Renovating an Akiya: Couple Transforming an Abandoned House on a Budget in Japan

[@TokyoLlama]

The website they used to find the house is www.athome.co.jp, a general real estate site, not specialising in akiya.

[@KosmoAlx]

The only good thing about Cov is that many people are considering moving to country side. And is more a creeper living.

[@jsurfin1]

I would never be able to undertake a renovation of a house like that myself. Do you know how much it would take if you hire a contractor to do it?

[@lz738]

Oh I hope they don't get rid of that beautiful shrine! It's those traditional aspects that make it so special. I was wondering: are there Japanese home design and decorating TV shows like there are in the US? Like a Japanese version of HGTV shows?

[@TokyoLlama]

@@jsurfin1 it’s expensive, can expect around $180 a day plus for a carpenter.

[@TokyoLlama]

@@lz738 yes, it’s called “before and after”. You can find clips of it on KZbin I think.

[@ypk_chan9624]

I love how she gives him time to finish his sentences and never finishes them for him. So patient, and allows him to improve at his own pace.

[@theannoyedmrfloyd3998]

So glad there are other people restoring old houses and living in them. They should be saved.

[@wiboxermom7829]

My thoughts exactly.

[@joshuaashe7553]

You HAVE to do a follow-up next year to see their progress! Hope to see more content like it in the future. Thank you, Laura and Ichi, for allowing us into your home.

[@lizab7625]

Yes, please do a follow up when they finished their construction

[@Nynke_K]

What a cool place! I hope for Laura and Ichi's sake that it's actually almost finished now, 7 weeks after filming :). Also, lol @ the intro bloopers! And the plaid shirt modelling :)

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, they’ve done well there. Laura thought the matching outfits was hilarious. If you check their Instagram, not finished yet…

[@KonnichiwaChannel1]

Nowhere near finished @nynke K. We spent several weeks in Tokyo for an art show Ichi has been headlining at and it's put us behind. And now it's so hot it's slow progress!

[@blablup1214]

@@KonnichiwaChannel1 I am a amateur and have no real measure. Many things take their time and will look shitty if you speed up too much. For me it looked like there is still a lot to do and you said you can't work on it all the time, because of work and breaks. So I would probably calculate with at least 6 months to a year. Even afterwards there still will be a lot to do, but it will get easier if you live permanently in your new/old house :)

[@Grahamcracker6366]

“A Dutch windmill for some reason.” I say the same thing in Korea.

[@NielsNL68]

we Dutchers (Dutch people) been everywhere and stamped our heritage everywhere we come. ;)

[@michellezevenaar]

The dutch were the first trading partners of Japan. The 2 countrys have a long shared history. There is a Japanese garden in den haag that's very old.

[@NielsNL68]

@@michellezevenaar true :D

[@alohawaiist]

“A Dutch windmill” prob for no reason. Romanticizing European culture run deep in Japanese (or Asian in general). Conversely some Westerners find Oriental culture appealing. Cultural appreciation goes both ways.

[@FirstLastOne]

I say the same thing every time going to/from Narita Airport on the Keisei sen.

[@SeanHodgins]

Wow thats a great property and house!

[@casefc3s]

"When do you hope to finish it by?" "Last month" I felt that. xD

[@Kookookek]

That zoom in on Ichi when he nods and says: "Yes, a couple of months". Made me laugh :) And of course thanks for the video and thanks to Laura and Ichi for giving us a tour. ^^

[@TokyoLlama]

Ha, yes, I thought it needed to be highlighted!

[@danielwhitfort2787]

so happy to see another Tokyo llama video

[@aristothethrone9032]

the bloopers!!! I always laugh at the shots of someone clearly leaving a camera behind to get a shot. knowing that they have to go back and get it.

[@TokyoLlama]

Would be funnier forgetting that you left a camera behind!

[@K1Assassin2012]

Your videos are the best thing on KZbin man, peaceful, humble and insanely interesting. Me and my brother joke that you are the most 'Dad' dad out there

[@TokyoLlama]

Ha ha, thanks?

[@Tayuya129]

This makes me wanna buy a house and renovate so badly. These older homes are so beautifully crafted.

[@hw9514]

I definitely got Grand designs vibes from the opening and then I saw the end and that was exactly what you were going for 🤣🤣🤣 And you and Ichi wearing the same outfit with the catwalk and look back hilarious

[@deanzaZZR]

This could be an ongoing series if you can find others doing this sort of remodel within driving distance. Much respect Ichi & Laura for tackling this project.

