Last Glimpse of Japan’s Beautiful Old Houses? Lost Japan (ft. Alex Kerr)

[@alexakerr1]

Thank you Jaya! It was great spending a few days with you in Iya, and the weather was good to us since we saw the magical mists at their best. I'm so impressed at how you produced this video, maybe the most beautiful ever done of Iya and the houses. And it's not only beautifully filmed, but you cover the social and heritage issues, as well as the practical challenges of restoring these old houses. It also might be the only one in any depth about Utazu. Now I want to come and visit you in Ibaraki!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Alex, glad I could catch the mists - we got lucky with just the right amount of rain. I wish I'd visited your houses before we did ours, though I still have time to steal a lot of your ideas! Hope you can visit us in Ibaraki some time.

[@DestinationJapan95]

Astounding video! I truly love that first house you guys visited in Utazu, Alex said that they probably wouldn't be able to buy. Is there a listing for it somewhere? How much is it? I've been looking for minka like this one for SO LONG. Coming to Japan as soon as it opens, I plan on living in Japan not just traveling and would love to renovate and put a wonderul property like this to use!

[@alexakerr1]

@@DestinationJapan95 The house isn't listed and the owners are not even sure they'll sell. This is in the "long negotiation" stage - which in Japan can be many years. But other great houses keep showing up, for example in my town of Kameoka (outside of Kyoto) where I usually live. What part of Japan are you interested in?

[@DestinationJapan95]

@@alexakerr1 oh man! Okay, I would love to own a property like this. I’d like to keep up with this one even if the owner decides to sell. Would hate to see this be tore down. I’ve always been more fascinated with the Japanese country side and smaller towns. That’s where I’d live, someplace smaller and more connected to renovate Akiya and start a business or two. I’ve been interested in many areas of Japan. Shikoku, Hokkaido, Ibaraki, Nagano, Aomori, Yamagata. Not super picky, but interested in country side. Mountains or coastal regions would be awesome too.

[@alexakerr1]

@@DestinationJapan95 We'll keep people updated as it goes along.

[@davidwhite6617]

As a retired carpenter, it saddens my heart when I see all these beautiful homes all over the world being lost and abandoned. Like a grandfather you want to try and save them. I hope more young people will realize what they have and try to do things to save these places.

[@launabanauna8958]

The younger generation does not have the means, or the money to have that option. People talk like it’s the younger generation’s fault that this is happening around the world. They simply cannot afford it.

[@satoyama.rupert]

@@launabanauna8958 My Japan kominka cost just 6,000 dollars. So sad this price tag doesn't apply to the rest of the world. Acres and acres of land to farm on in Japan are basically free. Quite a unique country.

[@govegan562]

teach me your ways of carpentry so i can buy one and restore it

[@Val.Kyrie.]

My grandfather was an amazing woodworker and did all sorts of wood fitting that didn’t need nails. I wish he taught me, I want an akiya, I’m even considering doing carpentry because I want to change careers anyway. The old skills are being lost and they don’t need to be lost.

[@graceonfilmsnstuff]

there are young women and people like me who will as much as we can.

[@jefpop4252]

since your house is nearing completion, i love that you're discovering where this channel is going next. and i think these kind of videos are exactly what you and your audience are interested in. looking forward to the next one

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@brendan12882]

@@TokyoLlama Love this genuine content, and so well done technically. @TokyoLlama your work comes through full of human value. Many thanks.

[@anydaynow01]

@@TokyoLlama I love watching the renovation videos of your house, these are awesome also, I would love to see renovation videos of other older houses once yours is finished, like visiting people as they renovate their houses a few times a year to see the progress!

[@mrslsbc6594]

This is sad considering the beautiful nature the villages has to offer 😊 Japan is beautiful

[@josefinalin3489]

Can’t wait for the next one!

[@kimbeauxs]

I've dreamed of going to Japan for 30+ years and would love to explore these old homes. 🥺

[@ratsu2641]

Right :)

[@lottat6003]

Don't dream! Just go! 😅👍

[@Shovi_]

@@lottat6003 Things cost money.

[@masterk5372]

Ikr me too 😅

[@diediedice]

I totally get you. My only life goal at this point is to visit japan (or even move there and buy an akiya myself haha)

[@yeevita]

OMG, I totally resonated with "Show me an ancient, abandoned house that's got grass growing on the roof and I am happy." I happily agree! I love seeing traditional Japanese houses and architecture and crafts. I love the whole thing: Abandoned, history, falling down, restoration. I love it all. I also love that the restoration includes modern amenities to make the places liveable. There is no point if the whole thing sits and rots again. Buildings actually do need people to care for them. People who want to live in them will also care for the buildings.

