Japan is giving out free homes in 2022! Will you get one?

Japan is giving out free homes in 2022! Will you get one? Now some of you may have already heard that Japan has started a program to starting giving out homes for free but are they actually for free? Watch my vlog on whether it's worth getting one of these free homes in Japan!
Instagram: / roninblue2
Financial Tips
• How to retire with one...
Retirement countries playlist
• Early Retirement Overseas
Retirement Central and South America playlist
• Early retirement overs...
Retirement countries Asia playlist
• Early retirement overs...
Retirement of Europe playlist
• Early retirement overs...
Retirement to the Caribbean Islands
• Retirement overseas - ...
Gear Used:
Sony A6400 - amzn.to/32frhoh
Canon SL2 - amzn.to/2Ys5WH7
Zhiyun Weebill gimbal - amzn.to/34mYq3Y
Zhiyun Crane M2 gimbal - amzn.to/34pZAMe
Monfrotto quick release plates - amzn.to/34pkuuM
Epedimic Songs:
Copyright Free Music HERE: www.epidemicso...
EvantoElements License for Songs and Video

[@sirmione905]

Funny thing is most of the sceneries shown in this video are popular tourist destinations. The cute triangle traditional houses are in Shirakawa-go, which is designated as World Heritage, and the houses on the water is in Ine, Kyoto, which is called “Venice of Japan.” Real rural areas in middle of nowhere are not like these attractive places.

[@zeroheroes4081]

Right, I thought he'd at least show one realistic video or picture of abandoned villages or homes... But I guess that would be too much work

[@Tikolico]

as long as there is trees, water, fertile land, and utilities, its all people need.

[@DOTTORE_FOX]

Propaganda so we sign up for a free house

[@brunos7995]

@@Tikolico utilities is not a given in this isolated places.

[@penny7753]

I've been contemplating turning a small village into Eden...wish I had the money.

[@tombinoko4896]

as carpenter and forest guide in japan for 20 year i can tell you what is the most difficult for foreigner in this akiya living idea .. 1 : doing all the administration paper if you can't read and right correctly Japanese .. 2 : loneliness .. Being surrounded by old people will not help you fight against loneliness.and for sure 3 : you need to have some country side skill for the construction and gardening .. be ready to live with full power growing vegetation and wild boar, deer, scolopender, snake ect ...and typhon saison ..

[@magnoliaflower3310]

I think hunting and butchering game would be difficult for me. Dealing with extreme weather would be hard as well. Evernthing else I am okay with as long as there is decent internet. Getting an income would be a mystery. Online teaching or some other online work maybe.

[@johnnylibtard5764]

Loneliness? heck...so many lonely Japanese women....tons...find one...no more loneliness. They are just beautiful women...heck even the older women 40 yr old plus would be a good catch.

[@spike8689]

You say snakes ???

[@justice_crash2521]

Sounds good to me

[@tombinoko4896]

@@spike8689 yes alot !!!

[@ninoellison7793]

Such an encouraging initiative. I just bought two (2) fully furnished ‘Akiya’, both ready to live in 30 year old homes and only 1 hour from Tokyo by bullet train in a stunning mountain setting bordering Nagano & Gunma prefectures. I paid ¥9.8 million - $70,000 USD. It took only 14 days to have the keys handed over and was an incredibly easy, stress free process. After 50 years in the real estate industry, and originally coming from Australia, I couldn’t be happier. I’m surrounded by so much natural beauty and wildlife, untold ski resorts, 14 golf courses, and access to 200 outlet shops of the world’s top brands and numerous restaurants and cafes. If I can assist anyone, please feel free to contact me. There are literally hundreds of empty homes in my town, all which deserve to be loved and lived in.

[@juliuspilijevas7868]

How did you get a visa/residence permit to stay in Japan long term?

[@ninoellison7793]

@@juliuspilijevas7868 Hi. I applied for and succeeded in obtaining an ‘Artist’ visa as I’m a photographer. But almost anyone can buy a home here and live in Japan for 6 months of the year with only a tourist visa.

[@trishiepi]

Hi Nino! Can I contact you elsewhere? 😊 my husband and I have been looking into moving to Japan so this is quite interesting!

[@zondervonstrek]

@@ninoellison7793 I've never even heard of an artist visa.

[@CreepyBlackDude]

@@zondervonstrek It's a thing in Japan. You have to prove that you make enough from your work that you can actually make a living in Japan, or have a history with a company or award that makes your work recognizable. And it's not open to entertainers like actors (though musicians are fine).

[@Tikolico]

So... Let's all band together and go buy all the empty homes in one town and turn it into a foreigner town lol.

[@NeaonBHB]

It's not a bad idea. I feel like the thing preventing a lot of people from pursuing this type of opportunity is confusion about how to be successful in the process, fear of what you don't know, lack of fluency in the language, etc. If one person were to successfully navigate the system and then offer assistance to similar foreigners to pursue similar, I feel like you could have a lot of success with that.

[@boogiedownbronx73]

No that's not a good idea..you must integrate, speak Japanese. No English

[@NeaonBHB]

@@boogiedownbronx73 can't tell if facetious or not but if it isn't necessary in the u.s. then it isn't necessary elsewhere

[@hazedays3584]

@@NeaonBHB its necessary in every country actually, its generally considered rude and ignorant if you dont partially learn the language at least after a few years. The whole concept of moving to a different country is joining their culture and environment, people move to japan not to create a new US lol, but to live in japan because its not US.

[@hmhama782]

In Switzerland existing a quite large community of expats from different country’s and speaking only a little or no German, it does work good enough.

[@kimberlya1618]

I would love to have one of these homes but I also worry about building materials used in older homes. Kabi is a big problem in Japan and so is gokiburi. Both which cause allergic reactions. Foreigners also need to be ready and well researched on renovation abilities and costs before buying. Otherwise it is my idea of a perfect life.

