Abandoned House in Japan: Interior Tour (Pre-renovation)

[@CreativeProcessDIY]

We just bought and started renovating an abandoned house in USA. Good luck with your project!

[@bitsii]

Hi, everyone! Thanks for being here! I’m not planning on narrating videos often… but too much info to share here. You can expect to see more of my no-narration videos moving forward. I’m curious! What would you do in this house if you were renovating it? Also, I'm especially interested in Japanese product recommendations if you have them. Take care out there!

[@exploringlife738]

Your natural fit with Japan shines through in the bookend intro and ending of your film, and flows like a haiku through its cyclical round-abouting when the final view pairs the exquisite pressed glass panel leading to darkness with a juxtaposition of the dark wall that yet sparkles out light from deep within its own texture. Very Kawabata Yasunari, also, in the pace and cadence of your storytelling in what we now call "real time" as it is in rural Japan. Brava!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

Heyyyy it's great to hear your voice 👍😆 This is REALLY long post, but I'm a Handyman, it's a compulsion 😂 I love that quote and the glass panel. Great choice with the IKEA bulb too, you can get a cheap sensor add-on for it instead of a dimmer. Or get a $5 Sonoff WiFi switch to use with your phone and/or any old $20 S/H Android tablet. I have an old house too, so I've added lots of $3 Warm LED light strips as hidden indirect lighting on top of window sills, wall features and inside cupboards. They only need a tiny 12v plug pack (get them for $2ea from thrift stores) and the cable can easily be extended many metres with thin speaker wire. (Saves thousands paying for an electrician 👍) Has you considered some subtle Showa era style wallpaper for the plaster wall ? If you have trouble removing hard brown tape residue from windows, you can use any high strength alcohol (ethanol), kerosene (common for heating in Japan), WD40 or if you want to avoid nasty fumes, there's Eucalyptus Oil, or a lovely smelling product called Orange Power (available in Japan ?) You'll still need a razor scraper with all these. Tape gum is horrible 😕 If you wanted to change the bathroom tiles really cheaply, there's a Rust-Oleum tile painting product you can use called RockSolid. I love the Gumball Terrarium & the Disco wall finish 😆 Will you be getting yourself a cat companion ?

[@bitsii]

I would love a cat but I would prefer a human companion hahaha.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@bitsii Be daring, have both 👍😉

[@joetato2227]

Hi Bitsii I'm a retired remodeling contractor who used to live and work in metrowest Boston area. Now live in Thailand. My advice would be: Get the roof checked out first so your improvements do not get ruined. Remodeling should be done top down so 1st floor does not get filthy after being fixed plus not alot of work needs to be done to the second floor. I suggest concrete countertops (low cost) if can be done in your area also would blend in with concrete floor. Storage area between rooms I would put base cabinets with countertop that would open things up and give you more work space, if you decided you needed more storage you could add shelving or cabinets to one or both sides of counter space. If you put the fridge in the corner you will not be able to open the door past about 85 degrees, I suggest a narrow pantry cabinet between fridge and wall that gives you full access to fridge and pantry cabinet. I would renovate the bathroom last because it is separate from the house and while it is used often minimal time is spent there and while not super attractive everything is in good working condition. One final thought, be careful how much money you invest it seems unlikely you will get it back. It is a beautiful area and I really like the house and its heritage. I wish you the best of luck with your home and life.

[@michaelcook8487]

Found your channel after just getting back from a vacation to Japan. My wife is from Ehime, Matsuyama. We recently moved to the countryside in the eastern sierra mountains in a similarly old and very small town. Enjoying the your DIY projects while getting to see Ehime and old Showa neat stuff. Will keep tuned in. Thanks.

[@MegaMastiffman]

the bathroom in my opinion is vey nice well worth 2 steps outdoors lol. I have to say I really respect how much you respect the previous owners.