[@TokyoLlama]

100% agree with you there!

[@peterbawright]

It’s heartbreaking to see these traditional villages fading away. I’m glad there’s people like yourself who continue to use these houses but with modern amenities.

[@Oldsmobile69]

Interestingly, this is something that's happening all around the world. In fact, people have stopped having children everywhere, even in countries with high population growth numbers are down a lot. And of course people are moving in to cities in numbers that are unprecedented. Truly a sign of our times.

[@stuff2008]

Does anyone understand why?

[@Oldsmobile69]

@@stuff2008 Yes and no. There are plenty of surveys on why people have fewer children but so far nobody has been able to implement legislation or an economic incentive that would reverse the trend.

[@nearly-blindbrian8372]

simply stunning.. this was no a VLOG, this is a National Geographic show.. Extremely well done.. Thanks for sharing such a magical journey with me

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much - appreciate the kind words.

[@hovhannisyanani]

@@TokyoLlama That's true!!!

[@777rogerf]

Very well put!

[@Val.Kyrie.]

Agreed. Better than NG, no excessive drama, all real.

[@kennethbolton951]

I lived as a teen ager in Japan in the sixties and it left such an impression with me that it has followed me everywhere I go ,(I have a xerophytic Japanese Zen Moon garden in back yard here in Tucson Az.), and when I see pictures such as these I ache with a sense of longing and remembrance. My Dad said once: "You don't assimilate Japan, it slowly assimilates you".

[@TokyoLlama]

Very true!

[@rylandplassmann9095]

Oh cool I live in Tucson too. Here we have mid-century homes made from baked adobe, quite a rare sight. Unfortunately many of these old buildings are being torn and being replaced with student towers. One great loss is the old barrio that was in Downtown but in the 80s was mowed down and turned into a large pubic space where I hardly seen anyone. I'm only in my 20s so I haven't seen much of what Tucson was. Hopefully historic preservation will prevail.

[@shadowforgedgamerz520]

[@roberttherrien352]

Beautiful . If only I was 20 years younger. That small restaurant in the mountain with the view was simply gorgeous. And that ending was so well done :)

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, that restaurant was fantastic with the views and the great food.

[@sticc3978]

How old are you if I may ask?

[@roberttherrien352]

@@sticc3978 65

[@ccn1364]

@@roberttherrien352 You are considered a young man in Japan! 😄

[@spoonofsyrup]

@@ccn1364 and in Italy! Just retired and the best years of your life ahead! (And quite some great deals to travel as a retired adult)

[@dbwatx931]

It breaks my heart to see the villages like this. I have been wanting to come back to Japan to find my grandmothers home. I only have an old address to go by. But all my mothers brothers and sisters are diseased. I spent every summer there with her and loved it. She pass 42 years ago. I keep hoping that Japan will open up to tourism soon so I can find her home once again. I would love to buy it and fix it up.

[@TokyoLlama]

Hopefully Japan will open up soon, and you'll be able to find your grandmother's home. Good luck!

[@earlysda]

"Last update: August 15, 2022 (this page is updated every Monday) You can visit Japan as part of a package tour, but you must apply for a visa in advance. For more details, see How to Enter Japan on a Package Tour Using the ERFS System. BIG NEWS: Americans and Canadians can now apply for visas online (eVISA), which makes the whole process much simpler and faster! Independent travelers cannot yet enter Japan and there has been no announcement of an opening to independent travelers."

[@veramae4098]

Try googling the address. I did that on an impulse for the first house I ever owned, and it came up! I moved out more than 20 years ago, but I still love it. The new owners have painted it blue and grown a garden on the steep front of the house ... that was always hard to mow. Fun to see.

[@jamesclukey7488]

Beautiful and sad at the same time ! I had read that the population of Japan had fallen dramatically, but it's also in danger of losing it's culture and heritage. Thanks to people like you and Alex who care about restoring the beauty and serenity of that land and it's architecture. I was really chilled by the dolls in that town. Especially how they were staged, almost as if they were posing for pictures in some cases. While others simply looked frozen in time, like ghosts of what was. Very haunting to see.

[@grizzfan08]

I absolutely agree about that "ghost village". It's sad, haunting, and depressing at the same time.

[@meisuilanellsworth6958]

As a child, I lived in the outskirts of Tokyo in the 50's, living in an old farm house with my family. This was a wonderful video, bringing back memories of mingei living in the old Japanese way. Thank you so much. I hope you will make more of these videos, luring people from all over the world to go back to living the simple country life still possible in Japan!

