What it's like as a foreign family in Japan (480sq ft apartment tour)

Have you ever wanted to just pack up and check out the other side of the world? That's what we did. Now we've landed in Japan and we're trying to make sense of our 480sq ft. apartment.
Who are we?
We are Slowsteading, a formerly homesteading family of four embarking on a journey to explore alternative ways of living. We are challenging conventions about what a family needs to thrive, exploring ideas of minimalism, slow living, and location independence. We're setting off on an international adventure seeking new experiences, new cultures, and possibly a new project.
What was it like to travel across the world with our two young kids? See our last video here:
• We left North America ...
Watch us shut down our homestead:
• Shutting Down The Home...
My filming and camera setup:
Camera: amzn.to/3koDtjp
Lens: amzn.to/3GOF89n
Drone: amzn.to/3iOivtS
Where I get my music: share.epidemicsound.com/3l66im

[@Slowsteading]

Have you ever tried small space living?

[@oursimplestory]

I miss our 400 sq ft home!

[@Slowsteading]

@@oursimplestory It looks like you had a beautiful space! Hoping you are feeling safe and cozy in your new nest ✌🙂

[@hamburgerstake8780]

I lived in a studio apartment for a bit in college; it was terrible and I'd never choose it. I'm so much happer on a couple acres in a real house.

[@rustbeltinvestor]

I first lived in a Mazda MPV in San Francisco, then 'upsized' to a 350 sq ft converted garage in Sunnyvale, CA. We eventually found ourselves in Colorado buying our first property. With insanely lucky timing we gained some equity in this first home that we then took a HELOC out of, and this further allowed for more real estate purchases! Our decided spot to buy more RE was in Chicagoland! Since moving here we've found it to be incredible, with its own great history and many cultures. Specifically we bought in Arlington Heights where a great Metra line takes us straight to the city. This Metra line was essential for us to have in case our careers called us back to the city again one day. We're looking for the same things you guys are, and I'm really interested to see what you find in the more remote areas of Japan. Thanks for your great work on this channel, love what you guys are doing.

[@maryatsealevel2]

Whoa you guys really changed it up! I just went from a homestead video to see where you moved ...! And yes, I have 3 children and in 2010 their dad and i moved into a 2 bdrm 500sq. ft apartment for 1.5 years..😂 It was cozy for awhile, but when it got old we moved on. We move around a lot. Approximately every 1.5 years we have moved since 2000. Children are teens (one adult) now and all want to help out on a farm like environment, so we find ourselves back on an acre with an 1855 house to fix up and play around on. Japan looks amazing! Hope you all have a blast on your adventures there

[@nickfletcherr]

That shot of the river with the forest in the background is gorgeous! Looks like a beautiful country. Can't wait to see what comes next!

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks brother! There's is some seriously next level scenery here, especially once you get out of the city! Planning a road trip for July, excited to see some new spots out in the sticks 😁

[@No_Ghosts]

Ha, this is pretty crazy to see. I did the reverse move: I used to live in Japan and loved it, but after I got married and had a kid I moved to the states and started homesteading. I'm the type of person that likes to keep moving, so the temptation to head back to Japan is always there. I'm really curious to see how the kids do over there.

[@Slowsteading]

Ha! Grass is always greener maybe in effect here 😂 Or maybe the urge to move just never really goes away. In any case, wishing you the best with your homestead!

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

kids r prolly already bi-lingual, lol

[@Pocketlint143]

Your videos and editing are beautiful. Best of luck to your family on this journey ❤️

[@Slowsteading]

Thank you, and thanks so much for following along on our journey!

[@Excessxve]

5:04 is an absolutely amazing moment. Kids are so fun, and they treat you like superstars. Who needs to be famous, rich and powerful when your kids see you as all 3 and love you even if you weren’t?

