Buying Akiya? | Exploring Houses in Rural Japan with Akiya & Inaka

In this video I go down to Nagara in Chiba prefecture to meet Matt and Parker from Akiya & Inaka, a new business that specialises in helping customers find akiya (vacant houses) to purchase. We check out a couple of houses listed in the Nagara akiya bank and talk about akiya and their business.
Akiya & Inaka: www.akiyainaka.com
Nagara akiya bank: www.town.nagara.chiba.jp/sosh...
(we visited properties no. 13 and 8)
Full real-time video of the drive into Nagara is here on my other channel: • Nagara, Chiba Drive 4K
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If you'd like to support the channel I have a Patreon:
/ tokyollama
Merchandise: tokyollama.myspreadshop.com
As well as Patreon only updates, in between videos I'm posting at Instagram: / tokyo_llama
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Articles used in video
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www.insider.com/japan-ghost-t...
www.businessinsider.com/aband...
www.oecd.org/els/family/HM1-1...
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Credits
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Thanks to Jonas Stava (instagram @motion.man) for the animation of the Tokyo Llama logo.
Abandoned house photo by toxinu on Unsplash
Tokyo photo by Ryo Yoshitake on Unsplash
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Music
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Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
#abandonedhouse #Japan #akiya

[@TokyoLlama]

Just to clarify, the two properties were the only two at the akiya bank that we got permission to film. The first one, Matt & Parker had seen already, and the second was their first time. Ideally, I would have liked to have visited one of the more traditional Japanese houses in the akiya bank as well.

[@julesoyler4306]

I am hesitant to say this but will.... got a weird vibe from those guys. I am retired Navy and spent a great deal of years on Okinawa (not main land Japan) and gave a very warm place in my heart for the culture.

[@snooks5607]

@@julesoyler4306 15:30 "the weirder the better!"

[@theblackswordsman9951]

@@julesoyler4306 You try delivering a full summary of your job with a camera in your face. Im sure they are just fairly new to this and maybe a bit camera shy.

[@Fractus]

@@julesoyler4306 The introduction maybe but I'm sure I'd be just as nervous. As the video went on it sounds like they really know their stuff so I think criticism is unwarranted.

[@Peter.Charles]

@@julesoyler4306 I thought the same thing. Something fishy about this. They are trying to offer some real estate services without having the licence. They are skirting the full service an agent offers. I don’t get a good vibe from them too.

[@robmarth2226]

I don't know why but Parker's voice is exactly as my expectation, once he start to talk I just yell out "Hah!!"

[@stuartcrabbe123]

You and me both 🤣🤣 textbook

[@OffGridInvestor]

Holy hell, he's like the winner of the sleaziest used car dealer in America. It was honestly FAR worse than I expected.

[@_chipchip]

I feel like this guy in his Dad suit is presenting a PowerPoint slide to me….

[@sdmyisrael3689]

well I live in JP since 1990 and his PPT is pretty amazing... I think I might hire him..I dont have the time to fly around check all houses better him with vidoe live

[@OffGridInvestor]

@@sdmyisrael3689 you ARE him. Nobody with a brain would hire him.

[@ausmartin1]

New remote work. Rural Japan really needs a revival with younger families. Good for every generation then.

[@TXH1138]

My first impressions of these two "consultants" is to walk away FAST.

[@mazzdacon2134]

It's the headscarf.

[@florisbackx1744]

@@mazzdacon2134 And the just not fitting jacked : )

[@hossp2365]

Why Teddy?

[@dimadenis6575]

😆😆😆

[@DickCheeseman]

Yeah, they give me the creeps

[@AjNar]

These two guys seem super shady

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

Lol literally I thought it was just me until I saw all of the comments. Total scam vibes

[@DSHndmn]

I have a feeling that's why he did the video with them. He's done a videos on how to buy an Akiya by yourself and it seems he's quietly letting the community know to steer clear of these guys.

[@edvhollywood4544]

Wish I knew before I gave my mone last week, h Matt are you reading this? Your phone not working.

[@edvhollywood4544]

2,700 US dollars oh no , Matt and Parker , I hope we can make it right, and good morning. Show me some houses then we can make a better reference for your operation.

[@MrRookitty]

If I'm being 100% honest I would not do business with these guys. I'm sure they are nice people, but they don't strike me as professionals.

[@taahbooba]

I got the same feeling lol

[@sdmyisrael3689]

you dont need them you can read Japanese and travel and make all appointments alone. Good luck.