[@TheAcer925]

Karl Bengs is a a role model for these restorations.He is a German architect who first visited Japan in 1966. He buys old Japanese farmhouses, rebuilds them them in his own distinctive style and with all mod cons.

[@Mimeh53]

The loss of this architecture would be the Swan Song of Japanese culture. It is one of the most astounding things about the country, one of the most beautiful aspects of Japan. You might as well just tear down the cherry blossoms. It is very heartening to know that younger Japanese are coming to the rescue. And people like you, Jaya-san, to restore and modernize an irreplaceable treasure!

[@halesm]

That 1st house has such beautiful details! It really would be a huge shame if it's torn down. Great job with Chiiori, Alex. So beautful.

[@sadjaxx]

But so much work and money!

[@giantmoose777]

You've put in a huge amount of effort into this video and it shows. Simply excellent! Well done. I look forward to any future projects you do. You've got a knack for this.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you very much!

[@MaShcode]

After he finishes his deck. 😆

[@tokyospin7766]

Been here in Japan for 6 years and Alex is my new hero.. What a legend! Must read his book . Great vid mate 👌

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks mate!

[@alexakerr1]

And thanks from me too!

[@amysbees6686]

@Alex Kerr Thank you is an understatement. You are amazing! Any updates on that first house? The garden alone was what historic preservation dreams are made of! My imagination is brimming with possibilities! If only money were no object! I agree with you absolutely that these old buildings need to find new purposes for modern living! As an amateur architectural historian, I know full well that people can't live in museums. People need homes and places of business. Please keep us all updated on any new/prospective projects!

[@alexakerr1]

@@amysbees6686 Thank you and I'll try to keep everyone updated on the house.

[@lkkubono]

Just wow. I got a tear a few times during this video - beautifully shot. To see Chiiori after reading Alex's book. The ghost Taikai was a strong statement for rural areas. My hope is that we make 'public works' consciously choose a representative number of old towns around Japan and throw our weight behind them. Thank you Alex for your grass roots work, and all the people who have worked and volunteered continuing their own way.

[@danemcrae1371]

Amazing views! Props to Alex for all the beautiful work he has helped preserve and improve. Got a legitimate laugh at the end there too.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Dane, yes, Alex has done beautiful work. Iya does have spectacular views, especially with all the mist.

[@avivasquez4189]

This is so nice and so relaxing and nostalgic. It reminds me so much of this random show on tv way back 2004-2009-ish which features mostly rural places in japan. I loved that show so much and wasn't able to remember the name because it was written in kanji. I was in grade school back then and it was what made me fall in love with japan culture. I've said it before but visiting japan and it's rural places is one of my biggest dream and I hope to do so before I die.

[@jonlilley2832]

I lived in Kansai for nearly 18 years and everyone I spoke to told me that foreigners couldn't buy or own property in Japan regardless of size or location. Maybe I should've pressed it a bit harder, but I would've loved a challenge like this! Good luck in all your endeavours! It must be very satisfying!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks! It used to be the case that foreigners couldn't, but quite a few years back they removed all restrictions.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Jaya, I really enjoyed the video. Your production quality has gotten really good! Visually and content-wise, just really high interest and quality stuff. But if you ever run out of material, dont forget about me down here in Mie. Still open for that collaboration! 🍻

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Jordan, I'll get down to Mie someday!

[@thesaxman]

A fabulous video…documentary style as good as any on TV…..totally amazing details and old houses, you should be supported by the Japanese Tourist board. So great to see these traditions carried on through this modern age. I hitchhiked through Shikoku in the 1990’s and went to an All Japan Shioji exhibition in Takamatsu which was incredible. Keep up the great work Tokyo Lama, you are spreading the joys of old japan and its culture…amazed by the scarecrows, thanks Mate!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries! Sounds like a great trip, would love to explore Shikoku more.

[@eviscerations]

i've been saving for 5 years to by a minka. whenever japan will allow me to enter, i'll be taking a trip to the nagano area, where my friend has a ryokan, to scout for akiya. very appreciative of your videos, thank you!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries. Nagano is a lovely place.

[@James-hb6ee]

Wonderful video and so sad to see the almost empty, lonely villages. The empty grade school was heartbreaking. The last home you showed was right up my alley, tastewise. So serene and elegant. The ending was hilarious!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, that last one with the modern irori and sofa is somewhere I could get used to living.

[@karenstanislaw8912]

Jaya, this was practically a meditation. Meaningful, paced beautifully, and a thoughtful, interesting and interested host guiding us through. Thank you.

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome, thank you!

