Documenting my story of buying, renovating and living in my home in Japan. I share what I learn along the way, including mistakes, wins, and everything in between. This playlist also gives a look at daily life in rural Japan, right in the middle of one of the country’s snowiest and most well-known ski areas.
Curated by: Matt Guy (76 videos)
➤ ORIJA TOURS & MERCH | www.orija.me ➤ JAPAN TRAVEL GUIDE | https://www.rexby.com/im.mattguy/japan ➤ BUY ME A COFFEE | https://ko-fi.com/mattguy ➤ INSTAGRAM | @im.mattguy I bought what felt like the perfect akiya in Myoko, but the reality of akiya in Japan goes far beyond finding a cheap house in good condition. After living in Japan for over 10 years, I understand that home ownership here carries ongoing responsibility. Maintenance, neighbourhood relationships, local participation, and communication all shape the experience long after the purchase. Many akiya also come with preferences and expectations from the seller. In some cases, owners care less about maximising the sale price and more about who will live there, how the home will be used, and whether the buyer will contribute positively to the community. That’s also a core idea behind akiya banks. They are not just property listing platforms. They exist to connect homes with people who intend to live locally, maintain the property, and help sustain shrinking communities. This video shares the story of finding a home that felt right, while also recognising the responsibility and trust that often sits behind these purchases. —————————— ——————————