[@jennifer9254]

just binged all your video’s :) just gained yourself a new subscriber ❤

[@tomanicodin]

For the storage unit separating the kitchen from the tea room you have some options: 1. Take it out and make a more spacious, with more light, zone. 2. Use the wood to create some other piece in the house (like that you honor the past life of the house). 3. Cut it in half and use it as an isle as you mentioned in the video. I think you should go for the life you want and adapt the furniture and the space to that lifestyle. And everytime you discard something you can try to use it (or it's materials) for another purpose. Win-Win situation for you and the legacy of the house :)

[@stephenbouchelle7706]

I enjoy your eye for small details - the way you frame shots lets them stand alone as art as well as illustrating your narrative.

[@hcmiyatake]

Wow, feels like walking though my grandmother's place in the 1970s. A lot of that stuff you have is from the 1960s and perhaps earlier. I think the first choice you need to make is what sort of lifestyle- If you like your kotatsu and plan on heating/cooling one or two rooms, you can use the shoji doors etc to seal off that space. This is the lifestyle the house was built for. If you want a kitchen you can entertain in and a larger air conditioned space, you need to start with windows and walls to rebalance that air flow so you don't have mold, but can keep the heat/cool in. See what the neighbors have done with similar houses. Either way, what an adventure!

[@k_redacted5353]

Idea for a fun way to give away some of the glassware and such that you aren't planning on keeping: if you happen to grow any flowers you can give them away as makeshift vases for bouquets! It's something my mother does lol!

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

PS you have a treasure trove of ceramic vases, jugs, dishes in your storage area that can be used throughout the home as decor. Fill the vases with seasonal flowers or dried branches, use some as candle holders, bowls to hold fruit and nuts etc.

[@baileynorth352]

What a lovely tour. Thank you for sharing your ideas and plans. As an older person, I am grateful for your respect for the former resident. That respect will show in the results and bring you comfort as you settle there. As an artist I look forward to see what colors and textures you finally choose. What a joyful project!

[@suzannes783]

I really like the boxy ceiling light fixtures! They mirror the aesthetic of the geometry of the shoji screens and tatami mats. The wood elements also tie in the overall look as well. They're also a charming Showa-era artifact that I think, in many cases age, reasonably well. Yes, I have some IKEA in my home too, but they aren't the elements with warmth, character, history and uniqueness - and they never will be. Seriously consider keeping those light fixtures! (Or find a way to gently refresh them if some of the glass motifs aren't to your liking). Good luck! You've got quite a project there!

[@jacquelinedenoi483]

Glitter walls are awesome! Keep them.

[@Mimulus2717]

I love all your ideas about finishes and building materials. Smart to live with what you have for awhile to discover the inherent magic. BTW, many older (and even new) dishes, knickknacks, appliances, tools have issues with lead. Be careful with your exposures.

[@Julia-zj2ch]

Your home is enchanting in so many ways. Thank you for your clear and thorough tour, I find all of it fascinating. It is good to know you are living with much of the current condition to get to know the place before making changes. Your respect for Yumi, her belongings and her home are heart warming. Many things that are now "retro" will soon (or at some point) be antique. It is so nice when people keep things like that. I look forward to your next video. They are worth waiting for.

[@marygeorge2467]

What a compelling and charming endeavor you've gotten yourself into! I am so glad you were lucky enough to have such wonderful friends, coworkers and neighbors helping, even embracing your presence and efforts. Having lived in Japan, not all people are so hospitable. But, like accepting the shadows and moving right along, your long list of tasks will be such a pleasure to watch. Your voice, the music . . . it's all just beautiful. Gambatte!

[@joewolf9620]

I won't lie, i love the pressed glass on the ceiling lights, it is real cool they have different light settings too. I wish i had something like that in my home. Excited to see your renovations!

[@honeykat1]

This is a wonderful video. I love traditional Japanese architecture. And I also love your thoughtful commentary, and your deep respect for the lady (your grandmother?) who left it to you, and also your respect for the items that maybe are not initially to your taste! I am also doing up an old house, and I noticed that what I thought I couldn't stand in the first flush of ownership, actually often turned out to be something I grew to respect and now wouldn't change them for the world! It's lovely to hear a younger person also see the value in such things (but, yes, of course, you must make it YOUR home now, and do things as it suits you!! It's not a museum but a home, so I hope you didn't take my comments as any form of criticism: I think you're doing great!! I have subscribed so I can watch your home evolve with you.). Kindest regards and best wishes for 2023!