[@jillczerwinski8870]

Amazing video; the houses and history. It's sad that Japan doesn't view these structures as living treasures. Kudos to those who are preserving these works of art! And getting the next generations involved.

[@donamorenoable]

I learned alot! Beautiful countryside. I hope some of the communities will be revived & more historical homes updated. I thought the doll at the bus stop was a real person in the intro. 😆 Your wife at the end.

[@charlene6495]

This was such an interesting video! Thank you for all the work that went into it! Architecture is such and important aspect of a country, of its culture... I really liked Alex Kerr's take on how renovating does not actually mean destroying the "soul" of what makes an old house stand out, it's enhancing and making it livable so it can continue to be what it was made to be (a house) and does not become an empty museum...

[@TokyoLlama]

I totally agree! Thanks.

[@k.s-b440]

It’s like a time box. I grow up in the 70. And 80. In Japan as a foreigner from Europe, I remember a lot from these houses, of course the most from outside, when we made trips to the country side of Japan (Area of Kansai) with my Parents. I love that culture, architecture and the Japan art work. Thank’s for the nice video…. It’s reminds me to visit Japan soon again….

[@Nobe_Oddy]

OH MY GOSH!!!! this was SOOOO GOOOD!!! I can't thank you enough for sharing this little piece of heaven you get to experience everyday. Those homes were so beautiful and full of character and beauty. I am SO GLAD I discovered your channel. You have shown so much of Japan's REAL LIFE that you don't get to learn about except through this one of a kind channel. I hope you get to do something like this again. (and can take us along for the journey) I would LOVE to even hear more of Alex's story through your lens. Oh yes, I just remember you said you will have a follow up video with more details on the some of the houses. I just can't wait! I do have to say tho, I personally like your house SO MUCH MORE than the one you stayed in. That had a 'vacation' home feel to it. It reminded me of when I was younger and my parents would rent a beach house for a week in the summer. It would be decorated so beautiful, and they were always such nice houses. But they didn't truly feel like a HOME. Yes there was a lot of hard work and effort put into them, but I can just feel the LOVE that has gone into yours. Now the very first house you showed had that feel, but it just like your very first videos. I REALLY do hope that someone is able to fall in love with that home and bring it back to life with the same Love you've brought back into yours. Maybe some time in the future you'll find someone about to restore a home like you did and you get to be there with them filming their adventure and sharing it with the world. After all that's what made me fall in love with your channel in the first place. But whatever it is you do with this channel I'll be right here watching what create because I feel like you and I share a lot of the same interests in tastes. And I just LOVE see the old Japanese architecture. Thank You so much. I really enjoyed this format of just showing us a few homes, and the longer format video too. I can't wait to see more of them and hear about Alex's work. :)

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! I do have a house coming up hopefully soon with a minka renovation as a family home where I've managed to film some of their progress. Hopefully I can do something with Alex again in the future.

[@justinanovak8040]

Beautiful thank you all for sharing these amazing homes with a past and now a future. Hope the movement grows.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries!

[@emilnord]

Thank you for another interesting video. I live in a apartment and would never buy a house. But your videos makes me want to move to Japan and buy an abandoned house. Your passion for this is so beautiful to see. Great work on telling the world about this. Always a pleasure watching your videos. All the best to you and your family.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much, same to you and yours.

[@jennycampbell5236]

The Vine Bridge was recently viewed in Australia on Japanese series Old Enough. Remarkable.

[@BusanKevin]

That was fantastic. I really enjoyed that. I always enjoy hearing Alex speak when he's on the Seek Sustainability Japan podcast. Nice to see him in this video.

[@RAZGR1Z]

Amazing video, Jaya I'd love to see more of this kind of content.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, I enjoyed making this one.

[@user-dx5mn4ew7k]

OMG ! This is a fantastic video. He did the great job restoring these house. Thank you. We need this!

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks!

[@nancynewlin]

In the U.S., what Alex is doing is called “rehabilitation for reuse.” It is, as Alex says, a way to make old buildings suitable for new uses. For example, one that I know of (and wrote a book about) in San Jose, California is a 40K square foot house turned into a hotel with new buildings built around it for guest and meeting rooms.

[@Fulltimer]

Thank you so much for sharing. Those of us that lived in Japan in the past will always remember how vibrant the farm villages were in the 60s. We still have dear friends that are Japanese farmers and we hope that we will be able to visit them at least one more time.

