Reality Check: My Akiya Experience vs Media Myths
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 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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A bonus video this week😬My other video this week is here if you didn't catch it: ua-cam.com/video/L0a7wqOKMbU/v-deo.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.
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.
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?!
Yikes where do you live? Older homes are harder. Chani's home is nice
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.
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.
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 👍
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.
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 UA-cam, 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". 👍
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!
👍🏼👍🏼 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!
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 ❤️
Thought my major move would be to my Dad's homeland, Ireland. Here now and it's changed radically. Japan has always attracted me for the peace, beauty and people. I've taught myself several recipes and will be learning Japanese from your tutorials. Who knows - maybe my Japanese dream will be the last of my (so far, 83) moves! Thank you for all the info you share - much appreciated.
Love your video's, 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.
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!
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 🤣
I love this! So clearly explained.
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 🤩!
So thankful I clicked on the UA-cam 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 😊 🙏
I love your channel thanks for sharing your valuable life
Thanks for watching!
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.
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??
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.
Newly subscribed! Looking forward to back viewing your adventure as I have similar reasons in wanting a small akiya.
The information in article may have been 💩 but the upside is u look great in the pic^^
Thanks 🤣 could have been worse!
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.
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.
The underlying heading of that article is "We're losing productive people to Japan so we're going to try and scare them into staying""
it's just the usual shaming language, trying to control people into behaving a certain way; pay them no mind.
Yeah, the hyperbole of these news articles is so over-the-top sometimes. They need clicks, or they don’t get paid.🤷♂️
What you’ve accomplished is brilliant, savvy, and a dream-come-true. So those media folks can go kick rocks!
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.
Would love to live in Japan ❤ for culture and to save $$ . Australia is soooo expensive
One of the pros of living in smaller cities is that they are much cheaper and closer to nature ! If you ever go to Yoshino Kumano National Park, please do film beautiful nature scenes as I would LOVE to see 🍁🌿🍂🍃
I really like your videos!! It would be nice with subtitles for the Japanese bits. 🙏❤💪
I'm just being lazy! 😅 OK I will put subtitles on (if I can) next time
Yes- I wished I could have understand what was being said between you and the contractors. I am sure it was very ordinary but it's still fun to listen and to get the gist. 🥰
It's almost as if the MSM in Australia doesn't want people to take this option or even be aware that there are places they can live without mortgage stress...why might that be?
I pay $4000 per year for rates in Australia in FNQ ... in a small rural town an hour away from Cairns. The cost of living in Australia is only for people who make a minimum 100k a year. I can't wait to move to Japan, so I can afford to eat again.
You were asking about viewers' reasons for wanting to move to Japan, for me it's a combination of things. I did an exchange year in Tokyo back when I was in highschool and, while some horrible stuff happened, it was also the best time of my life and the friendships I made there have been some of the most important and genuine ones. It was the first time where I felt I could be (more or less) myself and be accepted and loved. When I returned I really struggled with counter culture shock, so much so I left to go to yet another country as soon as I could go to university. Even though it's been almost 10 years, I still drink and eat Japanese food every day (the only food that does not upset my stomach) and when I am alone my brain frequently switches at least partially to Japanese. I have been homesick for Japan for so long but I told myself that moving there wasn't smart, that it's too far away, too many societal aspects that I might struggle with (sexism, some people's attitude towards foreigners etc).
I went back for my best friend's wedding last year and I felt a level of joy I had not felt in years. Also, things where I live now are not looking too rosy either: I had meant to work in academia - management is trying to completely abandon the humanities in several universities here (there's backlash but still) and politics seems to be growing more hateful of people who don't fit the mould...
anyway, I'm now working on getting my Japanese to a high enough level and saving up money 😊
Sounds like you are doing some good planning and preparation❤️
my main reasons for wanting to buy in Japan is because I am ready for the opportunity to buy something that has potential to be a dream of mine. To even fathom owning something in America these days is a joke honestly. money hungry inflation and manipulation of our Dollar is killing our economy. Not to mention I love Japan, I have longed to be in Japan since I was very young. the culture is what I desire to be around, I am also a video producer and want to work in the Japanese industry at some point. But yes Japan is beautiful and affordable and the food is the best..... Thanks for listening!
There should be some beautiful places for you to do your job here 😃
Media since being online is all about sensationalism rather than factual reporting. Good rebuttal with facts.
