In this episode of Buying a House in Japan, Taker and Joey sit down with Keito Swan, a half-Japanese U.S. native who bought and fully renovated a 50-year-old akiya in Higashikawa, Hokkaido. Keito breaks down the real expenses behind his $180,000 project, the hard realities of local weather and trash rules, and why he thinks most foreign buyers should think twice before purchasing property in Japan.Key TakeawaysThe True Akiya Budget: Why cheap listings can quickly turn into $180,000 projects once you factor in full gut renovations and harsh climates.Local Integration Matters: Why understanding community rules, trash sorting, and local events like the Undokai make or break your living experience in rural Japan.The Airbnb Trap: Why managing remote vacation rentals in Japan rarely delivers the expected ROI for average buyers.Financial and Practical Realities: Why liquid capital, language access, or realistic plans for upkeep are non-negotiable for Japanese homeownership.Main PointsKeito's Journey to Hokkaido: Driving the Pan-American Highway, leaving a failed deal in Niseko behind, and finding a property in Higashikawa on Suumo while parked in the Atacama Desert.Renovating a 50-Year-Old House: Dealing with sub-zero temperatures, replacing entire plumbing systems, and prepping a house for 10 meters of annual snow.Skepticism Around the Akiya Boom: Unpacking common sales tactics, misleading online listings, and why low-cost rural houses often cost more than they are worth.Living in a Town of 8,000: Joining the local track-and-field day, dealing with village addresses, and building future plans for cabins, an art studio, and an English school.Resources & Links MentionedFollow Keito Swan on Instagram: @keitoswanBrowse Japanese property listings in English: MokomokoLearn about full-service remote home buying: Mokomoko Buyers Club If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you or someone you know wants to find a property in Japan, check out mokomoko.com or email us at [email protected].

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related