[@JAMoore-zz3ki]

This video is something very special. I find myself deeply touched by Alex's efforts to restore historical or simply important old properties. The last part of the video, though, and that beautiful bridge.......wow. I watched all of that with my heart in my throat and a few tears in my eyes, especially when I saw all of those dolls and realized how empty that area was. Heartbreaking. The natural beauty is just stunning and the mist drifting through the mountains......oh my goodness. I can't express how peaceful that made me feel. There are no words. You have really surpassed yourself this time. This is one of your very, very best videos.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks so much. I really enjoyed making this one and am glad to hear others have enjoyed watching it.

[@PinePine]

This is amazing! Those foggy cloudy mountains are so beautiful and peaceful. One day when I have the means I would love to restore one

[@patchkolanauthor]

Village of the Dolls is nightmarish. But with a beautiful sentiment behind it! Fantastic documentary, TokyoLlama! Always so engaging and informative in everything you do. I too one day want to relocate and restore a home such as these.

[@jennawhitecloud5680]

I guess this is when I say that I wish I was 20 years younger so I could consider coming and restoring. I absolutely love taking something used with a history and some unknown story and loving it back into well being. Rebirthing is so nourishing for the soul!

[@QueenWendyLu]

Such natural beauty. It takes such love and patience to restore these beauties. When you see them they are unloved and wanting. But with care and time…. She is once again the most beautiful girl at the ball. Sheer magic.

[@woody4714]

It was so lovely to see Chiiori again. We stayed there for about a week in August 2006. And the husband bridge, the peeing boy, and the rest of Iya valley. Such a treat.

[@TurbineResearch]

Thank you for sharing this. I feel a nostalgia for something I have never experienced when I see this. 🙏🙏🙏

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, I know what you mean.

[@elizzievb]

Oh, Japan I love you so! Beauty and soul everywhere - the land and the people. Such politeness always. Such innate creativity. Astounding. Thank you Llama for shining a light on this heartbreaking situation. The Village of Dolls was so gut wrenching. I have hope that perhaps now that people can work from home via the internet, maybe some younger people will move to the country? There must be an answer! These beautiful houses MUST be saved somehow. Thank you to Mr. Kerr and you Llama Sir- you are amazing! Much love from Oregon. ❤

[@elizzievb]

Oh, I totally missed Mrs. Llama’s comment at the end! Hahahaha! Get that deck finished Llama! ❤❤

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you! Yes, we're already seeing some Japanese moving out to the country now with remote working becoming quite widely adopted here, so that's a positive.

[@moriko07]

The first house you showed, the one from the Edo period, if the Mon it belongs to is correct, shows that it was inhabited by a family of Samurai of the Hidari Mitsudomoe Clan. From what little I know on the subject, one followed a path of strength, benevolence and courage. I hope that those who inherit it and go to live there will be able to appreciate its history as well as its structure and lifestyle. Yours truly.

[@TokyoLlama]

Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[@dot8605]

Thank you for this opportunity to see the work and especially the inspiration of Alex and his organization. This was eye opening and interesting ( and very sad at the village of dolls). Your channel is so much more than you renovating your house. It gives people a look inside Japan on a very personal basis. I hope that there will be many more houses rescued and many families given the chance to live in modern comfort in their historic home. Since I live in a house that was built in 1907 I know ( on a small scale) how much there is to do to maintain an older house, but how nice it is to live in a historic building.

[@whitneylake2107]

Breathtaking ! The attentions given to the minutest detail ... I felt like I was dreaming. Thank you for the magical tours

[@moniquehuchet3646]

I have seen my grandmother’s village losing its population like many other rural areas in France and houses being boarded up. I was surprised to come back ten years after emigrating to Canada, to discover the houses bought by mostly Germans and slowly transformed. In western Canada history is barely 150 years old and I do not see much appreciation for « old » things, it could be biased, I am 85 :). I hope my children and grandchildren, at least one out of fourteen will share my love of history and see themselves as links between past and future. Japanese houses pull on my heart strings. Thank you for what you are doing there..

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome. I have visited France many times and the first time I ever considered buying and renovating an old house was during one of those visits, but of course never did.

[@tUiDo4]

It saddens me when I see such beautiful homes left to waste away back into the earth. In each home you can see the love the original tenants/owners had placed into it. Every small detail here and there placed by the craftsman who built it. These homes were really built to last through their lineage only for them to not have an offspring somewhere down the line to inherit it, or their relative just didn't care to keep it because it is "old fashion". It's really a goal of my husband and I to be able to purchase and renovate a beauty such as these somewhere in our near future. Until then, these videos are AWESOME and I thank you Tokyo Llama as well as Alex Kerr for helping those of us who can't see such wonders in person, be able to see it through media

[@ceas2k]

Absolutely fabulous! So inspiring to hear and see. I think to not just preserve the 'old things' but to make them relevant and accessible to now is an important way to keep links to past culture.