[@stalker-anoniem3515]

Indeed. Where can I sign up? Fuck the Netherlands. I'm out of here.

[@brendanhayward]

Is that a type of fungus or mold I think it could be abated with open fire heat treatment of wood surfaces.

[@markplott4820]

older Japanese homes are charming , but they are low tech. they are all quite Drafty and Cold in the Winter as they lack modern Insulation.

[@cheguevara5560]

@@markplott4820 hm interesting ,well that modern insulation can be used if someone decide to renovate old house , roof can be insulated and floor as well and still preserving traditional architecture of the house . Plus today we have better technology available to heat up the house as well . There are wooden hoses in Europe which were renovated and insulated and there are people in Japan who all ready renovated traditional houses using modern technology . So it can be done ....if you know how :)

[@markplott4820]

@@cheguevara5560 - shure, possible if you got $$$. the goal is to house everyone Affordabally. EDISON had the idea for Concrete homes, good insulation , quick build , HARD to upgrade. Traditional japanese homes cant be insualted, they are Designed tobe Drafty for the Summer heat , and have storm shutters that open the Whole house on one side. rooms are not heated , excipt for bath, kitchen and Kotatsu - low table. , some have a center Hearth. perserving History is important , but there are many old homes for Rent or Permamently living , and City/Prefecture usually help w/ costs, getting started.

[@poodlescone9700]

Japan needs to encourage companies to move offices to smaller communities.

[@kimpeater1]

Dumb suggestion by someone who is absolutely clueless on how business work

[@GeoffreyKutsukawa]

kinda makes it difficult for them to do so tbh. since business is where the most people are. and you as a company would definitely want your business to profit. so its kinda difficult to just encourage them to move offices to smaller communities. .

[@definitelynotadam]

Japan like many developed countries needs to change the national and corporate mindset of "short-termism" when it comes to business operations / economics. Lack of child support schemes and the Japanese long hours "work" culture is destroying the Japanese demographics. This is the case also in many Western economies as well. Countries and corporations of the future will run out of healthy workers, tax payers and...customers.

[@CompassionOverHate]

Why do companies like Nintendo, Gamefreak and all the ones creating anime and manga need buildings in the city? Those are some of the major industries in Japan yet none of them require the city. Literally all of them are comprised almost entirely of jobs that could be done remotely. Just improve the internet infrastructure across the country and it would be easy to convince people to move into those small towns.

[@ffwast]

Japan's entire work culture needs to be overhauled because it's literally killing the country.

[@goransvraka3171]

With rising anxiety and depression with living in cities... Akiya is just what you need to reconnect with nature. I'd totally do it and become self sufficient

[@fabricio4794]

You do not feel alone on this empty city?

[@Tikolico]

It's my dream to one day live in Japan, so I'm in shock to hear that there are houses ANYWHERE in Japan that are almost free, regardless of the condition , I live in an overcrowded desert where the average price for a house is $400k, it's horrible landscape, dirty air, ugly city, high crime, most people are rude and the biggest tourist attraction is a hole in the ground... People are selling houses that have burned up and need to be demolished and people are actually buying them just for the land for about $200k+, it's insane.

[@Painekadaj]

check out tokyo llama, he bought an akiya though other methods. There are a lot of taxes even on "free" houses.

[@christopherhand4836]

How soon can you leave America? Need help?

[@dionstavern9018]

Thought you were talking about lemoore for a second 🤣😭

[@youtubeviewer604]

That's not that bad. In my country the cheapest houses cost 1.5 million and the average person earns 50k a year.

[@felldoh9271]

Hey now Arizona isn’t that bad haha. The winters are very nice

[@michaelgates7178]

Perfect. An isolated rural location for my research lab. Nobody will think anything of it when people go missing from a nearby city.

[@abrahamfrago3728]

Need a helping hand?

[@PalmarLlano]

You do research by disappearing people?

[@ConnorM2007]

Bro thinks he’s Walter white

[@secrets.295]

Cant believe Ronin is no longer with us. Such a charismatic person.

[@JamesHarris-rl5zj]

Mr. RoninBlue, this is an excellent video. Thanks for the work and time spent here. Like many other comments here, I too am interested in this opportunity. I have plenty of renovation experience in the US, recently selling off my rental properties. Additionally, I just retired from a 25 year career in US Special Forces. Two of those years were in Okinawa. Retiring to rural Japan is something I long for. The people, traditions, cuisine, climate, and lifestyle are all exceptional. Thanks again for posting!

[@felldoh9271]

Was in Okinawa for almost two years (I’m just a POG though 😅), visited mainland once; I want to go back. Recently I heard American Village was demolished for I forget what. Fond memories of that place but oh well.

[@M19KLuey]

@@felldoh9271 they only demolished the ferris wheel

[@felldoh9271]

Oh that’s right now I remember my friend telling me the same

[@julieabot4154]

Whats stopping you

[@movinon1242]

Between converting to vacation rentals and saving old, well-made buildings there has to be an opportunity here...

[@steveburke7675]

...vacation rentals destroy communities.

[@ironhell808]

Japan doesn't take well to these.

[@Demopans5990]

@@steveburke7675 A good deal of these homes are in ghost towns

[@atilla4352]

I think there are many "problems" with this. First is Visa, it's hard to get a visa to Japan unless you are willing to sell your soul for dodgy English teaching. Second, many countries offer similar options, french chateaus, castles in the UK, and 1 Euro houses! but good luck renovating it.

[@kristinab1078]

This is true. It takes 10+ years of being on a work visa before you would even be considered eligible for "permanent residency" (not citizenship, but it comes with some good benefits). Doctors, engineers, and a few other very highly skilled individuals may get it sooner. They don't offer special retirement visa's either like Portugal or Greece, which I wish Japan would consider. With so many foreigners potentially interested in living in one of these homes in a rural community for a few years, a retirement visa would help direct some of their funds into dying communities that could benefit from it. The Japanese government needs to think outside of the box, and while they are concerned about certain foreign elements that may have a negative impact on Japan, retirees are usually law-abiding type folks who are stable financially.