[@salewithanalise]

I thought of a suggestion for the sliding doors that are you have propped against the second floor wall. You could make an accordion room divider with them. I really like the art design and think they would look great as a room divider.

[@lashazachariah5495]

I thought the same or even hang on a wall.

[@purrbotic]

Those retro light fixtures are so cool!

[@lorgabluc]

Love love love the disco wall, the retro fixtures and the designs on the glass windows. Simply beautiful 🤩

[@grady4757]

Just discovered your channel. Much respect for you for choosing to break out of the path you were on and drastically change your life. I left the VFX industry in NY some years ago, and since then we lived in Tbilisi and now the Balkans. The house you have has so much potential. It’ll be interesting to see what you do with a design background, but with an aesthetic rooted in East and West now. Congratulations to you.

[@sotetsotetsotetsotetsotet2379]

That zojirushi rice cooker is super high end, which if you still have it, is something to keep in mind.

[@overthecounterbeanie]

Traditional shikkui plaster would look great in the genkan. An updated free-standing kitchen would look fabulous!

[@caronspurway3792]

I love the tiles and the plaster.

[@amariafrost]

I'm rather surprised at how nice the bathroom is even if you have to go outside to get to it. I like all the retro tiles. I really like your color picks that you've been thinking about so far.

[@alcuinwilkie]

Thank you so much for this video. Very interesting. Let's hope you live a long and enjoyable life in this house

[@JuJuBean-sc5nm]

Love your dedication and vision, can't wait to follow your progress

[@EveryTongue]

Pretty sweet house. Congratulations on your progress in Japan!

[@増田克仁]

ユミさんへの手紙も床の間に供えてくれていましたね。ありがとう。ベセニーのような優しい人が住んでくれて、きっとユミおばちゃんも喜んでいますよ。お洒落になっていく自分の家に驚いているかもね。

[@sandrawest2105]

Hi! I thoroughly enjoyed your video. A thorough walkthrough with great insights and sentiments. I am looking forward to more! Thank you. Peace 💫

[@tzinyernchong1939]

That glass pane with the flowy organic square pattern, I love that pattern so much, I would definitely try to replicate that in plaster on a feature wall 😊

[@ravenskye6595]

I love all the press glass, in my house using pre- loved items, recycle or upcycle is a must. Storage is always an issue for me. Great vision for your home. Your journey to making this space be "yours" will be eye opening, and amazing. Thank you for sharing.

[@judihopewell2499]

I hbe painted over tiles and they look very nice indeed

[@smilesfordays]

I would LOVE to learn more about trash sorting! Where I live/grew up, I learned early on the proper ways to recycle and my dad did a job repairing recycling compactors so it would be fascinating to hear more about Japanese recycling practices!

[@bitsii]

Noted! That will be a fun challenge to turn trash into a nice little vlog story. 😆

[@smilesfordays]

@@bitsii that’s so exciting! Thank you for considering it! I’ll be here for the journey! 🤗

[@TomBedlammusic]

A beautiful old house already. Ive aways dreamed about doing this ever since I heard about Akiya. Ive moved my work to 100% online so it's doable now, I just need to convince Japan to give me a visa to stay. Baby steps. Good luck with the renovation!

[@SL-ld8nz]

Thank you so so much for detailed in the house 🏡. Beautiful and loving home!!! Thank you for taking the time to share!!! Looking forward to more !!

[@ariban]

I absolutely loved the bathroom.

[@bitsii]

Oh really? Hehe. I’m curious why!

[@leo22cuervo]

I loved this tour, the two closets upstairs look so big that are great to play with so many ideas. I have to say the bathroom is great at being really really big and feeling really really small, the whole room is enormous but having everything SO separated wastes it. I feel like you can do a wonderful thing with the garden, take most of the concrete off, make it green and zen and just enjoy it from you big windows the whole year

[@judihopewell2499]

Bottom three greys seems very nice with the d earth product.. good pick.