[@taahbooba]

@@sdmyisrael3689 OR you can hire a translator lol

[@sdmyisrael3689]

@@taahbooba yes can hire translator, guide, fudo.san and driver. sure can. but others are all in one. intelligence. that is

[@HouseWinchester1874]

The one in the jacket looks like a used car salesman.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

“The ‘Akiya bank’ is kind of a last resort.” Yeah, it does have that stigma in my area as well. At least among the older generation. And here too, it’s the foreign population who seems to be most interested in what’s listed there. But it is kind of fascinating to browse through it. Last year I found a Meiji-era elementary school for sale, not far from where I live. It was gorgeous and crazy cheap. But also falling apart. (Too bad, it would have made an amazing brew-pub. 😆)

[@TokyoLlama]

Wow, an old school would have made an interesting location for a pub!

[@theblackswordsman9951]

Would love to see some pictures of the place. Sounds amazing.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@theblackswordsman9951 Yeah, I took some video. If you’re interested… kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGveqmXbtd0sNk

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@TokyoLlama yeah, that’s what I thought. From the outside, I can totally imagine it. But then you go inside and realize just how unsafe most of the structure is.

[@RealRuralJapan]

Imagine the maintenance and power bills! I can’t see anyone getting a taxi out to a old rural school to have a beer. A recording studio would work IMO.

[@Keiichi879]

Gaijin opportunists, they lack qualifications and license to be real estate agents. Yet at the same time they lack professional manners expected for both Westerners and Japanese, in that sense what do you think makes them good representatives to act on your behalf?

[@SauceVinaigrette]

I met Matt on an online meetup a few months ago. It was supposed to be an opportunity to talk to and get information from a so-called Akiya expert. As in this video, he mentioned risks and pitfalls but never bothered to share any real information, chosing instead to promote his new business even after I made clear I wasn't interested in hiring him. I walked out of the meeting having learnt nothing as you can expect. I understand that he wants to promote his stuff but gatekeeping useful information that I'm gonna find for myself sooner or later anyway is just kind of a dick move. Of course I don't mean to diminish the work done on this channel, the videos are interesting, informative and it's overall great content. I just wanted to rant about my waste of time interacting with one of these guys.

[@MrKrtek00]

I wonder what useful information you are/were looking for? For me generally the potential pitfalls, how to do due dilligence was the most important.

[@edvhollywood4544]

Sad, And the form he sends , Is all I got, and High overpriced scam, or my message to Matt, Do the right thing make it right. Wasted my money.

[@cristobal.ashton]

No would be give out free info?

[@elborikua951]

I would stay away from those two “used car salesmen”. Thoroughly did not enjoy the interaction

[@thepochade5992]

I felt that too. Somewhat shifty and opportunistic.

[@Snusblues]

just look at the guys nose, they are juice

[@ezrhino1803]

Look at their website. The properties they are listing are highly priced. From the definition of Akiya I've learned here, the properties are primarily abandoned, thus low prices. The government in Japan limits a real estate agents commission to 3%. Rural properties are not in demand to the Japanese who mainly want to live in the urban areas. These guys found a marketing niche to foreigners who have money to spend to market these properties as "highly" desirable to create a sense of urgency to buy, while inflating the price to make the commission fatter. The uninformed or inexperienced wishing to experience Japanese rural culture may fall for it. Tokyo Llama nailed it when he bought a huge house for 30K US. in less than stellar condition and employed sweat equity to transform it to something magnificent. It helps to know the local language and culture so as not to be taken advantage of. Llama I definitely would not link these guys on your channel. I get bad vibes from them. Your channel is a breath of fresh air with your honesty and thoughtful presentations and I would hate to see it tainted with bad associations

[@RAZGR1Z]

@@ezrhino1803 Pretty much this. You also have to check for unpaid taxes and liens on the properties.

[@Fete_Fatale]

The video could have been 10 minutes shorter if it weren't for their waffling on so much while saying so little.

[@isbravoo]

These guys give such a sketchy vibe

[@joshr9417]

Sketchy

[@isbravoo]

@@joshr9417 yessir

[@hertrisno8146]

@@isbravoo especially "that" guy, he seems weird haha

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

Lol I’m so glad to see everyone getting the same vibes as me!

[@ilhamseptian1604]

WTF with his voice

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

Smart move not getting involved with flipping and managing akiya homes. Definitely getting a gaijen vibe from these "consultants"

[@deshaunjackson8188]

I dont trust them either.

[@hossp2365]

@@deshaunjackson8188 why?

[@sdmyisrael3689]

all these comments here are totally baka...all these dude comments here all by feelings it seems all dudes comments here all about feelings and vibes ..you must be all bit ches or sooo jealous envy of the biz model of these guys.

[@OffGridInvestor]

@@sdmyisrael3689 piss off parker. Or his brother or whoever you are. Parker had to be one of THE SLEAZIEST salesman I've seen in my damn LIFE. You've got to have half your brain removed to do business with a guy like that.