[@SolomonSunder]

@@kristinab1078 They probably do not want to have snobby retirees looking down upon locals. Not to mention, they take up local hospital beds. The British retirees in Spain are an example.

[@mysticm1543]

@@kristinab1078 People on disability and social assistance are also stable income receivers, not any different than retirees.

[@devioustea]

@@mysticm1543 if you get disability income somewhere doesn't mean you will get the same amount somewhere else. Its not like japan will just give you disability income if you aren't even a citizen or elderly, getting citizenship is way harder than getting a visa for Japan.

[@brendanhayward]

It’s a great opportunity for someone with my skill set. I’m a licensed elevator mechanic in California USA that has a home construction background. Hopefully I will meet like minded people and start a renaissance in Japan.

[@user-lr6hw4dq4t]

Im an Architect, lets do bussiness together in japan, 😄

[@baldybald100]

@@user-lr6hw4dq4t I took architecture and interior design classes in school and will try any task around the house with eagerness even if I am not that qualified to do said tasks :)

[@brendanhayward]

Currently in Bangkok

[@counterinfluencer5684]

I don't know them personally but I could recommend a couple narcissists with a god-complex who sound like they'd be right up your alley.

[@_TASK]

I would definitely buy into one of these homes if I had the opportunity! I would love to change my life and learn whatever I needed to learn to take care of the home

[@rovert245]

I appreciate the video, as this is a huge dream of mine, but am I crazy or did you miss the actual biggest issue here? Visas! I could move to Japan tomorrow and work remote, but I can't stay. The issue of buying a house in Japan has never really been a problem for foreigners if you can afford it, but you can't become a permanent resident without first having a work visa for quite a number of years. If this has changed or I missed something, let me know, but to me it's still the biggest limiting factor.

[@chriscangdradaniel4846]

Why you want to move there Their population will extinct in the future

[@SeoulExploration]

I was literally just thinking about this. I was like..... is there a special dispensation for foreigners who buy these houses? Would we get a fast pass to resident visas? Then I remembered the host country and that question flew out the window.

[@dragnridr05]

Foreigners have difficulty getting to buy these houses and using them since Japan has more strict rules on them than in their home country. If I could work and live in Japan, I would take one of these houses. Some of these houses are abandoned and left to rot, so if that is the case, the next person that is willing to buy these homes, allow them to make them up to date to current standards and if the property taxes are so much for abandoned homes, maybe drop the taxes to allow a new tenant to buy the house and get it ready before taxes so it makes it easier to fill these homes.

[@RadenWA]

Considering a specific big KZbinr had literally bought a home in Japan and still have difficulty getting visa, I’d say that is a real issue.

[@luismadrigal-hidalgo]

@@RadenWA Which KZbinr?

[@theIdlecrane]

Buying a kominka in Japan will be a fantastic dream for me. After 20 or so years of designing shiny new buildings, it will be a return to tradition.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

you should make a video on what visas are available that allow foreigners to stay in Japan

[@dannyhilarious]

I must confess, that moving to Japan buy an akiya in a rural area and start over as an farmer sounds very tempting to me.

[@johnkelly3886]

These rural homes are ideal for those able to work remotely. They maybe good for those wishing to start a family.

[@parameshadhikari]

Free house? I'm in. Thank you for the content.

[@joshuacoleman3623]

I'll be going to a language school in Nippori in October 2023 and then Osaka University of Arts after that, honestly I'd like to live in Japan permanently even if it meant giving up my US citizenship. I'd prefer some rural area where viewing stars isn't impeded by light pollution from cities and preferably on a plot with a couple acres of land I can convert into a small farm and if the home was Sukiya-Zukuri style, then that would be a bonus. I already know how to make shoji paper, so repairing doors and the sort would be a simple task and I'm a fairly competent carpenter that has also learned how to make furniture without the use of nails and other metal fasteners or glue. Something I learned as a hobby while living in Michigan during the last 23 years, lots of free time living in a rural area.

[@joshuacoleman3623]

@@sleepybear7642 It would be nice if you knew how to form a proper sentence, I'm not going to waste my time trying to argue with a neckbeard swamp troll.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

It’s so funny how real estate works in Japan versus US. People are more likely to renovate and are incentivized to do so and in Japan you buy for the lot, you knock down the older home and build new as a more financially stable strategy. I watched Rachel and Jihoon build their home and it was custom everything. Each room is like picking out a preset and you put it together like a puzzle. I much prefer japans way!

[@yelondamaples5039]

I would love to have one of these homes ,I do a lot of crafts ,so it would be a ideal place to live and work

[@roryf.1349]

I guess I should've kept with those Japanese lessons when I was 13. It sounds much nicer than most places here in the States. I mean, these "free homes" look nice. Now how much land is around them and how are their regs for growing fruit trees, veggies, leafy greens, etc?

[@ian_s7481]

I’d love to live in rural Japan and I have all the skills needed to renovate or rebuild an akiya. Point me in the right direction.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@helloxonsfan]

Cute houses & good-looking landscapes...!!!

[@TheBurningDonut]

This whole "To far away from a larger city" is crazy to me! in America a 30 mile commute is pretty normal! So what is "To far from a city" in Japan?

[@BlackLotus30]

I live in Canada we don't measure distance in mile or km we measure it in how much time it take us to get there, so living 3 to 4 hour from a big cities it's not far XD

[@TheBurningDonut]

@@BlackLotus30 If living 20 minuets from work means I can afford an actual HOUSE for what I'm paying for a ROOM on an apartment... I'd say that sounds pretty nice!