[@AlfordLau]

I love your videos with music and captions but really appreciate you took the time to narrate in this video explaining your observations, thoughts and future plans. These Japanese homes look great, I notice they have some common themes and characteristics. Their walls tend to be thin, hence making insulation add on sometime more challenging without doing new wall framing. There is a kind of insulation products that is very easy to add on, it is basically a bubble wrap with reflective surfaces, some of them come with self adhesive. They are quite easy to be installed, light and very effective (5+ degree warm for one layer). For existing wood floor revitalization, try water based polyureathane instead of oil based products. Water based polyureathane is low emission, quick to dry, hard when dry (hence it seals and protects wood) and long lasting. Good luck, love your shows.

[@Sindri27]

I would like to see a video of all the knick knacks that were left behind from what I see they look interesting. A more open kitchen would look nice.

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

I like your idea of opening up the kitchen to the 'tea room' creating a big open plan. And built in storage is key. But first to make all walls and foundations water tight , ventilated and insulated. I am drawn to the concrete, stainless, bamboo and wood concept, replacing the stamped glass with clear glass for ultimate light, especially good for a plant lover. Don't be afraid to go contemporary as the house obviously doesn't have original quality features to preserve. Do throw in a little bit of wabi sabi to soften the contemporary. Good luck and remember to have fun.

[@hshneo]

As you are obsessed with plaster and walls materials, I am with wood. Pretty sure you already did, but if not I would raise and check all the floors looking for thermite, mold and structural damge. A sanding machine and tons of marine grade varnish, getting rid of all those nails and holes on the wood would be my priority. I'm moving to a new apartment this week and ordered lots of "smart" light bulbs, sensors and nft tags from switch bot. Really good quality and lifespan for the lights and no needs of switchs and cables since you can have several options on how to automate it. They also have a thermometer/hygrometer that you can spread in the suspect spots and it will log it for reference. Good luck with your renovation, and I'm looking forward to learn how to work with plaster 😊.

[@wrldtrvlrable]

An idea for the storage between the tea room and the kitchen, if it hasn't already been offered? How about removing the back of it, but keeping the shelves? That way you can keep the shelves as storage and also have the flow? Loved watching your videos and will keep following your process. Your intention and journey are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

[@mrchris123]

deffo combine kitchen and living space with a counter!!!!

[@zanpsimer7685]

I enjoy your channel. I’ve recently retired and moved into a smaller house alone. I’m also having the same sorts of conversations with myself.

[@judihopewell2499]

Good cheap solution in your space is a ductless heat pump with mounted wall unit with cold and hot air possibilities and very cost efficient.

[@もう秋]

I grew up in Japan (now am a habitant of the great state of New York) with the pressed glasses in my childhood. I hope you would be able to preserve and incorporate them in your remodeling plan.

[@ajadrew]

So refreshing to see the quote from In Praise of Shadows 👍😊 - And you can never have too many plants - I learnt that in Holland 40 years ago! Seems like you know exactly what you're doing!

[@punk6ster]

Haahaa love your humour "my mind went straight to disco" 😅🤣😂😂😅😅😆😁😁😁 love your videos! Will be looking forward to further house developments!

[@Twilightsonata-w7p]

All those old calling lamps are my favorite part of the house I love how square they are, their opaqueness and the little charms at the end. Each one is slightly unique. I hope if you do get rid of them however they go to good homes that use them properly and appreciate their beauty.

[@jessikafitzgerald]

Whenever I live in a new place I always either draw out or use on online room layout planner for each space, this way I can see where things will fit as well as see how things flow. I also list out things that are important to me to have a space for, number them by importance, pick the room best suited for each of them and see if any room can have multiple purposes. The main things for your home in my mind is air flow and light. Houses in Japan can feel cramped and compartmentalized, to counter this I would recommend lighter colored walls, warmer lightbulbs, wood accents and possibly adding some ranma panels to increase airflow between rooms. I love seeing your videos and seeing you settle into your home!

