Great stuff. I’ll be putting out some videos down the track on people who can help you get a place and make the process easier. If you don’t speak Japanese it’s a bit of a slog but it can be done. Good luck
Learn to read, write and speak Japanese first. Also what kind of visa are you eligible for? Do you realize that there is no central heating in Japan? And there are earthquakes daily?
Japan is a nice place to live, but gosh almighty do you have to jump through some hoops prepping for it and it isn't English-ready, so it only helps to have some Japanese friends.
You can extend the 3 months to 6 months, or take an English teaching position, or get a business visa or a digital nomad visa. There are varying conditions for each
In my experience they sometimes will but I can't speak for all of them. Ive dealt with a few and they often reply in Japanese but google will translate it automatically (I use Gmail so I'm not sure if others do that). Sometimes I will get English directly back. Either way email hasn't been a problem. However, they will often say "Do you speak Japanese or have a friend who can accompany you, since our agents don't speak (or have limited) English'. In my case my wife is Japanese. If they don't speak English and you don't have a Japanese friend it will often end up in the too hard basket. I will be talking about english/Japanese speaking go-betweens (brokers) in future videos and they are a good option.
Be warned!!!! There are hidden costs. Housing prices in Japan depreciate. You will need Japanese. The process is not quick. And you have to be accepted by the local community. Plus there are ongoing costs and taxes. It is do-able but it is not all roses. The subsidies are only for Japanese citizens/nationals only. And finally try to get a bank account in Japan as a foreigner...YOU CANT!!!
I LOVE your journey, Sean. So proud of my friend ❤🎉
Thanks Sanjiv. Kind of you to say
Ouch, Sean - don't let them do that to your hair!
So interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Bri
Too late, but I'm happy with it :-)
This was another fantastic episode from an amazing person! Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks Mickey. Glad you enjoyed it!
We are planning to do the same too...currently living in Sydney but planning to buy one to spend part of our retirement in Japan😄
Great stuff. I’ll be putting out some videos down the track on people who can help you get a place and make the process easier. If you don’t speak Japanese it’s a bit of a slog but it can be done. Good luck
Learn to read, write and speak Japanese first. Also what kind of visa are you eligible for? Do you realize that there is no central heating in Japan? And there are earthquakes daily?
Australian sense of humour about spider sizes is funny!
At least nothing much will kill you here, except bears 😅
Good presentation and informative Sean. Approve the new hair!
Thanks Mark. Brown is the new black :-)
I’m loving Escape to the Akiya 😁
Haha love it
Another great insight Sean!! Really enjoyed this too. Hope you are both keeping well.
Thanks Andrew. We’re currently in Masamoto. Beautiful castle. Off to Shimizu tomorrow. Misao’s home town. Been a great road trip so far. Cheers
Japan is a nice place to live, but gosh almighty do you have to jump through some hoops prepping for it and it isn't English-ready, so it only helps to have some Japanese friends.
Very true. Not for the feint hearted but worth the effort I think.
How can you actually live there once purchased. Australians can only stay up to 3 months. Unless you are looking for PR?
You can extend the 3 months to 6 months, or take an English teaching position, or get a business visa or a digital nomad visa. There are varying conditions for each
Thanks Sean. This is the clearest video I have seen regarding Akiyas
Hi there, will the real estate agent respond if they receive enquiry in English?? Heard that they themselves hardly speak English well..!
In my experience they sometimes will but I can't speak for all of them. Ive dealt with a few and they often reply in Japanese but google will translate it automatically (I use Gmail so I'm not sure if others do that). Sometimes I will get English directly back. Either way email hasn't been a problem. However, they will often say "Do you speak Japanese or have a friend who can accompany you, since our agents don't speak (or have limited) English'. In my case my wife is Japanese. If they don't speak English and you don't have a Japanese friend it will often end up in the too hard basket. I will be talking about english/Japanese speaking go-betweens (brokers) in future videos and they are a good option.
@seanmcbride3899 Sean, thank you for your quick reply, much appreciated and looking forward to your coming videos..🙏😊
Be warned!!!! There are hidden costs. Housing prices in Japan depreciate. You will need Japanese. The process is not quick. And you have to be accepted by the local community. Plus there are ongoing costs and taxes. It is do-able but it is not all roses. The subsidies are only for Japanese citizens/nationals only. And finally try to get a bank account in Japan as a foreigner...YOU CANT!!!
Yes , while all of that is true I will be talking about the downside in my next video and encouraging people to use a go-between.