[@Slowsteading]

Absolutely ☺️

[@katrinaleroux5648]

Keep the Videos coming guys! Very inspiring ❤

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks Katrina, you guys inspired us! Haha we'll just go back and forth inspiring each other 😂😂

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

@@Slowsteading lol as it should be, sergeant

[@arzelaascoli6765]

I find this super inspiring. My wife and I are moving to Japan after living in Zürich for 3 years, a VHCOL living, and in the Bay Area and Seattle before that. I'm going to miss our nice apartment, but adventure calls, and we loved Japan much more than here.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Japan is SO beautiful, I hope you love it here as much as we do. You'll find it surprisingly affordable, especially with the current exchange rates.

[@rootmother]

I totally relate to your reasons for wanting to move from the US to Japan. I'm currently homesteading in Austin, TX and the cost of living is insane. it feels like everything doubled in the past two years (chai lattes are now $8 wtf). I was just in Japan visiting family and was shocked that you can still get a nice bowl of udon for 600 yen, it seems like inflation hasn't happened in the last decade there. I just subscribed and am excited to see where you guys end up! our plan is to homestead in Japan in the next 10 years or so as well once my parents retire and move back there :)

[@Slowsteading]

It's honestly shocking how little inflation there has been in Japan! Of course imported things have gotten more expensive, but other than that everything is about the same price as it was ten years ago when we were living there. And if you have the ability to live in Japan that makes things SOOO much easier! The visa process is beyond daunting 😂

[@homeschooledheroes3471]

I enjoyed this video so much! Thanks for sharing!

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad to hear!

[@Flora-Interior]

Wishing you the best guys 💕 Enjoy the only life we got ✨⭐

[@Slowsteading]

Cheers thanks so much!

[@etoshama]

I was there within the last week solo hiking Along the Nakasendo Trail between Matsumato Castle and Nagoya Castle with train trips between boring spots. There is deep valley, there is water and there is abandoned agriculture for purchase. Its well worth consider there.

[@Slowsteading]

That sounds like an amazing experience, thanks for sharing! Haven't been to that area before personally, we'll have to go check it out ✌️

[@miffypuff2163]

This video was so inspiring! 🌸

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks for watching and following along!

[@wavelene7]

I enjoy watching your videos! Life is so short! As long as everyone is happy.. that's all that matters! Best of luck to you and your little family! ❤

[@matthewmaclellan_]

Started watching you all because of your homesteading, but to be honest, I find your slowsteading more meaningful (despite what some of your negative commenters say about you all, which makes me sad!). Don't need someone to live the way I want to in order to appreciate the perspective. Loved getting a glimpse of why you're doing what you're doing, beautiful perspective as usual. 😃And, as I said in another video comment (I think), your perspective on financial minimalism has really started to take root in me and influence how I see things.

[@Slowsteading]

Thank you so much that means a lot! Haha the comments have been a wild ride for sure, but it's been eye opening as well. I think so many of the comments come from a place of fear, which is unfortunate that some folks need to feel that way. I hope everyone out there is making decisions that feel true to them, free of judgement. The financial aspect has been an interesting part of this move-things feel a LOT cheaper here than expected. We're planning to look at how our monthly costs have changed since the move in a future video, let me know if that sounds interesting to you!

[@matthewmaclellan_]

@@Slowsteading If you're up for that kind of video, I think that would be super interesting!

[@Anonymous-km5pj]

@@Slowsteading yes, please discuss how/why Japan feels cheaper to you. Lived in Akitaken for 2 yrs, wouldve been hard to manage had i not had a good ESL job, did manage to save a fair amount however, and now i live on 2 acre rural property w animals Vancouver Island, BC lol. These scenes make me miss Japan tho, gr8 healthy food, combo of old and new one always hears ie. lonnnng noodles hanging outside city shop windows drying, loved recalling how u can leave ur bike w/o locking it up, prolly highest trust culture on earth. Tried and hav only failed getting miso ramen here like there... I give up ! 🤣🤣🤣 Your children looks so healthy... All the best and kiotsukete !