[@shanellaj]

I love how you've transformed this house. I love your bathroom and how you've arranged the genkon area.

[@tonaltti]

All my life I had watched the expensive looking items in my grandmother's showcase. When she passed away, I inherited silver candlesticks. Or that's what I thought, a better look revealed those to be fake. Actually none of the items had any real monetary value. But I do value my candlesticks. You have now a house full of grandmother items. I really like the setup at 21:49 . Could be a set for a movie scene.

[@nuzuk]

I’ve lived in an 180 plus year old house my entire life, I doubt you have to overly worry about mold in the bathroom, esp if it’s a drafty room. Old houses “breath” aka are drafty and that air flow helps to prevent that, glad you embraced the detached bathroom. Never knew that about the Matt’s though I have one bathroom at the center of house with no ventilation and fight mold their constantly go thru Matt’s often I’ll have to try one thank you!

[@_Relogger]

I love seeing your plants, I’m most excited to see your garden evolve. You could remove the top of the kitchen divider unit and it would be more like an island, which would open the room up without discarding the storage. The stainless appliances sound very nice, but I hope you keep the vintage countryside feeling of the house when you make the necessary improvements. Your tile and wall selections are fun so I look forward to your diy projects!

[@EsperantaMartina]

Not sure if this comment was made already (so many!), gomen if it was 😅: I like the idea of opening the kitchen to the living/plant area. If unsure about fully removing the storage wood/cabinet piece, how about opening it partially by leaving the bottom part so to create an island that separates the kitchen from the other ambient. Instead of full open space, it would allow for a more flowing ambient while still retaining some storage. Glad to have found your channel ❤ Gambatte kudasai 👍

[@medyocrity]

I've just subscribed. I'm a designer (Architecture and Interior Design) and project manager in my country somewhere in the Southeast Asia. I look forward to see how you would approach your renovation in this traditional Japanese House. I think I will learn something from this project.

[@sweetrebeldy]

I love all your comments and concerns!. I wish to use an ofuro bath someday. The sink in the toilet is a great idea. Love to see the products samples too!. Grey is a good option. Luck! (Ah, I wish to see these kimono fabric bolts!).

[@difonzobanjo7132]

Keeping a freestanding kitchen is a great idea. Steel tables are a very reasonable price. I suspect that combating mold will be a long term struggle. In our home that was abandoned for 10 years, we finally resorted to running one or two dehumidifiers for more than half of the year. Also, the glitter walls must stay!

[@umyeahisurehopeitdoes]

Long time no see! Thanks for the video

[@999Giustina]

I'm glad you haven't taken a wrecking ball attitude to the house. Most of the house is serviceable and a coat of paint could brighten the space. Fix the roof and deal with any moisture issues. Fix the kitchen floor and any other floors that are broken. You might want to change to LED lights and low energy appliances. Otherwise it is charming and historic.

[@dana932]

A wonderful tour of a lovely home. I really enjoy a lot of the dated elements, to be honest, it makes everything so charming! All the pressed glass is lovely, and that glitter wall really is something special! Thank you for taking the time to share this with us, looking forward to more. Xxx

[@rivenmotors7981]

Hello, thank you for sharing your thoughtful deliberate presentation. I have long appreciated many aspects of Japan from my youth and would love to visit the country. Your respect for your new home is apparent and I look forward to your process of integration and renewal.

[@superlynnie]

Nice shots!

[@Shaz221]

I loved this video, your commentary was so relaxing! Your home has still the old house character, but I'm happy that you have so many projects to make it modern and more apt to your lifestyle. I liked particularly the light fixtures, the one with the fan was my favourite. Have a lovely festive period!

[@bitsii]

Sharon!!!! Always happy to see your sweet comments here. 😊 Thanks for sticking around. I’ve got more relaxing vlogs in the pipeline. Happy holidays to you too!

[@cheesymation]

Love your plants

[@louisenilsson8951]

The tiles you picked are very nice.