[@toddmaek5436]

Right, I live in a ranch here in Colorado and my mailbox is almost 3 miles away lol

[@kimberlya1618]

The “too far” is partially due to how many trains and transfers you will need to make. Are you willing to take the Shinkansen daily to get into town then move on to several transfers? I too didn’t understand until I moved there. My longest commute was 15 km but took 50 minutes one way. The beauty of living in major cities in Japan is being able to get around with train, bus, or bike. Owning a car in larger cities in Japan is a nuisance. I knew only a handful of people with cars the whole 8 1/2 years that I lived there in either Kanto or Kansai.

[@MadJackChurchill1312]

You need to either buy a car or rely on very unreliable inaka public transport that comes once every hour. The commute from where I lived to the closest city was about 1 hour 30 by train.

[@XYoukaiX]

There were Several other KZbinrs as well as NHK World making several documentations about Akiya Bank but often the biggest problem were family or former owners who didn't want to sell even if the house was about to collaps :/ Also there are Probably many foreigners who would love to get a cheap Akiya but then again japan doesn't want foreigners in their country .... I kinda get why and partially its a good thing but especially with less and less people beeing born in the country there is just no other way then to open up more and more.

[@anyhowsay8659]

Great to retire there. Please do a video to show how to go about getting a free house

[@kristinab1078]

It takes 10+ years of being on a work visa before you would even be considered eligible for "permanent residency" (not citizenship, but it comes with some good benefits). Doctors, engineers, and a few other very highly skilled individuals may get it sooner. They don't offer special retirement visas either like Portugal or Greece, which I wish Japan would consider. With so many foreigners potentially interested in living in one of these homes in a rural community for a few years, a retirement visa would help direct some of those retirement funds into dying communities, which could benefit from it. The Japanese government needs to think outside of the box, and while they are concerned about certain foreign elements that may have a negative impact on the established social order of Japan, retirees are usually law-abiding type folks who are stable financially.

[@virovids470]

Haunted homes or general rural areas of Japan where resident recently passed away or relative of deceased family doesn’t want to acquire the home is typically free for others or foreigners

[@thehungrygoldfish]

Well, no duh. What did you expect? large brand new houses with charm and character in the middle of Tokyo? lol

[@venomdank965]

Growing up in Mexico Country side where there is no internet... malls etc... I could def live in the country side of Japan where its isolated... Id feel right at home. I guess there was a reason I grew up in the country for a reason... I have now found my reason in life.. Japan here I come!!! :D I Can def do that farm life in Japan Np...

[@Painekadaj]

check out tokyo llama, he bought an akiya though other methods. There are a lot of taxes even on "free" houses. To buy farm land in japan, you have to be licensed farmer.

[@josemorapx1644]

Mucho exito hermano

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@miaejaita7119]

I am new to the stock market. Every stock that I bought so far, I was out of luck because I bought them when they were expensive. I feel I missed out on all the stock opportunities so far for the tech stocks. I believe having 75K yearly income would be a good investment so I want to plug all my savings into the stock market. I know this sounds a bit dull but I would like to know if I should learn investing or let somebody else (more capable like a FA) do it for me? Please share your thoughts. I am kind of tired of searching for a good stock to buy and losing all the good opportunities

[@miaejaita7119]

Hi, please who is the expert assisting you and how do I reach out to them?

[@nelsonkatherine2123]

Same here, i will praise Mrs Ashley over and over again because she has great skills, i started with $2,400 and after 2week i received a returns of $9,150 then i continue with her ever since she has been delivering.

[@ashleighking9073]

Talking about making profit, it's preferable to trade crypto under Mrs Ashley management, for the past 6 months she has enabled me diversify my crypto wallet with the profit I have made trading through her, I now have over 14 different coins which I hold long term, with the least coin having a value of $25,300.

[@brianboogie9700]

I'm glad to see Mrs Ashley been mentioned here, my spouse recommended her to Me after investing $4000 and she has really helped us financially in times of economic hardship

[@zahorpitafi7954]

I have never seen any of her clients complain of lost 6d I think she is just too perfect

[@rubyrose49]

I would so love to live in Japan. I love Canada but the long winters do get to me. I'm currently living in the Philippines but the situation here isn't the greatest.

[@carltonv1]

I would live with you in Japan 👍😍

[@johnnylibtard5764]

news flash...winters in the rural areas of japan are just like Canadian winters...worse in some cases....no internet...no big stores...while in Canada you get those in rural areas.

[@ironhell808]

I'm from Canada and I'm going to Japan to try for one of these in a few days.... wish me luck!

[@Shade7x]

@@johnnylibtard5764 hang on. The coldest regions of Japan are comparable to average Canada. Everywhere else is quite a bit warmer, more comparable to middle US. For those who have grown to tolerate Canadian winter, Japanese winter is a lot easier.

[@everythingisnand]

I have the ability to become a digital nomad and always dreamed of living in Japan. As long as I can get a stable internet connection living in a somewhat rural area in a small old school house would be a dream

[@woutertron]

So funny, all these comments like "I don't need anything, just fast internet!" Kid, you'd be lucky to have hot running water in most of these places. There's a reason nobody wants to live there.

[@everythingisnand]

@@woutertron I said stable internet not fast. As I work 100% online I need to able to go online to work. I'm not gonna do competetive Star Craft II.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@everythingisnand]

@@TraditionalJapaneseHouse Actually I have already bought a house so I'm good 😊

[@nasis18]

Did you really say their population is 80% is aged 70 or older? Their elderly population is a high percentage of their overall population, but not 80%.

[@Ekpap]

I wonder if these places have internet access. With the increase in remote work, as long as there is wifi these could be great places to live for both Japanese and international folks.