[@lottat6003]

What a wonderful documentary! 👏👏👏👏 I love these old Japanese houses and gardens and stayed in a hotel in Kyoto that was in a traditional style. I pray that someone will restore that first house. Old buildings everywhere should be saved and reused. ❤️ They have a soul, unlike most modern buildings. And these ones are spacious and beautiful, unlike the tiny and expensive apartments in Tokyo and other cities... 😅 I loved the sad art installation with the scarecrows. What a heartfelt statement. I also think about my own roots, the big farm where my father lived and many generations before him, now collecting dust far out in the countryside. Sad really.

[@zengar2007]

This is so amazing. The renovation and preservation of these houses is incredible. I hope these houses will stay for long long time for people to appreciate the work.

[@solarbirdyz]

Oh, all of this is just beautiful. I'm very glad to hear that the movement to preserve some of this traditional architecture has finally started to pick up some momentum, too!

[@florisbackx1744]

Ah man, Shikoku really is one of the most beautiful parts of Japan.... That valley looked amazing!

[@NancyMarchioro]

I’m a big fan of your channel and I have been avidly following your amazing restoration journey! With this video I have to say you have outdone yourself!! Beautifully produced and wonderfully inspiring!! I hope it will be a beacon of light in saving the Japanese heritage. Loved Learning about Alex’s journey and hope he can continue restoring and saving the countryside’s traditions. In future episodes let us know what we all can do to help.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much! Hopefully I can provide some positive news in the future on that house in Utazu, would be great if Alex could somehow work on it.

[@treasurechest1993]

I really need to get back to Japan as i miss the country so much. After 12 years in the Nagano area I have not been back since early 2020. Thanks for reminding me of what I love so much about the countryside. I'm glad folk like yourself and Alex are preserving these beautiful buildings.

[@chispitablanca]

This is so interesting! It also hits close to home because I live in a little mountain town in western Pennsylvania (United States) where the largest demographic is women aged 65+.

[@y2n610]

Thank you for sharing this. The doll town gave me goosebumps. It truly was a frozen in place display of what the town once was. One day I will be able to visit Japan and seeing towns and villages like this is on my list. My concern has always been the language barrier I expect is much greater in these rural places. The larger cities are set up more for English speaking tourist so I feel as if I wouldn't be completely lost staying in the bubble so to speak. How well would a foreign tourist be able to fare in these towns?

[@KirstyJonesLouise]

I’ve only travelled a small amount in Japan - but I found even out of the big cities if you try your best people are truely helpful and try and communicate even if you don’t speak the same language.

[@TokyoLlama]

You'd get by in English, even in rural areas. Japanese people are generally friendly, and I'm sure you'd work things out.

[@Bergioyn]

It's great to see you're continuing to put more effort into the channel and the videos even with the house getting closer to being finished. I think this is easily your best video yet.

[@moragodofthunder]

This may be controversial but I really wish that Japan would create a program that would give foreigners ability to live in Japan full time if they buy one of these houses and bring it back to life (obviously sticking to some sort of code so the outside of the house stays somewhat historically accurate so the history isn't lost and a requirement to use Japanese builders and carpenters if you aren't doing the work yourself). I think a lot of people outside Japan would want to undertake a project like that if it meant upon completion they could actually live in the home full time. I know I would. I'm part Japanese but none of my immediate family members are from Japan but I've always wanted to live there. I really love that you are highlighting these beautiful houses and phenomenal restoration projects.

[@ThisReactiverse]

Seeing the village of dolls actually got me pretty emotional. It's a dying of a key part of Japanese culture. So many stories we won't get to hear.

[@kgal63]

Thank you for the day trip. I really enjoy the excursions you take us on. Japan is such a beautiful country. The ride on the curvy road was great and would be a lot of fun on a motorcycle. 🤗

[@petermorrill6864]

We were at Chiiori the day after you and Alex filmed this. My wife and I spent 2 weeks scouting Shikoku for relocation. Thank you for bringing attention to Shikoku. We meet wonderful people all over the island.

[@alexakerr1]

Wow, we must have just missed you when you visited Chiiori. I'm glad you got to see it.

[@petermorrill6864]

We were so moved by your home that we took almost no video/pics. So it is an amazing gift to have this video to relive the time. Turns out I had also read Dogs and Demons back when it came out, but didn't make the connection until having a beer with your on-site manager.

[@alexakerr1]

@@petermorrill6864 Dogs and Demons is hard core - if you've read that, appreciate what it says, and are still enjoying the good sides of Japan, then you're a true Japan lover.