[@judihopewell2499]

It feels as if you need a lighting upgrade to brighten up…..front hall,gloomy and if you wasnt it to be an a green space need more maybe pot lights ? New lights thru out will,lift everything and safer if led type used. Lightening up wall colour to something zen and possibly neutral might help you…❤🇨🇦🙏

[@MsNarutosuchti]

I would do something kitchen island-ish between the kitchen and the other room. Maybe something that is not connected to the floor so you can create more space if you need it? Wheels on the bottom perhaps, that way the air is not cut off between the rooms (I guess it would be one room then). But then I love cooking with other people so that cramped, one way only, kitchen would not work for me at all. I don´t know how damaged the cupboard doors are, but maybe you could salvage one of the painted panels by putting them on a stable surface and hang them over the stairs? Something big like that, or a scroll would look great there! I kinda love the windows and the lamps. That one wavy, quare-ish greometric design looks so pretty!

[@richardschneider4775]

I wish I could join you in this adventure. The quality of this home and contents are worthy of many films.

[@HuangXingQing]

It's a beautiful house and with your skills and knowledge will become a home. I stumbled over your channel. Google thought I needed it. ;-)

[@W4ABN]

The venting in the kitchen is what's done on boats too, or at least sailboats I've seen. Need air circulation to keep moisture from collecting. When I was in Germany for a bit, I heard it was the reason furniture wasn't against the walls. Life is different when you don't have central climate control. For the big cabinet in the kitchen, I feel like it could be removed and put in lower cabinets with a long counter and move the stove to that side. Just seems a bit cramped where everything is right now. I love the tatami mats. The bathroom is still cute as it is even if it does look dated. There's so many cool details in your house. I like the colors and tiles you're considering. They'll be perfect. I'm very much an introvert and would love to have a nice simple home like this to myself. I've been interested in tiny living and I feel like it would be more comfortable than large homes. Thanks for the tour.

[@shethecreator.3082]

This home has so much character and intresting items, can't wait to see what you do with this space. I'd say remove that storage unit partition in the kitchen area because it really makes the kitchen very cramped and dark like you said.

[@eddybreezy]

I love your videography! It really captures the story.

[@judihopewell2499]

Seems like in kitchen take out room divider storage unit and replace with island 9possibly movable) with storage under but usable counter and allows light and opens up the space socially and practically. It would feel so much more open New ikea kitchen might be your best bet and wide choice if finishes to your tastes.

[@buckstephens6407]

Definitely a fan of opening up the kitchen. You can reuse the wood if you want

[@exploringlife738]

I lived in a house with many similarities, so I'm not able to be impartial, but I really like your design ideas for the most part and just so happy you are taking the time to fall in love with some of the things that initially may have seemed unusual or dated. I'm remembering, too, how much I enjoyed the evolution of your painting on the door in a previous video - started out very western in style an palette but ended up very much a celebration and seamless pairing of the best of East and West. It seems that is where you are headed, judging by your thoughts and comments in video. Some of the pressed glass is dated or un-patterned, and most of the stand-alone furnishings do not seem to reflect the soul of the house. But the walls! and much of the glass and some of the light fixtures ... superb! ... I was sooo relieved when you finally mentioned growing appreciation of the glittery wall - fond memories of them in my homestays! Some are quite subtle and in light, neutral colors, so I wondered if any of your wall treatments can or do incorporate that? That front room off the Genkan is really the place where guests are received and presented with food from the kitchen, so altering that back space for more "family" or informal kitchen and dining really feels less like altering the "soul" of the house and more a like making a place to express yourself with more abandon and less cultural restriction - a place for closer friends and visitors to meet your own soul as it reflects your life and unique individual style. I laughed at the toilet - I thought you'd skip it due to the floor level type I encountered in my pre-western-toilet time in Japan (hey, they beat thrones with the "keeping regular" benefit of squatting!). All in all, a real gem of a house. Now you have me wondering if the stairs can be re-done; widened and lengthened for less upward angle, and steps to fit your feet ... so much nostalgia to enjoy and future possibilities that you are sharing. It's a great gift, thank you for bringing us into your world.