[@Slowsteading]

@@Anonymous-km5pj It's mostly the difference in housing and transportation cost, since we are in a smaller apartment in Japan (vs. big house) and ride bikes most of the time. Also the inflation hasn't hit the same as it has back in Canada. And I know what you mean about good miso ramen outside of Japan! We pretty much stopped trying to find any comparable ramen outside of Japan, it's just never as good!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

Wow! What a change of lifestyle! I hope it gives you joy. 😊

[@jessi330]

Very interesting! No maintenance - he says as the beds go out and then away everyday. You escaped the hustle culture to go to Japan where dedication to one's job is supremely valued (salaryman, overwork deaths-karoshi) and going after work to fraternize with coworkers and bosses late is also expected. Keep a balance in all perspective. Excited to see more.

[@Slowsteading]

Japan is definitely hustle culture, but I have no plans to get involved in that lifestyle 😂

[@chrisrowthorn41]

Great video, Mike! Very "natsukashii" for me. I love the Arashiyama shots. Did you climb up to Kameyama-koen Park above the river there? You asked whether we've ever tried small space living. Well, one of my favorite apartments in Kyoto was less than half the size of your present Osaka flat. I mean, your present place is palatial compared to my old place on Yoshida-yama in Kyoto. Of course, it was just me in that place, so I guess it's all relative. By the way, if you don't want to wind up with "senbei-buton" or "mannen-buton," you gotta hang out those futons on a clear, dry day and beat them with a broomstick. That's the sound you hear in a suburban neighborhood in Japan on a sunny day.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks Chris, glad you enjoyed it! Haha yeah we know firsthand that the "mansions" can get even smaller than that 😂😂 Unfortunately we don't have a balcony that opens up, it's glassed in (and next to a busy highway, lots of road dust), but we hopefully we can still do a good enough job airing them out inside the place when we get the chance.

[@michazieba]

I hope you reach your dream goal - good luck :)

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much! Even if we don't that's cool too-it's all about the journey ✌️🙂

[@Miramisu]

I love your content!

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@russtgrower750]

The bunk beds in the closet, i need a couple of those!!

[@Slowsteading]

Haha it's a great use of space!

[@bw2020]

Whoa, nice! I have a homestead in Yamanashi. You should come visit.

[@Slowsteading]

Yes please we'd love to visit! Planning a road trip for July would love to see your perspective ✌

[@tonik9724]

Wanderlust doesn't go away. One way or another, you'll feel the urge.

[@heathergulden7410]

I love your videos thanks for sharing your journeys. It's rare to find families that are able to do this so well and also don't make their kids perform. Much respect ❤

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@danikquacallender6608]

I am ready to find out if you found some where small in quite in the country side!!!

[@rcherry762]

Did I miss where you keep your clothes? We are moving into a 600sqft cabin and I am watching your videos for ideas. lol

[@Slowsteading]

Haha the clothes are in small stacks at the foot of the "bunk beds". The closets themselves are quite spacious, they span the length of the room! Good luck with the move into your cabin :)

[@ellyne3863]

Your channel is fascinating to me because we're living a somewhat - but not as extreme - lifestyle. We've been moving to different states across the US and it's been quite an adventure. There have been challenges for sure, and one of the hardest things is knowing many of our family/friends are unsupportive or kind of roll their eyes at us when we move again. But I honestly can not imagine having stayed in 1 place. How boring!! 😂and dull. You only get so much from going on vacation. To really live somewhere you can soak it in, in a completely different way. My children are similar ages (I think) to yours, and I have moments of thinking - what am I doing to them?! But then, I think they're living a unique life, something that will become stories in their greater life journey, and something to open their eyes to different places. I'm hoping this will spark in them an adventurous spirit and they will be able to embrace change as they grow older; and think outside the box. We're thankful my husband is able to work fully remote, so he has been able to have his job, while I'm home with the kids for now. It's been a wonderful adventure and we've loved exploring such diverse areas of the United States (east coast, midwest and south, we have not lived anywhere in the western states- yet! 😉)

[@Slowsteading]

If it feels right, do it! There will ALWAYS be naysayers (have you read some of the comments on our other videos 😂) but ultimately the best life to live is one that is true to you. Kids are SO resilient (more so than us it seems at times) and experiences like this can only serve to create brave, adventurous and creative spirits. Best of luck with your journeys as well! And don't discount the west coast, it's beautiful too!