[@Ichigor87]

Dam would be a dream come true, I love the traditional style of Japanese houses especially the roofs they have. Only thing is getting work once moved to said Akiya home and possible repairs needed to fix up the home and internet service as well. Otherwise I love the culture, anime and the women. ❤️😍 🇯🇵

[@antonioramos8804]

It won't work because some Americans don't have the sense of respect and courtesy that the Japanese have. Sorry, not meaning to offend anyone jut being truthful, and sharing what I saw. As a young Marine (70s and 80s), I saw how some of my fellow Americans, both military and civilians acted and treated the Japanese. So mean and disrespectful. Embarrassing to say the least. As I look back, I love Japan and most things about it. I'll go back again. Such a beautiful country.

[@TheYah00netstar]

@@antonioramos8804 *I have a feeling that you are a chinese/russian government troll spreading fake news in order to stir controversy...and suspicion between the 2 great allies...For one...your nickname sound suspicious...and secondly...a Marine is thought to be especially respectful towards the host country...so the tale you are telling us is very amateurship...sound like a broadcast from a barn in a backward remote village in the middle of nowhere...*

[@janicenunn8525]

I lived 10 years in Japan, having many Japanese friends. If you love the women, you love only an illusion. It is precisely because of what the society pigeonholes them for that young women learn foreign languages and get out of Japan permanently for school and work if at all possible, so they can breathe as people, human beings, rather than the robots and elevator girls the culture tries to force them to be. that's why the birth and marriage rates are among the lowest in the world.

[@argiodsilvertongue3589]

In my 75 years I have found that there is no such thing as 'free'. Anything you get free... ...is worth about what you paid for it.

[@Edgar-Friendly]

It's also restrictive farming rules. Allowing larger farms allows more profitable farming. Modernizing farming rules and allowing much larger plots could make places more appealing.

[@Demopans5990]

Doesn't work. Japan is mostly mountains in the countryside. Mountains that make factory farming a nonstarter

[@Edgar-Friendly]

@@Demopans5990 You obviously have no concept of step farming or imagination. D'uh...Japan is not Saskatchewan. But, Japan is not effectively utilizing so much flatland that could be.

[@Demopans5990]

@@Edgar-Friendly I am well aware of that. The Incas and the Chinese did that constantly. I simply don't see that happing barring some very massive development fund, money that Japan can't spare with the huge debt the government is running. As for companies, the only way your getting them to develop something is to de facto grant very liberal rights, forming what are effectively company towns

[@Edgar-Friendly]

@@Demopans5990 All Japan needs to do is to lift the restrictions on farming. Companies don't need to get involved. There is so much available arable land all around my in-laws and all over Japan. Farmland is not rare where one is confined to the mountains. I really don't understand why you think companies need be involved or that land really is so scarce in Japan. Are you even here or in Japan but you only know Tokyo or Osaka?

[@akiyajapan]

I'm so glad to see you giving out information about the reality of the so-called "free houses" in Japan. There are so many other things to consider regarding money, several of which are unavoidable and can cost thousands of dollars. This is even before other possible expenses are mentioned, such as inspections, surveying, treatments, etc. "Free Houses in Japan" is clickbait!

[@Limastudent]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but without a sponsor from a job one can only stay for 3 months on a temp visa. One cannot just go live there for years without one. I was in Tokyo for 2 years as a kindergarten teacher at an international school.

[@MadSpectro7]

Amazing how Japan seems to have all the opposite problems that the US does.

[@YouNeverKnowWhoIsWatching]

A very well researched and presented video. Thank you.

[@ReviewsAndMore9]

For those just now watching, Ronan passed away suddenly in August 2021, not long after this was filmed. RIP

[@valferrancullo693]

Love to own one of these houses, hope I can get one😊😊

[@45ladybugs]

It's still cheaper than a home in Canada. So dying vacant villages are missing everything that makes them Awesome. A community is willing to put down roots for the long term. This is where you get young /old craftspeople/artists/writers to set up their shops to teach and pass down what they know. Craftspeople/artists/writers/trades need space to set up shop and be able to sell. Then your talking young farmers, young bakers, they come to serve the community. "If you build it they will come". People will make the drive for art, fun, and food.

[@Mizu-AM]

this is a very well made video, I'm glad I found it

[@jasonwooding2654]

Definitely interesting in this. Thanks for the info. I'm a tradesman in the U.S. I do high end finish work. So I'm looking to buy in Japan and you definitely helped.

[@Rob-mr1kj]

I was years ago in a small town in Fukushima. Didn't see a single kid (or even young person) and the closest konbini was one hour (yes, one hour) away (and I don't even mention other important spaces like hospitals or markets). It's nice for a visit and to relax for a couple of days surrounded by nature, but I wouldn't settle there even if they give me the whole town for free.

[@SolomonSunder]

If the whole town is free, I am interested 😀That is way enough farmland and all I need is a car to get back to civilization on weekends.

[@momkatmax]

A few of these homes will be saved nonetheless. I love the examples of the nail less joinery and native timber. No maater, this saves living examples of the architecture of the past which undoubtedly will have a Renaissance. I can see it now, furniture and home finishing with the "taste" of these homes for the young modern Japanese!

[@cber5077]

Nice video on akiyas. I think you should make a video on what visas are available that allow foreigners to stay in Japan - maybe it would be a very short video since japan does not encourage immigration.

[@ProfLakitax]

I just had a think… So, I just saw a video on homelessness in Japanese cities and a Video on how Finland solved the homelessness crisis. Why can’t the Japanese Gouvernement implement a housing first policy to combat the rising homelessness by giving homeless folk these Akiya homes to get them back into the workforce. Of course in many cases renovation is in order but that’s nothing some intuitive institution building can’t fix, and it would be a good safety net and could also help fighting the cost of living crisis.