[@bitsii]

Thanks for your thoughtful comment and for joining this story! I like your perspective on altering the back area. The stairs have become easier for me the longer I am here. I’m looking forward to reading more of everyone’s comments. Very interesting. Thank you!

[@ErinKahn53]

Bitsii, my husband and I LOVE watching your thoughtful, artistic and inspiring videos, please keep creating! It was awesome getting to hear your voice and great sense of humor. We cannot wait to see what you do with your beautiful akiya! I'd love to hear more about how you moved to Japan one day as well. Thank you and happy holidays!!!

[@bitsii]

Happy holidays to you two! I love imagining couples watching these videos. I heard from another married couple who tunes in, too. So sweet. ❤️ Great to hear from you. Thank you so much!!!

[@ErinKahn53]

@@bitsii You're inspiring us in our own journey to Japan where we'd like to find an akiya one day! We are in awe of how reverent and thoughtful you are when it comes to repurposing everything and keeping the previous owner in mind. Our passports arrived today's so hopefully our dream can come true sooner than later!

[@ffffound38]

This project it’s so magical Bitsii. 🙏🏻

[@IaMmeMilly]

Great tour, loved hearing your thoughts on the different rooms and items. I have to admit... I find it strangely charming that you have to go outside to go to the bathroom. There is something so authentic and old-timey feeling about it.

[@denisesrazzledazzlenails9606]

I just subscribed! I love that glitter wall. ❤

[@bitsii]

I’m impressed you watched all the way to the glitter wall! hehe. Thank you for joining!

[@HallaDita]

Hello 🙂 I think it would be a bloody shame to take down the dividing cabinet in the kitchen. The small plant room behind it is an amazing place. Small table where the fridge is now is a good idea. Upstairs storage is genial and glitter wall was a nice cherry on top of the video. I also love all the glass light shades. If it was only one it wouldn't work as good as having multiple in similar style+size Also thanks for putting in the voice over. It was way better for this video than subtitles in previous episodes (I dont mind them, but there was so much info in this one). Have a nice holiday times, can't wait for the video ideas you have, bye bye D.

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

This brought back fond memories of houses I lived in when I first moved to Japan 41 years ago. 🤩👍🏾

[@bitsii]

41 years! Wow!

[@TheKamakuraGardener]

@@bitsii 🤩

[@thatslifecaro1479]

i loved every minute of this video!! The plaster and ceramics you chose are so beautiful! I wish you would not get rid of the pendant lights, i love them sooo much ^w^ i cannot wait to see what you will do with the space, yet i also love that i don't know when the next video will come out. I find it very nice to be surprised with a new video of yours. From what i saw in past videos, people seem to be so adorable it melts my heart. I would be very pleased to see more of them. You said there are a lot of grandmas and grandpas here, i wonder if there are also people more of your age too. i am watching you from freezing Berlin Germany right now, i sometimes dream about coming to Japan and love an old house like you love yours. Take care

[@GingerByrn1]