[@petermorrill6864]

@@alexakerr1 My wife is Japanese, and I worked as a salaryman in Tokyo for 5 years. I suspect I'm a lot like you with a deep love of Japan and the Japanese, while being realistic about the shortcomings. That said, every village we scouted on this trip invited me to be part of the 消防団, so I know we could find our place again.

[@jamesthepuerilis]

thank you for taking us along on your visit, its such a shame to see the old house and towns slowly crumbling away

[@ldco1]

"So when are you going to finish the deck" at the end was the best🤣🤣

[@XSpImmaLion]

Amazing work everywhere.. on the doc, by Alex, the interview, the houses, the scenery, the information and content... everything really, kudos Jaya! Hard a task as it obviously is, I hope the efforts of people like Jaya and Alex have a secure future.... perhaps some of these towns will never become fully repopulated, I hope a few of them are, but I hope at least some of them get restored to some point even if it needs to be somehow supported by tourists and other venues. In fact, if there is one redeeming things about the entire pandemic thing, it is a hope that more venues have opened for people to live wherever they want and work from hope, so it opens a few more doors towards people being able to move away from cities, restore and rebuild incredible places like these, and be able to live closer to nature if they so wish. It's not only about the incredible and unique architecture, which these places already hands down have... but I think a whole ton of philosophy, Japanese aesthetics, and traditional sense lies intrinsically linked to places like those. In the sense you are not only losing the physical spaces and traditional architecture of Japan, you are slowly also losing the traditional culture, aesthetics, art and philosophy of an entire era. And mind you, I like modern Japan a whole ton, nothing against it. But I think it shines best when it's living in harmony with tradition, history, and this sort of philosophy steeped in deep cultural roots, in a very uniquely Japanese kinda way. xD It's the mix that always impressed me the most. Anyways, incredible work... re-sharing wherever I can. :D

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you. Well said. It appears that there has been a movement of people buying properties in the countryside, not just as second homes, as Japan has done better than I expected in terms of working remotely since the pandemic. Seems quite a few companies are now downsizing Tokyo offices and allowing staff to work from home.

[@tj37475]

What a great video, good to see others like yourself that are trying to preserve these lovely old houses. Well done to Alex too.

[@juderickman8275]

Most beautiful craftsmanship ever. Breathtaking terrain, breathtaking carpentry and art.

[@pamkowal7464]

What an amazing glimpse into rural Japan. The village of scarecrows was absolutely haunting. Wow!

[@BenjiSun]

i wonder how much it would be to get a place like that first house? the Edo jidai furnishings inside alone would be incredible. i love those chests(are they for keeping kimono?) and the tansu drawers. i want to get a warehouse just to collect those from akiya and restore them to like-new condition, or upcycle broken ones into other kinds of furniture. all that beautiful old wood...

[@TokyoLlama]

Depends on how much the owners really want to sell it. Those chests are for general storage and transport. Agree, beautiful old wood.

[@CameliaKay9804]

I was wondering the price range as well

[@PeterJames468]

Fantastic video Jaya. So well filmed and presented. It is lovely that you can make the effort to show us these places even when you haven't finished the deck! Thank you.

[@rodiantorres5656]

The ending though. It's like straight outta mystery movie.

[@PanzerChief]

Yes a new video

[@_Ben4810]

A truly wonderful video, the houses were breathtaking, the people so polite, gentle & kind & at 36:55 that food look amazing... I will now try & source a copy of Alex's book also, Thank You Jaya for showing us these absolute gems of Japanese life.

[@murry001]

Awesome video, last time i visited Japan i loved seeing the traditional style homes. They have so much more character

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

Fascinating and utterly charming. I hope we never lose these beautiful architectural expressions of culture.

[@danannield5810]

The gentleman in this video who wrote the book , omg he is such an angel, he seems to be such an honest in heart kinda guy... tell him i said blessings and peace unto him, thanks for this video

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

Lovely video. Thank you, Jaya, and thank you to Alex for making the time to let us into his world as well. And you've already foreshadowed a follow-up video? Great! I've seen the village of the dolls on a couple of other channels previously, but it doesn't lose its impact when I see it again. I wonder if the lady who has made all those dolls has also made one of herself and given instructions around the village where to eventually deploy "her" (assuming that she's not the last one to depart)?

[@TokyoLlama]

That would be interesting to know. We did try to speak to her but she wasn't in (or maybe hiding as probably tired of doing these interviews).

[@MsSephrena]

Absolutely Wonderful - Most enjoyable and heart-warming seeing the fabulous restorations - Thank you so much for sharing....

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries!