[@aarr5900]

Good luck to Laura and Ichi to complete their wonderful home in the coming months and staying within the budget. 😊 I'll check out some of their videos.

[@TokyoLlama]

I’m looking forward to seeing the final result!

[@KonnichiwaChannel1]

Thanks so much A Arr!

[@deniseblackwell5471]

@@TokyoLlama Yes please.

[@MaShcode]

Adventures of the flannel boys...She has a distinctive Lancashire accent. Those rough hewn ceiling timbers are massive. Having a crash pad on the property is a plus with a measured construction pace.

[@MrsJolene-]

I think they're actually doing really well. It hasn't been long since September last year! We bought our house four years ago and have only done some minor stripping and built a bungalow in a shed to live in while renovating and saving up money, because we're not going to be able to do that much ourselves. But I was only 21 when we bought it, so we're in no rush. They have already done so much, have bought and decided on so much, I see this becoming their dream home soon. Also, as someone who also bought a farm with many buildings, don't stress about those, they're not going anywhere and can be fixed when you are ready with the house, as a little hobby. But do take care of the garden, watching out for invasive plants and tending to beautiful ones you want to keep. It gets out of hand so fast.

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, they've made good progress so far. You're right about the other buildings, once they've finished the main house they can tackle those bit by bit. I think they've found that the weeds there grow like wildfire...

[@MinnaCheng-e2g]

The last scene make me laugh. That's the reason why I felt familiar in the beginning. It is also interesting to know other akiya renovation.

[@cameronburnett9679]

That bit in the car was totally a Kevin McCloud moment. Great video.

[@TokyoLlama]

I was channeling my inner Kevin.

[@geracervantes2362]

i'm so down to see more collabs with this couple. You might got started a trend of buying old houses in japan and renovating them

[@qwepoi222]

Looks like I'm not the only one that buys stuff months ~ years before finally getting around to installing it :-) I suspect the "one big room" concept will be very nice, until winter arrives. Those big windows (single pane?) will create a lot of cold air that will flow straight into the main rooms.

[@TokyoLlama]

They could put curtains over those windows in winter, which would make a difference, and wouldn’t look out of place as that room would probably look more western anyway. It will be interesting to see how they insulate the house though.

[@KonnichiwaChannel1]

Hahaha Albert I hope it's not years before we get the kitchen in! But it could easily end up being one year sat in the garage 😅 The windows are single pane yes and we can't afford to replace them at the moment. Jaya's right we are thinking heavy curtains for winter and / or leaving the country for 2 months!

[@qwepoi222]

@@KonnichiwaChannel1 You might find these interesting. I've used them on some of the buildings I manage, with darn good results: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NHW2Z6 Actually very impressed with the insulation performance, esp considering the cost. Distorts the view a little, but hardly noticeable from a distance. Incompatible with cats/kids. www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00ALPDFTC Darkens the room somewhat, but SUPER in the summer as it reflects away most of the infrared heat. It's like sitting in the shade. The mirror finish also offers privacy during the day; useless after dark. Being plastic, offers some insulation in the winter, as well as reflecting some of the outbound IR back inside.

[@kateboyd6422]

@@KonnichiwaChannel1 Kotatsu to the rescue!

[@geoh7349]

The japanese and dutch have had a good relationship for a very long time. the dutch were the only traders aloud in japan for a long time.

[@syrkaros5815]

If I had a job in Japan, I'd buy a house like that, no doubt! You people don't know how lucky you are

[@brandtc.7991]

I don't think the older generation really understands that there are millions of us youth that LOVE the old styles and history! We just need to know about these locations and get a deal and we would love to save and preserve the history. The most popular places in my city are ones that were saved and renovated to keep the history of that building.

[@otaviorosa6932]

I'm loving the more frequent uploads, keep it up!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, I'll try!

[@pitohi11]

This series is starting out as strong as I had hoped! Keep 'em coming 👍🏽

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, only downhill from here 😁

[@SHINdanny]

@@TokyoLlama you can still make a tour through Japan by bike

[@clemensweil8196]

seeing how proud he was when you went in made me happy

[@Majorwinters69]

I just bought ichi’s dragon book, looks sugoi :) can’t wait till it gets here. Costs £45 including shipping to wales uk. Not bad.

[@TokyoLlama]

Awesome, thanks for that!

[@lindasmith6654]

Hope you can visit them again when it is completed and show us the finished home. Wishing them the best.

[@emmanuelle3211]

Glad to see the expanding variety in videos! I always enjoy seeing that Tokyo Llama has posted :)) keep it up!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much!