[@OffGridInvestor]

@@hossp2365 sleazy salesman factor. Parker is cringe as hell, the other guy is decent.

[@szuwen]

Jaya I've been following your videos for a long time and really glad to see you are covering topics related to akiya in Japan. I am sure these guys have the right intentions, but many of the services they offer need to be done by a licensed broker. Even if they are licensed, they are charging people for services that any realtor is "regulated" to do for free... to buy these akiya houeses foreign buyers simply need to be in Japan, visit the houses in person with a English speaking agent or friend and that's it.

[@TokyoLlama]

They partner with a licensed broker to do the legal side of things. I did cut that bit out of the video. My bad. True though, I think many people could do this themselves directly.

[@haphazard1342]

The problem, @abunga, is that basically no traditional broker will work with clients in this way precisely because they're required to do these parts for free. It may be infeasible due to regulations or just industry norms for licensed brokers to work on a flat rate commission, or it's simply too hard to agree on a commission amount up front given the potential variability and protracted nature of finding and buying an Akiya. In that sense, these guys seem to be offering a superficially bizarre and sketchy, but practically valuable service. The buyer pays them on an ongoing basis to identify suitable properties, and they wrangle the intricacies of local law and procedure including arranging a licensed broker for the transaction. I wouldn't be surprised if just that last part alone represents a significant hurdle for many of their prospective clients, even those who have independently identified a property.

[@DickCheeseman]

@@haphazard1342 Absolute rubbish. I’ve been shown dozens of properties by Japanese estate agents. They are more than happy to show you properties. I bought a property in Chiba and it was a simple matter of handing over the cash. The estate agent will take care of all of the paper work and, of course, they will take their cut.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

@@DickCheeseman what a stupid comment...uso desu yo you paid 3% to fudo san right? and the property was NOT 3 MIO JPY LIKE AKIYA NO FUDO SAN...!! DRIVES YOU AROUND 20 30 PROPERTIES IN JP TO GET 3% FROM 3 MIO YEN..the petrol cost alone would be more than those 3% ...dont lie here and confuse others..

[@DickCheeseman]

@@sdmyisrael3689 I didn't say that I only went to one agent. I went to a few agents and they were all happy to show me properties in the area.

[@Chaemirix]

I appreciate the effort to work with others to find new content surrounding akiya. Although, same as you, I was certainly disappointed in these houses as compared to the previous ones you've shown. Unfortunately, I had to stop the video part of the way through. Something about these guys just didn't sit right with me. Hopefully your next venture will be more to your expectations!

[@DSHndmn]

I have a feeling that's why he did the video with them. He's done a videos on how to buy an Akiya by yourself and it seems he's quietly letting the community know to steer clear of these guys.

[@e.m.youtube]

As always a really interesting video. I didn't know at all that properties as the first one could potentially be listed as "akiya". It is also really visible in my opinion how you are stepping up the editing game from video to video. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much! Yes, I was surprised too.

[@adisturbedoneandi]

I told my husband one day if we ever decided to move to Japan to get away from America.... Akiya is my next choice on the list, even if we have to fix it up! lol they are beautiful and unique.

[@yomommastupid]

you cant just move to Japan...you can buy a 2nd home or holiday home...but you can only spend 3 months at a time...unless you become resident which is not easy, or have dual citizenship...

[@RAZGR1Z]

@@yomommastupid or have $300,000 in assets you can apply for a special "culture" visa that you have to renew continuously.

[@howtoduit]

You could buy a house in Japan and use it as a holiday home on a tourist visa for 3 months a year but very few people will get anything more than a tourist visa for longterm stay unless you're an entrepreneur and have proof you can bring a lot of money and investment to Japan.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

@@yomommastupid and this is the good thing about JP they dont take all these idiots here soooo many stupid comments..expat military officers in JP are ok they understand JP and smart the officers...but other Americans would not like JP no BLM no open gay and rainbow...and MUST SHOW RESPECT FOR ELDERS AND CULTURE..good JP does not let them in..Arigatai.

[@josejardim9652]

@@yomommastupid How could you renew the tourists visa? Would simply going to the neighbouring country, Korea for example, be enough to be able to do that? Btw you can't get a dual citizenship in Japan. If you are from the outside and want the japanese citizenship (alongside all the requirements you need to have to be accepted) you have to forego your previous nationality.

[@stuartcrabbe123]

Matt and Parker are probably perfect guys to deal with if you are a prospective American buyer and would find the process much easier having to communicate with fellow Americans… but personally I’d move to Japan to get away from American influences in the west, so I’d personally steer clear from American “consultants”. Would love to see more videos of the Tokyo llama visiting more rural villages, towns 😊

[@sdmyisrael3689]

the good luck with the JP ones.. you speak JP great!! but then even if you speak will you understand the nuance the JP consultant try tp tell you? ZERO

[@stuartcrabbe123]

@@sdmyisrael3689 surely that’s just an early reality check of relocating your life to japan. They’ll be loads of nuances further down the line. You’d be pretty pissed if you were sold a future and house with rose tinted glasses, only for the reality to be much different.