I would love to do the same, a nice place near the snow would be great. Plus Japanese architecture and interiors are awesome. Love their use of wood and clean lines.
Are you planning to explore Kumano Kodo? You live so 8:15 close! Im thinking of retiring in Japan! Appreciate your experience very much!
Eventually
My property tax in Ibaraki Ken was 35,000 yen this year. Same as the car tax.
Sounds similar to what I will pay 😀
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
I’m interested for the main purpose of living out my dream of having a steady and stable life in Japan and a more safe place to finish raising my son. Even though I’ve never been, Japan has always felt like home so how much it’ll cost me to get there really doesn’t matter to me because I’m determined to achieve it no matter what. But I do also believe that it would be cheaper and much more beneficial to buy an akiya than to continuously rent. Not to mention I also have a beautiful cat in my life I’d like to be comfortable lol 🥰. I’m also obsessed with traditional Japanese carpentry so having an old akiya home I can call mine would be a blessing as well. The older it is, the more likely it is to need some major repairs. That’s just the reality and I accept that 😊🤷🏾♂️.
Your veggies are growing really well! Your Akyia is really cute. You've done a good job with your renos. Your rates in both Australia and Japan are super cheap compared to where I'm from. So unfortunate online stories get so horribly misconstrued. Where I'm from rent would exceed the price of your Akyia in one year for a one bedroom apartment.
That sounds like very high rent!
People who come from overseas might believe the house is asset, but in Japan the value could be zero or negative. (They are called "負動産" as a joke, instead of "不動産") Basically the Japanese low doesn't allow you to abandon the land ownership. It means when You move to other place, You have to keep paying the tax until You find a buyer. Especially in countryside, the demand of house is shrinking and You could struggle to sell it. In the worst case, the term could be decades or forever. Because of that, Japanese people don't buy these vacant houses casually.
I really admire what you have accomplished. Ignore the rubbish media which seems to be as bad as the rubbish media in western countries.
It is good that corporate main stream media is showing more stories about Japan and Australia coming closer together. They should form the core of a Pacific Islands Economic union, to balance out a resources economy and a production economy for mutual benefit and making it much easier for Australians and Japanese to relocate as they wish to benefit both economies. I am promoting that, for free because both countries would become much more working much more closely together.
I admire your jump to Japan. I am learning so much from your experience. I hope to be making g the jump myself soonish, though I hope to make my home in Okinawa where I made my start as a Marine over 20yrs ago now.
I wish you the best and encourage your future steps in this journey.
Best of luck with your jump!
I've read a few comments about being a military personnel and hopes of moving to JP (perhaps for retirement). Must be nice to be able to do so. Best of luck to you!
Enjoy your videos very much. Seems like your success is related to being fluent in Japanese.
It certainly helps😅
If the media wants to report on real property crisis then it should look at China. As I recall Japan went through a similar phase in to 80’s and I don’t understand why the Chinese haven’t learned from the Japanese?
The current Japanese situation has more to do with demographics.
The videos of your house have been inspiring, informative and appreciated.
I need to reset my life here in the US. That is my dream to buy my own home in Japan and retire there. I'm hoping that Japan will issue a retirement visa for foreigners. I believe this would help boost their economy.
If I buy an akiya it is more for living the Japan dream. I've lived in kyoto before in the early 2000s. Then there wasn't any if not much coverage on akiyas. My biggest concern about akiyas is about the "history" of the House and if the house is "clean" ie no major "event" had happened in the house itself. I wonder if the housing agents do furnish info on the previous owners and why the house was abandoned. This is something that would be of critical interest to me
Good point, you may need to ask neighbors or locals about the house history. I found out my house (garage part) used to be a hair salon!
I would like to move to japan for work. thankfully, ive always had a passion for working with kids and for educating so id love to teach english. if i dont stay in that, id like to do translation, though ill probably do that as a hobby and side job anyways.
but why japan? safety, like others have said for sure... but also public transport. its not safe for me to drive, and here in the US it leaves me basically stranded.
Several reasons for me...cost of living in the USA is out of control...the political instability, tax rates (my yearly property tax on my small 2 bedroom home is about $5000)...another reason is Japan itself...I have been studying Japanese culture and history for 30 years, living there would be the culmination of my lifes studies. Ive never been married os it will just be me. I want a calm peaceful life with as little stress as possible and I can't get that in the USA anymore
Hi! Cómo estás?! Sii me sorprendió encontrarme con el vídeo hoy, te esperaba la próxima semana 😊.