[@nicollesampaio1698]

I've been seeing your videos since the beginning of the renovation. I really enjoy watching them! I was sad thinking that I will not be able to watch more of your content once you finished your renovation project but it really makes me happy watch this new content (the simple fact that you're going to continue in YT after you're done your house makes my day)! I hope this channel continues to grow more and more!! Love from Costa Rica! ❤

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much! Still many projects left at my house but will mix in a few other stories as well.

[@ex.martian]

I love this new series! Keep them coming! 🔥🔥🔥

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, have got a couple more in the works.

[@stargirl7646]

Interesting to see the differences and similarities between countryside drives in Japan and Korea, where I’m living!

[@ko.sio.]

wow Ichi’s art is truly amazing

[@REDLINE.FGC1]

Ichi's tattoos are pretty cool! いちさんは刺青がかっこいいです！

[@BuuWaterloo]

Those curves gave me anxiety, I guess you have to drive slowly. 21:23 laughed so hard, with his and the favorite door 😂😂😂😂😂. Now I want to purchase Ichi's book, the art must be crazy good. I enjoyed it a lot, thank you for sharing!! Laura and Ichi are really fun and nice.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching!

[@Pebbles2639]

Thanks for sharing this with us! I really am interested in getting an akiya however my issue would be how would I become a permanent resident in Japan to live in my house I renovate there. Its interesting to see this can be done for so little money.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching. Yes, getting the visa would be the tricky part of you’re not able to split time between here and another country.

[@ad.6472]

That is the thing. Getting a property not a problem. But what to do with it if you can only visit for 3 months at a time?

[@BenjiSun]

AFAIK tourists can buy or rent homes in Japan but it is completely unrelated to residence or visa status. there's no visa for property ownership, but if you have some money and a lot of time there is the entrepreneurship visa(Start-up visa) for some prefectures (the METI government website has more info on this).

[@NielsNL68]

@@BenjiSun @tokyo Llama thanks for showing this vid. buying a home for around 35000 euro is really cheap. I would go in a second. Selling my house will give me the option to buy a whole small township and rent it to others :D

[@sinkingship101]

@@TokyoLlama I feel like with the changing demographics and the lack of young people... they must make it easier for permanent residency in the coming decade(s), no?

[@Kiwi-Mel]

His art is lovely, especially the dragons. Worth a gander at his website

[@a.r.bolton3995]

I really want to do something like this for myself and my friends. (I want to go to Japan for the architecture and the food, ngl.) I also love history and repairing houses and cabins. This would be a dream to do!

[@roido6614]

Me Too bro. This my Dream!

[@kinlee8888]

such a sweet couple! can see their face how much they love the house and that they are doing it up themselves! BRAVO!

[@deborahpinkey1264]

I hope you do a follow up when Laura and Ichi are done with their place, but haven't exactly moved in yet. It's a nice house. I'm glad they didn't just tear it down.

[@hannahippo]

Can I just say, Ichi's neck tattoo is amazing and this couple's overall vibe is so warm!

[@vanwesthuizen7427]

Omg I love Grand Designs and the last shot made me realize why I love your video and housebuilding series 😍

[@jos7376]

you guys are like brothers with matching plaid shirts, both sweet and humble and gifted, I loved this episode

[@TokyoLlama]

☺️ glad you enjoyed it!

[@bradbailey3235]

I agree, they got a great property and will end up with a house without any mortgage. I know it is tough to go through, but it will be spectacular when finished. Thanks for sharing.

[@andrewdunbar828]

Upvoting for the matching outfits.

[@Beffinee]

So interesting! I hope you can go back to see the finished house! 😊

[@cleacleaclea8462]

that house is going to be lovely. wishing them all the best

[@tjenwen]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and great to see another Aussie. (I’m Chinese Malaysian but live in Wollongong). After stumbling upon your channel I’ve binge watched almost all of your videos. I look forward to the next instalments. I guess you’ve seen “Sean and Nami’s” video which is also inspiring and reminded me of your experience so far. My wife is from Tokyo so I also have a Japanese connection. Would love to visit your place one day if we can ever travel again thanks to COVID. Cheers and all the best. PS Will definitely be trying your brother’s satay sauce 👍

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much. Yes, I’ve seen their video, very interesting. Hope you enjoy the sauce!

[@rachelcookie321]

I’m so bad with accents, I didn’t realise he’s Australian!

[@marxerm]

What a nice couple, I wish them all the best.

[@commentarytalk1446]

Lovely couple and beautiful house. I wish them well. Love the sardonic aussie humour at the end naturally.

[@judithbrewer8024]

Like that you are showing other people who are doing the same as you. Really great, can't wait to see another.