[@Ninsidhe]

@@sdmyisrael3689 so it would be possible to arrange to have someone you *do* trust as a real estate 'sherpa' without being insulting to the Japanese community? After all, one is moving to THEIR country to potentially take advantage of what are some really awesome real estate possibilities...

[@JoesKnocking]

I don't think you quite understand what a consultant does. They would be knowledgeable in both Japanese and western norms. They would be able to help you navigate the gap, build bridges, and set you up for success in integrating into the more traditional Japanese culture that are these rural towns. Going in with a typical Japanese real estate agent, they don't quite understand where you are coming from and where along you are on your journey to adapt. It's also not that great of an idea to go about it yourself, as you could make some serious mistakes or offend quite a bit of people.

[@Kimperator]

Never would I do private business with these guys, well .. maybe I would pay them to leave. Looking forward to pleasing content (again) of the progress in your akiya. Regards from Austria (no Kangaroos ..).

[@Ragnar8504]

That's what I thought until somone saw a kangaroo roaming free in Hollabrunn (small town in a rural area most known for growing wine, around 12k inhabitants) 😂Greetings from Vienna

[@Jaakeup]

"Give us your pain... and your money" lmao I like that guy

[@AmandirZeff]

I amazed by that guys energy. I am sure he could tell some interesting stories over some beers.

[@paolacatapano2641]

Love all your videos and the new contents of your channel, but I wouldn't trust these guys with my spare change. They really come across as shady, unprofessional and absolutely oblivious of Japanese social interaction conventions. There are great people out there that like you, really care for conservation and traditions!

[@RAZGR1Z]

Spot on. They remind me of the types you'd find scalping tickets in the alley or running a payday loan/title loan place out of a run down former Subway.

[@FirstLastOne]

Just for clarification, empty houses in countries like Canada, USA, Australia, etc. are not empty for the same reason that Japan has so many empty 'houses'. The reason other countries have so many empty houses is due to investors using the housing market as a way to park their money and/or purely for investment (flipping) which has made it completely affordable in many places in the world for most.

[@alohawaiist]

"We are private eyes - akiya hunters..." akiya info is public, and majority realtors won't trust or deal with foreigners. They charge for "consultancy" not responsible for the transaction. "Caveat emptor!"

[@phillipbateman2284]

These two characters look a little dodgy?

[@SPFLDAngler]

I’m all about expressing yourself freely, in your free time. However, if you know you’re going to be on camera and you know potential clients and hundreds of thousands of people will see it. Not to mention after living in Japan as well. You should present your best most professional self. That’s why so many people are unconvinced with these two. At least the finance guy tried his personal best. As it is they blew a huge opportunity and now will only get the most desperate clients looking for them.

[@DSHndmn]

I have a feeling that's why he did the video with them. He's done a videos on how to buy an Akiya by yourself and it seems he's quietly letting the community know to steer clear of these guys.

[@Oliver4K]

Parker just seems slimy...

[@Scion3496]

monopoly man

[@Snusblues]

typical juice lol if u know what i mean

[@Clapicus]

True

[@DSHndmn]

I have a feeling that's why he did the video with them. He's done a videos on how to buy an Akiya by yourself and it seems he's quietly letting the community know to steer clear of these guys.

[@entwinedmar]

I think this is really useful for those foreigners looking to move abroad, cause they already have the information on how to purchase wisely and avoid loopholes that exist on every country but are not broadly explained to foreigners when searching houses. Good video as always!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@Plupish]

Suit guy sounds like a simpsons character

[@LEV1ATHYN]

If you're involved in a real estate transaction with two guys, and one of them is wearing a uniqlo jacket and the other presents himself in a bandana, better try something else.

[@basspig]

My experience with rural houses in Japan is that the property taxes are about 120th of what I pay in the United States on a much larger house and more land in Japan than what I can have in the United States. You can actually afford to retire in rural Japan whereas in the United States you'd be homeless.

[@OffGridInvestor]

Some of the property taxes I've seen in the US, particularly in democrat cities are just outright SHOCKING. Speaking as an Australian with 50 acres.

[@hossp2365]

One of the biggest hurdles for those want to do this with a tourist visa, using the place 6months per year, is the difficulty registering a vehicle, which is needed for the majority of these properties in depopulating areas.

[@josejardim9652]

Even if you would pay in full for said vehicle?