Cuesta mucho entender 🤔 lo simple, me refiero a volver a vivir de manera tranquila, el no apresurar, el tomarse el time para hacer las cosas, o sea vivir sin seguir la zanahorias 😊.
Cuando vi el video de tú experiencia de comprar la casa y de las xosas que surgieron despues en ella, y lo que costó en dinero, el solucionar, no me pareció costoso, si lo comparas con el precio de las otras casaque te mostró el señor de la inmobiliaria, seguia siendo por debajo del costo de las otras propiedades.
Vivo en Argentina y me encantaría ir a vivir a otro país, dónde las cosas en económicas estan mas resueltas que aqui😊.
Tranquilidad y estabilidad eso busco.
Yo tengo una casa que es pequeña, somos una familia promedio 5 personas y ya queda chica, pero no la cambio por una de mayor tamaño, puesto que seeia mas que mantener. 😅
En verdad si uno tiene en claro que es lo que necesita, realmente para vivir en plenitud, se sorprenderia en ver que no es mucho 😊
Corazon gracias, me alegra saber de ti. Perdón porr lo largo del mensaje.
Bendiciones ten bellísima semana 😘 😊
Beautiful message. Thank you ❤️
I have trusted what the media says for years.
Journalists and media never let the truth get in the way of a good story ....
is there a video where you explain what visa you got? and/or some inmigration steps?
It’s sort of spread over a few videos. I could make one if you like.
@@ChaniJapan i would definitely appreciate that, and im sure other people too. thanks!
Hey Chani! Great video once again! My husband and I want to move to Japan within 5 years from now. We have been building up our savings and are actively looking for houses in japan since my husbands family is Japanese and can take care of the house untill we are ready to move. We have a question that we don't find a lot of answers about. There is a 30 year rule where there suggest you to rebuild a property for safety reasons (e.g. earthquakes). How does this work? Will you get inspection? Is it a law or not? We see a lot of houses that are almost 100 years old and were never rebuild... My husband doesn't want to bother his family with this question so I hope you, or anyone who reads my comment can explain to me.
Greetings from Belgium
There is no 30 year rule. I know that some houses were cheaply built and designed to be rebuilt after 30 years. I think it is important to check the quality of the build before buying. My house is built by a company called Sekisui House. They are a good builder and build to all the standards and codes for earthquakes. This research is important before buying.
@@ChaniJapan Thank you Chani! You really helped us out here.
Also instead of going to the library to find a book about video editing you can buy an online course. I saw that Udemy have video editing courses. Every two weeks or so they have a big sale. There are probably more platforms you can buy a course from. I really like the Japanese course I bought there. Only videos and a textbook you can download.
My husband and I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work!
I was wondering why my comment wasnt posted,it wasn't bad but now i know,you hold comments and only post 1s that support your views, still it would be good to do a vid on when your no longer able bodied,would you have to reeturn to oz?or would japan support you with palliative care?
No. I don’t hold comments. All go through. Currently there are so many that I it takes me time to respond. Maybe your original comment is there …..
What do you eat? I am pestcarian and interested to know about vegetarianism in Japan.
I eat most things. Not a big fan of seafood. I am trying to grow my own vegetables.
Those are very fair taxes when considered in comparison with what property taxes can be in some US States. For instance, the rate is 2.7% of assessed value in my city. The average home here is around $500,000 USD. Talk about being “stung”! A little perspective to help that sensationalist journo and their sources.
@DanielandYuka in the house 😀
@ChaniJapan Do you have any recommendations for people that want to do the same as you but can't speak Japanese?
There are a lot of foreigners here that don’t speak Japanese. It is a bit harder but it might help to find a buyers agent if you want to buy property. I’d also start by learning some Japanese if you can.
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😀
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!
‘Don’t listen to anyone’ is very poor advice.
Listen carefully to the experience of others, and learn from their mistakes. When educated with as much knowledge as you can gather, then make your plans and share them with others for their perspective. Be curious! Be active! But also trust the wisdom of your ‘Beginner’s Mind’. You soon learn who to trust and how to execute your plans on the whole compass of available input. Expect resistance and mistakes, and learn from it. Appreciate the learning. And for God’s sake, listen to others.
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 😀
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 UA-cam 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
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.
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.
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.
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 😅
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.
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".