[@jesicafernandezpittari9051]

Es genial poder ser parte del gran proyecto de la casa propia. Muchas veces las personas se involucran poco con eso y pierden grandes experiencias. Abrazos virtuales para la familia que mostró su casa y otro especial para ustedes que hicieron posible ese encuentro. Saludos desde Argentina! 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@TokyoLlama]

Gracias y saludos desde Japón!

[@emmasena7884]

Loved the matching outfits, beautiful House!!!!!

[@tillum7593]

That was so interesting to see other people’s renovation!! Also love the bloopers at the end lol

[@GlueGunGurus]

Loved this! So happy you are going to continue on with this channel.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks!

[@ShadowSiren88]

I hope to see it finished and if they have before and after. I'm excited to see their achievement of finishing

[@kellycienwen]

Good for them! Can’t wait to see it finished

[@davelazenby77255]

Good on them. would love to see it when they've moved in. Its hard work and stressful, im going through something similar right now, but nowhere near as much work as this.

[@georgebalogi8751]

Absolutely fabulous episode. Well done!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks!

[@Deadlyletsplays]

1:52 is my new wallpaper. Love your style. Both of you, haha.

[@tUiDo4]

I always appreciate an upload! I love these vids, it gives me an insider of what you can do for yourself if you want to live in Japan, which is something me and my fiancé plan to do in a 5year times, only issue is we're both not Japanese so Idk how it'll be when it comes to negotiating and all that lol, but I have Japanese friends in mind who I hope we'll help me with that when the time comes. Appreciate the vid and the uploads! I can't wait to see the next one, I hope in one of your future vids you have one of people who are both foreigners, and how they managed to buy a home in Japan and what the process was like for them (: that'll help me LOTS

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks! That’s a good idea. Would be interesting as having a Japanese spouse is an advantage for sure.

[@tUiDo4]

@@TokyoLlamaYess ! And thank you for responding ! lol. I would super appreciate it if you can😊 My fiancé and I both know it’ll super difficult for us being that we’re both not Japanese, but I know there has to be a way😅 I’m sure there has to be foreigners who exist there without a Japanese spouse😊 anyways though, THANK YOU!

[@kawaiicreep1188]

I absolutely love the log ceilings, so rustic and gorgeous

[@whitneylake2107]

Fun tour !

[@eclipsedeluna6580]

Gold luck yo Laura and Ichi,

[@bitsii]

Hi Jaya! I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now, also on Instagram. It’s been fascinating and I’m also thankful to have some of the finer details to reference, such as the shikkui process. I’ll be DIYing that as well (but I’m excited to try a product from Kochi that is not pre-mixed!) My akiya is in Ehime-ken on a crazy low budget (acquired for literally zero dollars). I’ve just started making videos here too and it has been a lot of fun! If you ever are in this area and want to do a tour, I’m happy to volunteer! The sadamisaki peninsula is very distant but a nice place to relax. Cheers!

[@TokyoLlama]

Hi Bitsii! I’ve seen your first video on the house - really interesting and nicely edited video! Will certainly be interested to see your progress. If I head down that way I’ll be in touch!

[@bitsii]

@@TokyoLlama Wow, thanks for watching and the reply! Take care!

[@kayjayj4681]

Enjoyed this video. Nice couple. Hope they finish their renovations and can move in this year.

[@seeksustainablejapan]

Great to see you visiting Laura and Ichi who are also doing such great work in another part of the same prefecture - that area looks awesome for cycling- Laura also talked with me on Seeking Sustainability Live about their amazing remodel project 😃

[@ausmartin1]

Yes the reason many put the absolute minimum in renovations is that in Japan it has no value which is very sad. In the west when you renovate you increase your buildings resale value. In Japan you renovate only for yourself/family... so choose wisely in Japan.

[@adorabell4253]

It’s a better system than the one in the US and Canada where people do cheap cosmetic renovations that they don’t necessarily even like just to increase the re-sale value of a house they aren’t planning on selling. Or the cheap flip jobs. The problem in Japan is that kids are moving away from the small towns and into the big cities. If the kids were going to keep living in the house then the renovations would likely be a bit more substantial.

[@MrLiguinii]

It takes lots of courage to start such a project. It is inspiring for all of us. Thanks for sharing the stories of other akiya's renovation.

[@chaoqiu3986]

what a beautifully made video! good on you mate.

[@superflygon22]

What a lovely couple. You can really tell they love each other so much. Hoping the best for them :)

[@debraboyea7776]

Thanks for bringing us along for the tour Tokyo! I hope everything goes well for this couple.