[@OffGridInvestor]

@@josejardim9652 cars over 7 years old are basically VERY hard to keep on the road. Due to all their rules on "older vehicles" in Japan. I honestly would go electric bike.

[@OffGridInvestor]

Long range electric bike

[@mailman1021]

"thanks so much fuurrrr.... bringing us on, your... program. Aand thank you for coming out tooo glorious Chibaa!" This was when I knew to stop the video and scroll down to read the comments LOL Wouldn't dare trust these guys with anything other than creating an exciting comment section.

[@jillmondt5398]

Parker reminds me of Latka. Gravas. For those who do not know who he is, look up and watch the old tv sitcom Taxi.

[@marytapioca]

I thought the same.

[@shayalmasy101]

I found this video informative and very helpful!! This is a great video!! Thank you for this!! I have been following since the beginning of your construction and I’m so glad you made a video about their business!!

[@TokyoLlama]

Good to hear! Thanks very much!

[@gackhuhn4868]

The guy with the suit looks funny. It looks like he took a suit from his older brother and decided to wear it for a day

[@whetlarper]

He definitely needs some tailoring on it and to get it pressed.

[@esy-kr4bs]

I first thought he was imitating Peewee Herman.

[@bzomeful]

My first thought was that he needed to get the sleeves shortened by at least an inch. But, they look theyre surgeon cuffs (functioning buttons) so it would be way more expensive to do that vs a standard suit since the sleeve would have to be removed from near the shoulder and cut up up there.

[@Snoop.Driftera]

Long time no see. And you came out especially what i was interested in for a long time. Thanks a lot!!!!

[@akiyajapan]

Seeing this video pop up in my feed again reminds me of how I want to spend more time exploring other people's homes here. It's really fun to see what the layouts and secrets are, as well as how different they are from my kominka!

[@chillnndc]

In the US, these guys would simply be the Buyer's agent who work on a flat fee instead of commission.

[@WolkeYume]

Kominka are so pretty but I imagine also hard to live in. I once stayed at the birth home of some friend of my host family, and the house had been in the family for many years and there were only 6 houses in the village, two of which were lived in by old people. They had renovated the kominka with a modern bathroom and everything, but we went in February and it was reaaaally cold with a lot of snow since it's in Hokuriku ( it even has an irori, those old fire places, to keep warm but they make a lot of dirt. We used the fire that had been going for 300(!!!) years constantly; they had a video camera installed to check). But the house is only used as a place to visit, and they live in Tokyo, checking in every other weekend or so, the neighbor which we visited (his house is not renovated and has no modern bathroom or kitchen) as well also comes by from Tokyo once in a while. There are no conbini or supermarkets near by, so if one wants to live there they need to be prepared!

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, for sure, a kominka without modern insulation and draft proofing would be freezing in winter. But that’s a lot of work and expensive.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

all older JP houses even in Tokyo...freezing cold in winter..no insulation....in inaka even more and you are cut off from all then full of bugs...abura mush even sooo clean house but always they come in...

[@etherdog]

Great that you showed this aspect of property matching with what people want and can expect. And your subtle humour doesn't go unnoticed, Jaya!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, glad someone appreciates it 😉

[@ericm6803]

Keep up the great videos. Glad you decided to continue the channel instead of stopping once your home was done.

[@kimchi_b]

Llama: So what exactly is an 'akiya'? Matt: That's kind of well, a very difficult question to answer really...blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, waffle waffle, blah, blah, blah...no idea. Llama: so it's essentially a vacant house? Matt: Precisely!

[@MrKrtek00]

it is not always that. There are a lot of schools, government buildings, old hotels, holiday homes even sometimes farm buildings. The most common part is that real estate agents do not want to deal with them (no value)

[@danlaskowsky6868]

So good to know about this!

[@emilnord]

The first house looks very Swedish, due to the pine wood. Interesting to see it in a Japanese style. Always fun to watch your videos.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you. Yes, you probably don’t find many tatami rooms in sweden!

[@emilnord]

@@TokyoLlama, no I don't think so. But very interesting to see.

[@ronsmith1364]

Curious/Nice to see Wood Grain aficionados 'crossing' cultural styles. I thought it 'fit' in very well.

[@MattMG84]

Funny how nordic it looks, I'm from Canada and felt instantly at home :p

[@axllii]

I strongly believe I have the same doors in my house 😃 Definitly very scandinavian!

[@DanafoxyVixen]

Great video! I found it very fascinating. Id love to own a house in Japan some day.. oh well, one can dream. Till then your getting to show us interesting houses and showing us the hurdles and that's awesome!

[@juliemackenzie1978]

Love your videos…so interesting & informative. Thank you for sharing. 👍🇨🇦😊

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching!

