Have you started watching the Sumo, I'm going to try and get tickets on my next trip, I'm a recent convert .....a new rikishi Takerufuji is demolishing the opposition :)) cheers from central victoria :)))
I did see it on TV the other day. I sometimes watch it for fun 🇯🇵
thank you for your accuracy, plans showing , explanations of difficulties and all the details what product you used, costs etc very very very nice video ones again
Glad it was helpful!
wow the house is alive againnnnnn
Extraordinary is the correct word. Your house is AWESOME!! I'm sure the neighbors are thrilled
Thank you so much!
I can't believe all the costs totalled only 26k...Such a lovely house, you did a great job with renovation! Love your videos, love your story!
Thanks so much! 😊
Good safety measures on the bathroom!