[@ebonimajor5801]

I would love to have Japanese house!! Hopefully one day!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾♥️♥️

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@magnoliaflower3310]

I haven't finished watching the video yet, so I might be speaking too soon. Has anyone ever consider making it into a tourist place for introverts. Turn those houses into Airbnb. Renovate it so it looks retro. Turn the whole town into a retro village. Since most of the houses are probably built in the 60s, it shouldn't be so hard. It's all about maintenance. Have a few mom and pop shops open. Get the chill vibe going. If there are something traditional craft speciality in that town, maybe have the locals hold classes to teach the tourists. Basketweaving, paper making, pickling vegetables or something like that. There is so much potential. I really hope if they plan to demolish the houses, they would rebuild it to look vintage, if rewiring the circuit or changing pipes is too difficult.

[@arkangeln910c8]

Most people using airbnb are tourists who will spend less than 20 days in japan, so they are trying to see as much as possible, so if the akiya airbnb is outside of places of interest, not even the flies will stop by.

[@rudragirik745]

80% of Japan's population being 70 years old or older is an extreme gross exaggeration. In Truth, 30% are 65 or older. Please don't spread false information. 🙏

[@RichardSmith-pb8qk]

I actually would, though I have no kids and ultimately the problem would be kicking the can down the road. I’d also only do it with a system like Okutama has; cheap rent for ten years and the place is yours, plus subsidies for renovation and maintenance.

[@maigematthews5620]

Great video! Can you make an updated video about: What would be the best way for an American to learn Japanese? From a Japanese person’s perspective, if you could guide an American to learn Japanese, then what would be the most efficient tools/resources that you would recommend? What tools/resources have your American friends used that was very successful? What schools, books, online classes, apps would be the most valuable for an American to learn Japanese? Thank you so much!

[@amiestafford]

Live there! But also Duolingo.

[@joeprizzi407]

Watch Japanese shows or movies over and over. Just get used to the sound, then with subtitles, etc. It helps to learn J grammar first. It helps to go to a language class w others, and really helps to get a Japanese boyfriend/girlfriend.

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We didn't speak the language but we bought a tradition house 5 years ago, Cheap Traditional Japanese House in the rural countryside of Japan. ( akiya houses ) $30,000, Okayama Province Japan. Please let me know if you'd like to buy it, and I'll help you.

[@smudgepost]

Fascinating video. Sad to hear of RoninBlue's passing.

[@thomas5231]

You and I might end up retired neighbors in Japan, Ronin! Wouldn't that be great?! How have you been? I've been very busy. Just came back from New York City where our eldest daughter just got married.

[@roninblue5885]

Japan does look more and more promising, the countryside affordability makes it possible. As for how I've been, we're still trying to be more creative and still experimenting over KZbin but what we really want to start doing are the vlogs in Japan. Feels like it's just around the corner, maybe after the Olympics? Who knows... Congratulations on your daughter getting married!

[@thomas5231]

@@roninblue5885 Sounds good! I look forward to your vlogs on Japan! I'll be retiring in two or three years when our two youngest are finished with college. My wife wants to retire on the outskirts of Fukuoka and have her mother live with us. And maybe spend winters in Malaysia. Sorry I haven't been commenting for a while. When I get busy, I avoid youtube because it's so enjoyable it sucks you in and before you know it you've spent hours watching videos. So, I don't even go to youtube at all when i'm busy.

[@roninblue5885]

I've actually lived in Japan for 4 years in a city called Hamamatsu, people were friendly but not much to do. But, this time we'll be traveling to more places in Japan documenting as we go and hopefully we come to a conclusion. Girlfriend is from Japan but part of her doesn't want to live in Japan, she thinks it's too busy but told her the experience should be different when retiring there, perhaps. No worries about KZbin, it's a hobby/side hustle of mine and my goal while we AREN'T traveling is in learning from the local's and expat's alike about their experiences on the countries I've curiously documented on. Maybe there's a hidden gem still out there that fits us perfect. I've learned a lot over the years from them on the countries I've documented on so far, most appreciative, some down right upset, some saying they've learned something new and the best part is when they share their own experiences, all a great mixture KZbin gives me that opportunity to talk to the world! All while having fun, being a little creative, open minded to learn and of making a tiny bit on the side as well on this hobby.

[@pickledpigknuckles6945]

You should watch all the reasons not to Live in Japan videos First before Going Only go to places that are financially good to you. They say Cyprus is the easiest place in Europe to gain residence. With buying a €300,000 Home

[@wave8359]

@@pickledpigknuckles6945 Cyprus must be one of the most corrupt places on earth---AND the streets are ruled by the brutish Russian mafia (or Rumanian/gypsies/) take your pick) !

[@Truthseeker371]

The same trend in Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK and China. Ageing population in the rapid pace is unprecedented.

[@michelleboyle6497]

Actually, it surprises me that their department of agriculture is not doing more to promote a return to sustainable agriculture. For that matter, with the draconian measures taken by some countries in a time of pandemic fear, it is surprising that more families do not simply seek the comfort of fresh air and sunshine and work from home. My brother works at a computer all day anyway, and when our home state of Oregon went into lockdown, he was able to continue earning a living by telecommuting, and then going out into his little garden for lunch.

[@Klaaism]

They just dont have the people.

[@chriscramberry3624]

japanese companies are too stuck in the past to allow remote work

[@KickAssets]

This free Akiya stuff is a pipe dream...however you can get some pretty good deals around Kanto in Saitama and Chiba, which are not only decently priced but you can rent out to make money back. I own 9 properties myself. I started making videos on viewing places as well.

[@gamerx112]

I probably wouldn't mind getting one. I'd have to learn japanese but I hear it's extremely difficult

[@baronbob962]

You'd also have to get more than a holiday visa, which is also very difficult.

[@spazzypotato8325]

Far away to a Japanese person and far away to an American are 2 completely different things. I drive 45 minutes to get to the nearest big store and it's nothing for me.

[@ken2000X]

The big question is. Is it just the house or the land under the house as well?