[@dbrock6606]

As flash as a rat with a gold tooth these two. It’s interesting that they don’t want to refer to themselves as Buyers Agents. Is it possible they don’t hold any actual licenses required to be an estate agent in Japan? Going under the term “consultant” instead seems like a way to void themselves of any legal ramifications long term if something goes wrong for the buyer. It just seems dodgy Usually love the content and will continue to watch. But this video misses the mark due to the two “consultants”.

[@SapphireZukotu]

Yeah a lot of what they said and didn't say just left me feeling quite iffy about it, I gave it a few listens as well. Awful to say but they certainly look very stereotypical of that type as well.

[@vaguelyweird]

Agree. Also maybe their Japanese manners were a little unpolished, and I would hesitate for them to represent me in some way.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

​@@vaguelyweird Chie, to whom they shall represent you? to the house that was left dying dead? to the KU , KUYAKUSHO who is happy to get rid of that dump house... to the owners who want to get rid of that dump house? why shall they walk in Dolce and Gabbana suits barefoot in such a dump house? they are more than perfect to represent anyone..IF you really want to buy...but you do not look like a person who buys and remodels an akiya..so why care?

[@LEV1ATHYN]

Spot on analysis. Just two English teachers playing real estate cosplay.

[@rachelcookie321]

@@sdmyisrael3689 I’ve seen you reply to almost every comment. Why do you seem to care so much about this? You’re immediately jumping at everyone who calls them sketchy. I’m just wondering why you’re so invested in defending these two guys.

[@thepochade5992]

I don't like how comfortable Matt was in this elderly couples property. He comes across as arrogant.

[@kimchi_b]

Just walking around like he owns it and the couple aren't there, this wouldn't be acceptable in the UK let alone Japan!

[@DSHndmn]

I have a feeling that's why he did the video with them. He's done a videos on how to buy an Akiya by yourself and it seems he's quietly letting the community know to steer clear of these guys.

[@julesoyler4306]

I live all your videos and look forward to your next one! Thank you, hello to your family.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks you! Same to yours.

[@johnwang9914]

You can get free property in rural areas of the US too. The problem is that there are reasons why those properties are not in demand, they are remote, essential services are often not there and most certainly the means of earning a living would be difficult. If you are independently wealthy and do not need the convenience of local services then such options are great but most of us need to be close to where we work and where we shop.

[@crvco101]

Thank you for sharing. I want to see the new progress in your house. 😍😍😍😍

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, coming up!

[@gemmumma8354]

Excellent. Thanks for doing this.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries!

[@BryanHays]

Really helpful. Thank you

[@Ekainen]

Nice and informative video, thank you!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching!

[@woodbridge6987]

Restoring old homes is a win-win. It is eco-conscious and good for the community and culture. Thanks for promoting. As for the toxic and bullying irrelevant comments on the presenters-cut the crap. Be kind, pass it on.

[@tulipeblanche7]

It is always a pleasure to watch your videos.Thank you.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks!

[@michaelcherry8952]

This was really fascinating. I think there may be a subtle shift back from urban to rural living, although the attractions of large cities for younger people would be difficult to overcome. I see these houses going mostly to people in their late 30s/early 40's looking initially for a second home/project that will evolve into a permanent residence. Of course, with modern technology, work from home is a lot easier, but you still have the isolation thing to deal with. I suspect Akiya that are slightly closer to larger centers will be more attractive, at least in the short term. The real problem is that a truly vacant house will deteriorate fairly quickly in Japan's climate, so there's a bit of a race against time to find someone who wants one before the building becomes completely unusable. Matt and Parker have found a niche in the real-estate market as facilitators between the Akiya banks and people looking for this kind of thing. I suspect this type of business will grow in the future. Thank you for taking us along for the ride!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks. Yes, there has been a bit of growth in demand for houses within commuting/second home distance from Tokyo, as some companies have embraced working from home. Particular kominka I hear are getting snapped up quickly. You’re right though, once a place has been left unmaintained for a while it gets harder and harder to save.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

you are one of the few comments here who really listened those 23 min what they said..even 1,5 hrs with slow train not Shinkansen is already inaka and hard to live for young people...also if you need eye surgeon.. ect must commute to bigger town...also inaka no high schools...just medium schools...not so easy...often..

[@Zimonov]

It was interesting watching this video as I saw the first house and felt like "...wait... that looks like it could be located where i live! (Dalarna, Sweden)" "Imported as a kit from Scandinavia, Sweden i believe" ...Okay then that explains the sudden neckswing of aesthetics haha! Couple of days later I took a drive towards the city of Leksand from my town of Borlänge and drove past a company called "Tomoko Hus" that exports house modules to Japan and east asia in scandinavian style and suddenly realized that country home might just as well come from that company in the neighbouring town! Definately a fascinating theory thread that strung the world a bit closer together!