Thanks for the tour! The glitter plaster is awesome, and your sitting area by the window looks so cozy! I feel your pain with the damp house. We bought an almost 60 yr old house in the southern US that had been uninhabited for several years and has mostly disfunctional windows. Plumbing is having to come first. Turns out the mystery shelf near the ceiling in the hallway with an outlet behind it is for a fan to keep the air flowing 24/7 so mold doesn’t grow on the ceiling. That diatomaceous plaster sounds amazing! I am going to have to look that up. I also had to wash all the cabinets above and below the range with bleach water because the vent fan didn‘t work properly and they were getting too damp. We fixed that problem. Part of the cabinets have a decorative plastic screen framed by wood (1960’s colonial) which works well in preventing moisture buildup. While I would prefer something more modern, they do allow for some screening of the cabinet contents and as well as air circulation; highly recommend. A more cottage core option I am considering doing is something with muslin or similar in a way that could be easily removed from the doors and washed. Louvered cabinet doors are kind of pricey, but that is an option as well. I’ve even played around with the idea of plain doors with some kind of decorative cutout. At this point I just want cupboards that don’t smell musty. Are dehumidifiers much of a thing there or are they too expensive to run? We have two running most of the year. One is inside and the other is in an enclosed patio area. We use the water from the dehumidifier to water the plants and fill the birdbaths. It also came in handy when we had a 100 yr flood and were without water for four days. We had bottles of drinking water, but the water from the dehumidifiers allowed us to flush our toilets and clean ourselves and the dishes. If the humidity is particularly high, we can reclaim about 5-6 gallons per day per unit on average, but we have reclaimed as much as 9. Humidity in the winter is almost as bad as summer. If we don‘t run the dehumidifier, the inside humidity can still reach over 84%. The chill in the air is much worse. We can actually keep the thermostat set lower if we run the dehumidifier. It does provide some heat, but it is the removal of the humidity that really helps. Since we have gotten the humidity issue under control, we have seen a steep decline in the pest population (giant roachy waterbugs with wings). Can‘t wait to see how your house comes together! It really is a process.

[@bitsii]

Holy humidity!!! You’re really on top of that issue! It’s new to me. Summer is usually 70% to 80%, higher on rainy days. Luckily winter dips to 60s. It’s too expensive to run the dehumidifier all the time. Electricity is more expensive here than the US. I’m hopeful to figure out the low tech options though! There are also many products like mats and absorbing packets that I can use in the closet. But the stainless counters will definitely be a big upgrade. Best of luck with your place! I like your cabinet door ideas! Cottage core doors 😆

[@helloyellowginkgo7551]

Loved this video and the house! And how you showed everything so detailed 🥰

[@cocolenchojapan]

Very nice tour. Thanks for sharing! Our house renovation is taking place. I wish I could do most of the the work myself, but due to lack of time I have a local carpenter do the work and skills. The cool part is that his dad built the house.

[@rainmakerartistjourney3615]

I read in Praise of shadows. very nice

[@pgvsmith1]

Merry Christmas!

[@bitsii]

Same to you!

[@BlueHooloovoo]

The kitchen seem to be the biggest priority project for the house. The top part of that cabinet that separates the tea room from the kitchen should be removed to open up the space. As you said, it's too dark and crammed a space so removing the top will bring more light into the kitchen, open up the space and create more counter space. Storage can be moved to the wall where your fridge currently is and you could even repurpose the wood from the top of the old cabinet to build new storage cabinets and shelving.

[@tomanicodin]

I love plants is the new I like trains meme? 🙃

[@madharlequinsmagicbox6002]

🥰 Love everything in your house!

[@RowanStella]

Please keep updating 🙏✨ These videos are beautiful.

[@bitsii]

Thank you! ✨ Thanks for being here. 💕

[@shandreehelewa1727]

Thank you for the thorough tour. I love seeing so much of your space and seeing the ideas you have for it. I look forward to future posts of your progress. I was wondering if the courtyard space where your laundry and bathroom are could be enclosed so that it became part of the interior space.

[@bitsii]

Hi Shandree! Thanks for joining! The roofs don't meet in a way that would be simple to enclose. But the main thing on my mind right now is that basically none of the house is sealed or insulated, so I don't think expanding the footprint would help much. Every room is a freezer. But I have plenty of time to think things over... maybe I'll have a eureka moment. ;)

[@MrBkas]

I want to live there too

[@DanielJoyce]

I don't know how big the crawlspace is. But if it's bare soil and you can get some access, laying down plastic sheeting will massively cut moisture into the house

[@Freddie-Moses]

Hey Bitsii, very interested to learn more about you and making the change to moving, exactly how you went about getting your house and working remotely. Enjoying your videos so far and think you should get on the camera and talk to us! Cheers from Oxford, UK

[@sjblack9135]

I wonder if you can compromise and maybe move the wooden shelving unit to where the fridge is currently at? Maybe not possible though, and I’m sure you’ll find the right solution! Thanks for sharing!