It's all about propaganda...Japan is one of the last first world countries who haven't completely given in to the craziness that the west is pushing. So if they can make Japan seem off-putting to the rest of the world, maybe their leaders can bend and try to fit in just to "clear up" their reputation. I hope Japan hangs on and doesn't give in, let them keep their identity.
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 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.
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.
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.
Thanks for posting this and fighting back against all the BS that some media folks throw out there.
My reasons for moving to France are identical to yours. Well done on your progress :-)
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 😀
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!
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.
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 😊
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' 😀
Haha lots of western media love the clickbait unfortunately. Best to look at multiple sources and visit the country your gonna buy in. Love out how they bring in university professors for expert comment. Anyways love your journey. Also dunno if uts a housing crisis, there are muitile things to consider like aging population, rural urban drift and also japanese view of constant renewal fir housing
Can't you suid the person who wrote that? They used your image and personal information improperly. Shitty people exist everywhere 😕
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!
Don't believe everything you read. 😮.
I dont know why those Reporters felt the need to put such an negative Image to Akiya. Especially the very wrecked ones, you can still buy for the purpose of owning land and rebuilt something. Still (I bet) its probably cheaper then buying Houses anywhere else similar.
I think they are short for stories. They certainly push the truth a bit.
You have to be careful too as it's best to renovate than rebuild as they hit you with a heavy tax if you demolish a house and it's expensive to demolish as you have to pay for the removal of everything.
The MSM will invariably put a negative spin on anything that seems positive and helpful for the common folk. It has become quite predictable. It's as if they were being told to do so, in order to discourage us... 🤷♀ who knows... Anyway, I have nothing to do with the MSM anymore.
It’s true, Australia is collapsing and is a mess.
Don ' t let me start with Argentina!!🥺
At this point honestly everywhere is
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to own my own home. This is true especially as I get older and would like a secure place to live. However, doing repairs and renovations has zero appeal to me. I love how I can just call up the landlord and get things fixed, for free. The "about 2000" you mentioned in the video sounds like a lot to me. Fortunately for me, I have always had reasonable, even low-cost, rent here in Japan. I could not imagine renting an apartment back in the States where I am from. I do admire people like you that seem to enjoy (or at least do not mind) fixing things up when needed, and can actually own their own property.
I do need to keep a budget for repairs. If I was renting this wouldn’t be the case! I’m trying to be handy and do some myself 😃
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.
We have a lot of abandoned and falling down houses all around the US as well. Doesn’t mean the country is collapsing. The writer of that article is just wanting clicks
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 🛠️
It looks like the Colony is the one that is collapsing, No longer the lucky country, More and more Aussies are leaving in search of a better life since Australia is no longer a place for Aussies. Almost impossible to live the "dream" Australia is choking itself to death.
Yeah and look at the clowns running the show......disgraceful!!
Thanks for adding nuance to this debate! Small cities in Japan are still doing reasonably well with their communities and infrastructure. However, the countryside (where there are some really beautiful homes available) is really suffering from de~population. There are actually some rural villages in Nagano telling people to move out in winter because there will no longer be any snow-clearing (let alone clinics, or grocery stores, or kerosene delivery for heating, or whatever).
But there are both Japanese and foreigners who enjoy country life despite such conditions. It's just very important to do your research before buying and be clear about the kind of lifestyle you can afford and want to have. Being able to speak and read Japanese makes a huge difference, too.
I love living here (American)!
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
I think the housing market in places like Australia, UK, Canada, and America are all insane and have more problems than Japan has, which makes Japan an appealing place to live. However, I’m concerned about too many foreigners living there and eventually out numbering the population and start to change the culture.
Yes I also don't want Japan to lose its culture. At the moment foreigners are at 2.5%. It is still low enough. Compared to Australia where it is 30% of population is foreign born.
I would like to move to Japan because the U.S. has become a horrible place to live. Chani, you are living my dream. I'd love to be able to live in an actually much safer, cleaner and orderly country, with a much more peaceful populace. (My father lived in Japan for many years and really enjoyed it.) The U.S. is going downhill so fast it's shocking. Corruption, major crime and violence, civil unrest, and prices for everything are completely out of control. At this point, rent prices are insane everywhere and inventory low. Being able to actually own your own, even modest home, seems forever out of reach now, for so many. Japan is a beautiful country with a rich and calmer culture. What you have accomplished and the life you've built for yourself there is such a big inspiration! Thanks for sharing your journey!
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.
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.