Living in Rural Japan: Craftsman M430 Lawnmower Review & Akiya Renovation Journey

Living in the countryside of Japan comes with a lot of work. To keep up with mowing the grass, I imported a Craftsman M430 lawnmower. Join me for the final review and see how it performs in our rural setting.
As someone working in Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), one of the benefits is having household goods shipped at the expense of the US Government or employer. This has been incredibly helpful, especially during our extensive renovation of an akiya, or former vacant house, in the countryside.
For us, moving to the countryside was a quality of life decision, allowing us to enjoy a slower pace and a more fulfilling lifestyle. Follow our journey as we share insights and experiences from our rural Japanese home."
#RuralJapan #CraftsmanM430 #LawnmowerReview #AkiyaRenovation #CountrysideLiving #SlowerLife #JapanLiving #HouseRenovation
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Welcome to our channel, where we share our journey of restoring a traditional Japanese minka, which we bought as a cheap abandoned house in the picturesque countryside of Japan. Join us as we breathe new life into this former akiya, exploring the beauty of traditional architecture and the challenges of renovating a house in Japan.
As foreigners living in Japan, we've embraced the opportunity to restore this minka, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Learn about the craftsmanship involved in minka construction, from bamboo and earth to straw, and discover how these materials create a harmonious living space.
Our journey began with purchasing this akiya for 5 million yen (approximately $35,000 USD), including not just the minka but also a guest house, storage building, and a generous plot of land with trees. We'll share tips and insights into the challenges and rewards of renovating a traditional Japanese house in the countryside, showcasing the unique blend of history and modern living.
Whether you're a fellow renovator, a lover of Japanese culture, or simply curious about life in rural Japan, our channel has something for you. Subscribe to follow our progress, get renovation tips, and immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese architecture. Let's embark on this journey together and rediscover the beauty of a bygone era, right in the heart of Japan's countryside.
Other videos of our Akiya traditional Japanese house renovation:
/ @cocolenchojapan
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Contact:
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***Recommend using “Chrome” as a browser for Japanese to English translation.***
Akiya Bank for my area near Iwakuni City and Hiroshima City: Miwa Town in Yamaguchi
iwakuni-iju.jp...
Miwa Town Information:
iwakuni-iju.jp...
Dave Olson's website:
Dave provides many links and information Akiya and Komika purchase.
daveostory.com...
At Akiya Sumai you can search for vacant houses around Japan.
akiya.sumai.biz
At Ie Ichiba there is a Bulletin board to search vacant houses / Akiya Houses and old buildings in Japan
www.ieichiba.com
Other Useful Links:
www.akiya-mart...
cheaphousesjap...
www.athome.co.jp/
www.kurasapo.net/
www.koryoya.com/
www.homes.co.j...
www.inakanet.jp...
www.akiya-atho...

[@DLG24]

Well done! Your home is coming along very well. I remember the video you showed before of the backyard, it looks much better now. And thanks for these shorter videos too, it makes following your progress easier. Take care!

[@cocolenchojapan]

I am glad you liked it, thanks!

[@MINAR3L_GR3Y_2V]

Nice mower! Also I would love to live in Japan❤

[@cocolenchojapan]

Thank you. I like it so far. Well hopefully you can make it to Japan someday!

[@bluryeye1]

That thing looks well built! I just checked the price on this at Lowe's $1500. Wow!

[@cocolenchojapan]

Yup! Not cheap, but I figured it was good trade off between that and a riding lawnmower.

[@RealRuralJapan]

God bless America! Go big or go home! That’s a mower!

[@cocolenchojapan]

Yeah the Japanese little mowers are a disappointment 😔

[@lareydunn697]

Was it shipped in your initial shipment? I am at Yokota and need something just like this.

[@cocolenchojapan]

Well, not really, but I could have if I knew six years ago I would be doing this. Basically I was a GS employee and resigned last year. Since I was authorized a move I shipped my storage stuff I had in NC to Japan.

[@nated1971]

I'd be worried about those wing nuts backing out after some extended use. Are they nylock?

[@cocolenchojapan]

That’s a great point, I will have to check about that.