[@SmithKO]

Being from Norway I have to say I was confused over the first akiya house, and was thinking "Wait what?! what is a Norwegian cottage doing on a video from Japan?", then I laughed as it is such a stereotypically Scandinavian design for cottages that it all seemed so familiar.

[@webbtrekker534]

Very interesting. Thanks for showing us. When I was in japan in the late 1960's I really didn't get out of the Tokyo Bay area. I wish I had.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, Japan can be a very beautiful country outside of the cities.

[@katemckay6173]

"We are basically private eyes" I feel like I'm watching Michael Scott

[@PowerSynopsis]

nailed it

[@DariusSinclair]

This was some pretty informative video. I think we look past the awkwardness, there is a good message here.

[@lkmayhew9390]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing this.👌

[@atcd7077]

Love your videos. Weird, I did not get a notification when you uploaded the video and I have the bell on.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks! KZbin notifications can be a bit unreliable…

[@anydaynow01]

Such an amazing episode, I wish I had the funds to purchase one of these as a vacation home!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, you can find some pretty cheap ones!

[@bobbicatton]

I hope you have the opportunity to take us to more places in the future. That was very interesting!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, plan to mix in videos like this from time to time.

[@mtwhatley3253]

Loved his explanation on the kominka.

[@samuelherrington6973]

we love a new tokyo llama video :]

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@emelleetensor5079]

Something off about these guys I am not sure, but I can sense it from watching the video without sound. I am aligned with most of the comments in this post.

[@Beecozz7]

Interesting, TY !!!

[@AndreatheDoria]

I’m really enjoying your channel. It’s very informative. Thank you! Question what’s in the doorway at the 17:53-56 mark. It’s interesting. It’s also sad to see the next generation not wanting to respect the history. I love old style homes from all over the world

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you! That’s the lady from the akiya bank!

[@SaltySage]

That was a Yūrei.

[@jeanhawken4482]

Great information

[@pronertia]

In the UK the business model described would be a known as (property) deal finder. Usually it is concentrated on developments opportunities for investors. Where as the focus here is abandoned / vacant / unclaimed inheritance properties.

[@TokyoLlama]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@OffGridInvestor]

In Australia and the US it's called a "buyers agent". An agent working on the buyers side. Starting to become a thing in Australia more.

[@dwarfiak]

Very interesting video!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you!

[@aspen9102]

Thats really interesting actually

[@waldfee2283]

Such a treat! Your Videos are really such a treat! 😍 my Japanese is still poor. So they would be really a big help for me. Including all the Paperwork and governmental issues.

[@merlelybird2726]

Thanks for sharing. Ugh. I wish I could be back in Japan and drink a beer with y’all.

[@umyeahisurehopeitdoes]

Highly informative video, and and enjoyable one too! Thanks for the good work. Hope the business will work well, it's trully devastating that such beautiful and once loved homes all over the coutry are getting abandoned. I'm from russia, and we have similar problem with our old houses in smaler towns and villages. It hurts my heart to see that happening, anywhere actually. Old houses are not only the part of someone's past life and hard work, but the culture of entire local people. It sould defenetly not go to waste. I wish we had the same program as japan does!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks! It appears a similar trend is happening in other countries - we’ll probably see similar programs appearing.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Yeah, it’s really sad to see these beautiful homes abandoned and fall into disrepair. Between the 50s and 80s a lot of cheap, crappy homes were built in Japan, and they’re not really worth fixing up since they were only meant to last 30 years anyway. But these older places still have a lot of life left in them! Actually, I recently discovered an amazing old SCHOOL from the ‘Meiji-era’ (I think) in my city’s akiya listing. So it’s not just homes!

[@alexandernevalainen]

when you stepped up to the first house i thought, that house/cabin looks really familiar, almost like the cabins all around here in Sweden. then you stepped in and the design just screams Swedish. Thanks for the videos and interesting content!

[@annevesterinen6706]

I think it might be finnish too! I've been in dozens of summer cottages similar to this in Finland!

[@ralfjr.]

While I was listening and watching Parker it was like listening and watching to Detective Hercule Poirot, a very informative and quarky man.

[@vitadex]

He reminds me of Pee Wee Herman 😂👍

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Interesting! Cool place. ✌️

[@RealRuralJapan]

Another great video man. A buyers agent like these guys would have been a godsend for me before buying mine. There are a lot of intricacies in the law here and to have someone be able to explain this would have made it so much easier. Kominkas are getting hard to find because they keep getting bulldozed unfortunately.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much. I can see it as useful especially for those looking from abroad and not speaking the language.