[@tirasraduan8030]

Thank you for highlighting Chiiori and Iya Valley. I have been following the story of Alex Kerr, volunteers of that tachet roof house and Iya since early 1995. Already forgot the house name. There is a lot of improvement had been done. Hoping that one day I could visit Shikoku Island, strolling the old town, climbing up to Iya Valley and stayed at Chiiori. But before that I will be for sure visiting my host family (Okasan and Otosan) at Shizuoka first. It has been 7 years since my last visit to Japan.

[@madeofnapalm]

A restaurant in the clouds 😊 That ending was pretty epic

[@alexstrolls801]

I love that in recent years the restoration of these old houses are rising. It would be so sad to see one of the most beautiful architectures in the world disappear.

[@Hethern]

Awesome video, and oh how I love rural Japan it's just beautiful!!

[@MrLookitspam]

I have always loved Paris. I have never been to Japan however watching these home Reno’s on the older homes has changed my mind. I love these old homes and the lifestyle in Japan. I feel as if I’m living in a third world country in America.

[@rw9931]

38:44 I stayed here with my family and it was the most magical moment of my life. Thank you Alex, I love your books too. You are a true inspiration for me.

[@ruthberanek13]

Love all the history and touring of the beautiful homes. Hope more can be saved.

[@mortallychallenged1436]

I know a little woodworking (mostly building furniture with reclaimed wood, made my own tools,...) but I am no way near the level of those craftsmen that made the joints for these houses. That being said, I have the dream of buying some old Japanese house outside the city and restoring/rebuilding it, while mixing old techniques (elements and earthquake in mind) with new technology (insulation, wiring, pipes, safety, energy) and make it go off-grid as far as possible. If someone could tell me some kind of book with construction/instruction plans for building a Japanese style house, I would be happy and might try out building it myself in miniature model to improve my understanding of this type of construction.

[@TokyoLlama]

You could try The Genius of Japanese Carpentry by Azby Brown.

[@nvllnvoid4619]

if you do happen to build one, i'd love to see the result!

[@tinekejoldersma]

That bamboo roof of the old house 💗breathtakingly beautiful. The chests are stunning. The craftsmanship in carving, staining, and putting together without screws in those ages was so near perfect. The garden made me drool. Alex was a perfect guide. His love for the old Japan, to keep it alive is admirable. You may take filming even slower, so we can admire it more. Your wife is so humoristic. When are you going to finish the deck by the way 🤣🤣🤣

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks Tineke, I'll try to capture as much as I can! Yes, my wife is "funny" - deck will be finish shortly...

[@KanonKongenKarl]

The music choices for this video are really great.

[@myxomatosisity9977]

Great video Jaya! It shows that you've been having fun and learning lots since starting on KZbin. Those driving timelapse still make me nauseous tho lol. I'm going to be in Hokkaido for three months starting in September. I've been wanting a place in Hokkaido since I first went there in 2013, before I had ever heard of akiya. Do you know of any resources, like a broker of some kind, to help someone with poor nihongo through the purchasing process (other than those two fellows you previously did a video with)?

[@Peekingduck]

Wish I had the Skills, visa, money and opportunity to do what you've done. I've followed you since the beginning and it's so inspirational to watch. Thanks for these videos you share.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for watching.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

So incredibly inspiring. The video made me cry. Traditional Japanese architechture always tears at my heartstrings. I've never been, but must go. I love the ending. 😆

[@jodoninja]

What an absolute perfection of a video. I love the enthusiasm and care Alex Kerr has for Japanese culture.

[@ratsu2641]

Stunning homes that if marketed correctly could save these towns :) you have made this a dream of mine to own one these one day :) also wild wife encounter appears at the end of video ?

[@TokyoLlama]

Nice! What wildlife did you see? I didn't notice anything!

[@theresac.3216]

I really enjoy these videos and appreciate that you post them! Well done!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thank you, glad you like them.

[@leonieandrewsart4137]

Another great video, thank you. We are great fans of Alex's books so it was fantastic to 'meet' him at last. Also so interesting to see those houses too.

[@Sapiewithwithpeas]

Oh wow! I lived here in 2003 for a number of months as guest staff with Ginevra. We hosted so many guests who I drove to cut thatch each day, for the new roof. I think it was a place called the kyobashira pass. I drove the guests to onsen every night, and we cooked food for them as well. NHK spent a day with us filming us learning how to prepare soba noodles from raw buckwheat. It took all day! We had a dog and chickens and spent so much of each day just working to clean and make food and I’ve never slept so well because I was so tired each night! It was such a special time for me. I hope to visit again when borders open. My compliments on producing such a beautiful, evocative video that truly captures the magic of Iya and its surrounds. I felt transported back in time.