[@alienbunker]

Usually both. But remember that rural Japan is usually in the middle of nowhere. I live here and been tempted to get one, but it’s always in the middle of the mountains with absolute no access to grocery or shops within 10-15 miles lol. You gotta be retired or work from home to live there 😂

[@rayva1]

Well the government needs to stop getting involved in realty, and just home owners decide what to do with their property.

[@tohrurikku]

You are also not talking about the other natural and man made disasters that have led to people abandoning these homes too. I can think of a few areas that has been abandoned because it is not safe to live there and the previous residents were dealing with the trauma from seeing their family and neighbors die. I would not be surprised if these are the first home to be unloaded onto others, especially unsuspecting foreigners. If you are thinking of doing this, or buying a house anywhere really, look into the history of the area and the property first. I know my country is trying to create a map of how dangerous it will be to live in certain areas, does Japan have a similar map?

[@hemusinghjain9422]

If some foreigners buy this Akiya houses then what about visa to live in Japan

[@roninblue5885]

Here's a vlog on how to get a visa here. Enjoy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eou1qZijoLKoa9k

[@samsungview2618]

Japan is not a nation that allows visitation for property owned. You can buy real estate in Japan, but getting a visa has nothing to do with that, you need a visa.

[@newdailydosetv]

Japan has been my dream country and this is not done, I can move in to help and let go some of my comfort

[@elmeromogollon]

japan is a nice country to visit, living there not so much.

[@vengarmedeminerasanxavier]

it can't be worse than central america

[@alison4398]

Personally, I think a great way to help the demographic issue would be to finally legalize dual citizenship in Japan, which is still not a thing there. There are a lot of young Japanese people who marry foreigners and move away for a variety of reasons, and this would give them and their children a chance to connect or re-connect with their heritage. And there's a lot of foreigners who love Japanese culture and would love to live there but end up deciding not to because they'd have to give up citizenship in their home country. The Japanese government is missing out on a great opportunity to increase their population and grow their economy.

[@naception]

Id live there and just live off the land. It's gorgeous

[@cherylsemrau7100]

Do you have videos of these houses? I would want one that is close to transportation and grocery stores. Maybe a private onsen. There should be English real estate agents for the homes.These agents could help with services that people need. Retired people should be included. Could also be rented out as bed and breakfast.

[@mikecsj1]

well, love to own one of them.

[@aikeau]

Absolutely would. Would need to learn Japanese

[@ic7846]

It makes sense why the demand is so low. All those requirements and hidden fees and taxes are insane. You're basically sacrificing the convenience of living close to a big city for nothing. The only benefits are the fact that youre in a beautiful rural area and that the cost of living is lower.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

I still think Ukrainians would thrive here. A lot of older Ukrainians know how to farm and can teach younger generations. They can sell fresh fruits and vegetables and they also have a lot of men and women who are handy and can renovate.

[@felixando7492]

There is something called Gift Tax, so if you receive a house for free you'd still have to a pay a certain percentage on what the house including the land is actually worth, as well as somebody to create the legal documents for the transfer of ownership. That being said many towns have incentives and subsidies that are granted when you buy an old house. All in all, receiving a house for free probably still is going to cost a couple of grand. If you like this type of houses and environment, it is still a very realistic thing. There is a popular program that almost all rural Japanese local governments adopt which is called Akiya-Bank (a website where empty houses are listed to either buy or rent), but if you find somebody who wants to give away a house, then you can sideline the competition that oftentimes exists aroundAkiya-Bank houses, especially for the attractive ones.

[@stalker-anoniem3515]

I'm from the Netherlands and really hate my current living situation. Where can I sign up for a free home in the countryside of Japan? I'll pack my bags immediately.

[@Painekadaj]

check out tokyo llama, he bought an akiya though other methods. There are a lot of taxes even on "free" houses.

[@cheguevara5560]

I can feel your pain all the way to Sydney ,real estate here are insane ,anyway there is a catch ,this guy in video did not explained that yes you can buy house in Japan but to stay there and get permanent residency you have to be married to Japanese .

[@kristinab1078]

​@@cheguevara5560 You do not need to be married to a Japanese spouse to get permanent residency. My sister and her family all received residency after 11 yrs. It was difficult and they were denied the first time. You have to establish that you are stably employed and show how you and your family contribute to the community. Her children all speak fluent Japanese and have done well in school. She has also done a lot of volunteer work, including foster care.

[@Jessica-ee8gn]

@@cheguevara5560 sign me up a house and a husband. Two birds with one stone!

[@davidcook9616]

I’m moving to Japan, they are looking more and more like America ,more than even America

[@MikeBajrami]

I can see buying up a few or more of these, in conjunction with the local area to rebuild and renovate. Keeping some traditional architecture but bringing in some higher end technology to appeal to someone like myself and others that could eventually turn some of these areas into hubs of entrepreneurship and innovations. Not trying to change areas but just give them some more economic boosts. Could help a lot of the gov would consider some new ways to look at this. I'd love to live in some of those areas. Couple it with doing what I love. Damn that could be an amazing experience and life in a new place.

[@toddmaek5436]

That would be dope

[@i-am-your-conscience]

I get it, but at the same time I don't understand really. In other countries, people would buy such houses for their holidays as well as their retirement home. Why isnt that done in Japan? If I would be a japanese person, it would be really enough for me, to be in Tokyo for the workweek, and would be happy to drive to my quiet, serene, rural house, with a lot of nature, living space. A place to get energy from. Also, if I would own an elder care company in Japan, I would sell my expensive places in Tokyo and buy / take a whole street of houses - and offer, for the same price as the Tokyo elder care places, a whole house to live in, with elder care people walking from house to house and care for them, and easily go to a house if an alarm is raised. They can live their last years in peace, and dignity enjoying the great nature and peace in those areas.

[@janetkilby5745]

My dream to have a house in Japan. I love to!