[@Raffaccino]

The reason they are getting bulldozed is the insurance in Japan for a house made of wood is a rort! I know I have a kominka and I nearly died hearing about the kazai hoken (fire insurance) lol

[@TokyoLlama]

@@Raffaccino how much are you paying?

[@RealRuralJapan]

My kominka has mud walls and is over 130 years old. It doesn’t get any safer than that.

[@Raffaccino]

@@TokyoLlama I am with 三井住友 for the insurance, but they said that if there is a fire due to earthquake, you only get half fo what your house is insured for. My house isn't insured for much at the moment because it will be undergoing a full renovation, but I think I am paying something like 1万5千円/月 including other comprehensive insurance.　We have been inspired by your channel to make a record on KZbin of the renovation as we go along. Thank you for your great channel.

[@moniquehuchet3646]

I recognized a Pan Abode right away. They were cold in Canada but easily put together and economical.

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

I like Japan country side much better peaceful and kind people everywhere respect.

[@TheGrotusMaximus]

I don't know the Japanese word for these two, but in the South we call them Carpetbaggers.

[@Mojo_3.14]

That garden in the first home is a dream come true to me. I love me a good fruit orchard.

[@eakooffire]

3 blokes stand in a room admiring a fan

[@PanzerChief]

Hey a new video noice

[@Deathven1482]

Very noice

[@davidantill6949]

@@Deathven1482 Are you looking at moiye? I'm feeling very effluent tonoight

[@eg8475]

We have this problem in Sweden now also, people are just abandoning houses that are worth +$100 000 to move to a bigger city and grow a steady debt. Akiya bank is something every country should adopt.

[@rachelcookie321]

I don’t know about every country. Most countries don’t have this sort of problem so I think it would be a waste of money for them to do that. There are definitely other countries than Japan that could profit from having an Akiya bank. I live in New Zealand and we don’t have that sort of problem here. Auckland is our big city but house prices are so high there that people are choosing to move to smaller cities and towns. There’s a steady population growth across the country.

[@georgebalogi8751]

Well done!

[@PanzerChief]

I really don't read articles and share them in my Facebook but this one is special article so I'm gonna read it and will share this to friends

[@ironsonic4102]

Good video very interesting 👍

[@jameshickling2641]

Good to see a video mate. That first one, hard to see how it even fits the loose term of 空き家!

[@TokyoLlama]

Yeah, confused me too!

[@OffGridInvestor]

2:02 I saw one on a government akiya website that was NOT ANY BETTER than this. I saw a VERY small but nice one for 80,000¥. EVERYTHING worked with NO issues with the building. Kitchen needed a good cleanup of junk and the toilet was purple and turquoise, but you could have moved in tomorrow

[@web2yt488]

Unexpected comedy gold 🪙

[@ChristopherCricketWallace]

They aren't brokers because of the difficult certification exam that's in 100% Japanese and only offered once a year. And let's not forget that brokers have a cap on their commission for Akiyas (max 3-5% I think). "Consultants" can just be anyone and charge anything.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

no fudo.san takes akiya on for 3% on 3 mio yen..makes no sense and

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Great video but I like watching your renovation videos with your family since it is huge one respect.

[@noname-dk7ri]

I want foreigners to change the living environment in Japan. The housing environment is poor in modern Japan. In particular, I think Japanese people are not yet accustomed to remodeling used properties.

[@rachelcookie321]

I think the big reason they like to build new houses instead of renovating is because of the earthquake guidelines. Old houses aren’t up to standard with the newer earthquakes guidelines so are more likely to collapse in an earthquake. People want to buy a newer house that is up to these guidelines and is much more likely to survive in an earthquake. This doesn’t really apply for the really old, 100 year old Akiya but a lot of houses in Japan are built with cheap materials and are expected to be knocked down after 50 years because of these earthquake guidelines. So coming up to 50 years houses tend to be in a bad shape and people would rather buy a brand new house then one that’s really not meant to last even with renovations.

[@trizvanov]

Thanks so much for the video. Away of the big cities is exactly where I imagine myself living in the future once of course I offload my house in Sydney

[@TokyoLlama]

Cities are nice once in a while but love it out here in the country!

[@trizvanov]

Going by your videos, yes, you do. :) I love the look of the Niigata area and especially, Nagano. Not sure what it's like to live there though.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@trizvanov I’d probably choose Nagano, some very beautiful spots there. Tochigi is an underrated place to look too.

[@trizvanov]

@@TokyoLlama Thanks for the tips, mate! Nagano area seems to be on an expensive side. I wonder if that has to do with being close to the ski resorts.

[@sdmyisrael3689]

@@trizvanov correct .

[@Meadowswife]

The japanese real estate market seems kind of tricky. Interesting vid ty!👍🌸

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, not something I’d be keen to get into!