[@carolinalatour5652]

Gracias por este hermoso video.... los paisajes me transportaron a la pelicula TOTORO.... ver los estanques con caminos de tierra, el bosque en el horizonte y las antiguas casas.... fue magico.....

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Another fabulous video. Like the wooden structures beams of Japan olden designs still stronger respect.

[@Yahoo886]

Very cool house‼️. It will be beautiful when finished

[@josefinemalmborg4716]

how nice. thank you for this video. its all so interesting to me

[@jennycampbell5236]

Fantastic. I now have another great Japan vlog to watch. Lovely couple.Thanks for this.

[@noahspeaker1455]

I love that they were wearing the same outfit lol

[@januzzell8631]

What a wonderful couple and I LOVE the house - good luck to them both! Thank you for sharing and Stay Safe

[@shima586]

Hey Tokyo Llama , Business Insider published an article on you and your house. Its very elaborate with all the details of your purchase of akiya and about your family. I felt good seeing the article as i have been following your activities since 2020.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, they interviewed me last week. I was happy with the how the article turned out.

[@kyotokat8543]

Thanks for this video. Look forward to an update on Laura and Ichi's place.

[@TokyoLlama]

I'll hopefully visit again once they've finished.

[@roddy222]

Good to see a young couple making a go of it. Starting off small and work your way up. Great video. Cheers.

[@ajadrew]

Don't know how I missed this one but great to see Laura & Ichi here. The house looks beautiful up in the roof area, real quality. A year's passed but I'm still amazed at how cheap these houses are compared to England!! Are there any follow up videos?

[@FUToob]

Good luck to them. Nice couple. I've done some apartment renovations and am about to do another. No vehicle. Suitcase. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@gardengirl4680]

I wish them very good luck, and best wishes, for the work ahead of them.

[@StarfireArcher]

Huge props to you for having closed captions on your videos. Every video shows effort and quality as well as being highly enjoyable!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, glad they’re useful!

[@rachelcookie321]

I’m so used to there being no closed captions, I didn’t even check. As soon as I saw your comment I rushed to out them on. I’m hard of hearing and that made me really happy lol.

[@averagelurkercommentssometimes]

Wow! Really enjoyed seeing this other project. Great thing they have that extra building, looks pretty cozy too!

[@johnbatchelder7168]

I don't know, I may have taken the first 10 days of that reno to clean out the cow shed, to turn it into a work shop/staging area. I couldn't handle the chaos in that space as well as they're handling it. But, they are doing some great work for two people with limited knowledge on a budget. That art studio is going to be a fantastic place to work. Good light. I wonder if there's a place for you and your content creation Tokyo Creative? Maybe a Bob Vila/This Old House segment or something. OK, I'm just rambling now. Have a great end of summer man, can't wait to see the next video.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much, yes that cow shed would be a nice workshop. I think he’s thinking about restoring old cars in there.

[@marilanderos977]

Like that you are showing others who did the same thing as you. Really enjoy your channel

[@mervkuek8070]

Great vid and outfits 👬

[@mactrek69]

I'm so envy!! great purchase. Best luck!

[@suzettecalleja3122]

This was a nice touch, showing other people's building projects. I hope you will continue with this. Its a nice way to see more of Japan. The real Japan, the BEAUTIFUL Japan. I visited there many years ago. From just above Misawa at the lake that is a Crater all the way to Nara and Kyoto. I absolutely fell in LOVE with Japan. Not so much with Tokyo. Thank you. I always look forward to seeing your videos. You the first one I watch when you post.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks very much. Yes, I plan to mix in a few of these types of videos with my own renovation - show a renovation and a bit of the surrounding area.

[@Liliana-r4r]

Hello am from mexico. I like your videos

[@JAMoore-zz3ki]

Really enjoyed this video and hope to see more like it. Also looking forward to the next update on your own house!

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, my house update will be next.

[@ernyto364]

i love ur video so much about restoring akiya n garden. thank u for sharing. from indonesia

[@jamesclukey7488]

Thanks for adding this video to your collection on house renovations. I think that couple are amazing ! The big plus is the number of buildings on the property, as well as a terrific location near the lake. So serene ! I hope they are able to put the same effort into the details of their house as you have. If they do it will be beautiful ! It is so apparent that there are many properties without anybody maintaining them. And there is so much potential.

[@edmund6392]

I always wondered what you would do with the channel after you completed your home...but I am so glad to see this new segment to the channel. Loving it! Thanks!

[@anyacarlson5219]

Ichi is really cool, I hope their house turns out well!