[@sammyvanhorenbeke6735]

The rules are understandable to rejuvenate rural areas, but people who have the means to live without a classic job are above 50. I could see myself sell my house here and move to Japan to enjoy an early retirement while farming and/or start a small restaurant.

[@menzokruizinga]

If I had the money for a plane ticket I would have moved there immediately it is my greatest wish to live in Japan

[@ace6608]

Trust me, you will want to go back home in a year or two and that is a fact. Japan is nice place but not nice to adapt. Thailand and the Philippines is better choice!

[@menzokruizinga]

@@ace6608 i don't know i think Thailand and philippines are also beautiful countries but the Japanese colture suits me better

[@ace6608]

@@menzokruizinga too strict for me i prefer a freedom world

[@touchmesama2590]

@@menzokruizinga good luck paying the property taxes if you can't afford a plane ticket

[@happycook6737]

@@menzokruizinga Your perception of Japanese culture may be different from the reality. I loved living in Japan but was in the city. However when I am old I can't see a way to live in a countryside home as there aren't support services or even doctors in some rural areas.

[@guiller2371]

The funny thing was when he said; people are now voiding to inherit houses.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

My dad is 72 and wants so badly to move to Japan. After being a doctor for 46 years I think it would be so cool for him to take one of these homes in a remote area and fix it up to his liking.

[@ace6608]

My advice is, if he can't speak Japanese or love to adapt to their culture its not the best choice so think twice before making a move. Most foreigner will either hate or love Japan lol

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

@@ace6608 I value your advice. I agree. I think it would be very isolating. But I know he loves the culture so much. But just him not being married and being alone scares me too much as he could become more isolated without being fluent.

[@ace6608]

​@@Alexandra_Wolf oh if he's into Japanese women, I'm sure he will find a woman there and that might change everything so i might be wrong lol

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

@@ace6608 I know he really loves the traditions. He thinks all women are beautiful but he respects Japanese marriages a lot. He also looks so young I forget he’s at the age where he may never settle down. I can’t keep track of his dates he puts me to shame! I would love to know how many interracial marriages there are in japan. I know South Korea is less then 1 percent. Maybe two. Guess I don’t know!

[@julieabot4154]

@@Alexandra_Wolf when was the first time he love japan

[@therecogniser2122]

Those house in the video is beautiful, neat and tidy, cozy, have a garden, by the forest.

[@Alexandra_Wolf]

This is so perfect for American ex pats who work remotely, both young people who want to travel and for retirees who want to live in solitude in a culture where seniors are respected much more.

[@wilmerleal22]

The answer is work at home bring work to them regardless in the city or not

[@e13design]

@roninblue do you have link for the groups building up communities? Sounds like a great idea.

[@ivanxyz1]

Home renovations can consume you for years. Unless you have a lot of free time or have a bunch of money to hire contractors, it is not that profitable.

[@samsungview2618]

I would not buy an Akiya ... renting a Kominka, Yes!!

[@roninblue5885]

Great suggestion!

[@toddmaek5436]

Kominka??

[@jonmitchell9019]

They pushed all the work into large cities is the problem. This is already been going this way for years as the older population that was retired at the right time stayed home in the country side and lived there until death and as they go there is no one to replace them because all the work is only in big cities where the children had to leave the country side years ago to make a living. So it will be extinct unless you add some factories outside the city into those small cities to get people to live in the country side more.

[@gravelbikestore2844]

I am French can we get one?

[@ogpyttipannu3411]

No, you get peogeot

[@ens0246]

One thing that concerns me is that some properties are in areas like Chugoku which experienced dangerous heatwaves this year. With the climate issue set to be similar or worse for the foreseable future (5-10+ depending on action of nations) some of these places could become inhospitable. The Japanese government this year advised the elderly not to go outside during the heatwave. And humidity is a major factor in death from high temperatures. The higher the humidity, the less your sweat evaporates so you're unable to cool down. Seems like maybe some of these regions unfortunately should stay unpopulated, or at least you would have to vacate during the summer months.

[@samsungview2618]

This is an interesting topic. Japan is struggling with population decline. It is also happening in many countries. The strange thing is that women have decided to have fewer children, regardless of their economic situation. Rich women are also having fewer children. This is great news for the Earth. 1 billion people is plenty. 2 billion would work. 3+ Billion ... too many peeps.

[@alixmordant489]

Absolutely correct. Spot on. We were much fewer people just a few decades earlier. There is nothing bad but much good about having a smaller population. Countries in northern Europe with relatively low population have the happiest people in the world. And yes, the environment profits much as well. And living in a better environment is better for us humans.

[@kristinab1078]

@@alixmordant489 Perhaps, but when the population leans heavily towards the 50+ group, there will be a shortage of farmers providing locally grown food and fewer workers to fill vital roles in important employment sectors. The tax base will also be weak, making it difficult for socialized medicine and other impressive benefits to continue and run well. It will be a significant problem for them. I wonder if they will be as "happy" under these circumstances? It would be a shame to see such an excellent society dwindle.

[@akamekurome4941]

honestly if i moved there to the abandoned areas etc, i would build a traditional fortified town. maybe a kingdom/castle in the countryside

[@sumiahb]

How to get a free home in Japan?

[@Kevin-sm8pn]

If you're a foreigner who doesn't speak Japanese, you can't, lol.

[@julieabot4154]

@@Kevin-sm8pn so I still need to be a pr?

[@okamichamploo]

I could work remotely, so it may be ok if there is stable internet, I would just need to know that options for food, and medical care, etc. are available locally

[@jimmyhvy2277]

In the 80s Japan was the most Expensive Housing Market in the World !! Now they are giving it away .

[@shelleythompson-brock6412]

The reason these houses are so plentiful is because they are so old, and in need of expensive repairs with no local industry or companies to support working. Would you want to be living in one, right now...during this blizzard?