[@ellyne3863]

@@Slowsteading thanks so much for the kind words 🤍 I look forward to seeing your adventure unfolding!

[@Slowsteading]

@@ellyne3863 Thank you, and to you as well!

[@cindyp.9030]

I just recently found your channel through another one that I watch (Justin Rhodes). I don't know that I could move to another country but I can identify with your reasoning. I also am looking to live more minimal with less STUFF. But my plan is to live in an RV and be able to go where I want, when I want. I am working toward that goal every day and getting rid of unnecessary stuff while I do. Good luck on your future endevore.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks for stopping by! I think it's powerful to stop on reflect, and ultimately, make changes in our lives. Wishing you the best of luck with your RV!

[@christinachico9]

you have great editing skills!

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much, and thanks for watching!

[@kevinhart1044]

I stumbled upon your chicken coop video awhile back and will continue to follow y'alls journey in the Land of the Rising Sun. I thought moving the family from California to the south was big. PNW to Japan...is it hard to buy trousers to accommodate them huge balls? Hahaha. Looking forward to your next vid.

[@Slowsteading]

Ha! Thanks for following along, it's been a ride for sure 🙂

[@zsoltbalazs3414]

Hire an attorney for every real estate dealings in Japan. Otherwise you will fall victim of the real estate mafia. They have a legal way to take you to the cleaners. Be careful. Good luck!!!

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks for the advice!

[@sophiasadventures7380]

I have so many mixed emotions dude. I mean you're the guy that taught me how to build my coop. Moving away somewhere new is something I've always wanted to do. How did you afford this move to a place where there ISNT a job waiting for you ?? Did you guys have to save like a year's worth of income for the adventure?? I live in Nova Scotia where the cost of living is slowly killing us. I want to get out but dont know how financially

[@Slowsteading]

Haha oh wow that means a lot! I get the mixed emotions, but it's all just one great journey (that you're a part of now after building that coop, way to go!) Financially yes we are currently living off of savings. But we've been making choices to work towards this that I hope to dive deeper into soon ✌🙂 Things have felt cheaper over here than I expected tbh, so that's a good sign! Planning to compare our monthly expenses to our previous ones to really see.

[@KandBacres]

Sophia we are also in NS Annapolis valley! We grow as much of our own food and have fruit trees etc here...no (livestock) animals yet though...3 dogs 2 cats. We can still go away for a night or two without too much hassle. I get the feeling and not to be mean but we have what I call 'secret rich kids' situation on our hands here...much like many of the city folks who move to NS with the hobby farm dream who buy home outright and make more than the locals. There is a subculture of the privileged who had help from mommy and daddy from the start. For those of us working our way with no financial help...paid way from 16 or 17 on...its a rare occurrence to be able to "live off savings ". Perhaps they made bank off the youtube or the real estate and are cruising for a few years...can't blame them. Just seems risky for the average folk. Super interesting but if you can and have that freedom why not experiment and have all the experiences? For us we are working on chipping down a fairly low by today's means mortgage...one payment at a time while wrestling with inflation and many other challenges. Where in NS are you?

[@ciaranolsen7617]

Love your move from a homestead to Japan, unique/ appreciate your perspective, keep the awesome videos coming :)

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much!

[@nikhilgill]

This is just beautiful 😢

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks!

[@MosaicHomestead]

Here everything is getting expensive, I love Puerto Rico, but would dare move somewhere cheaper if I wasn't taking care of my handicapped brother.

[@Slowsteading]

Family is a huge consideration for sure, you sound like an awesome brother. Thankfully our family is all healthy and well back home, but it was a big factor to consider no doubt.

[@MandyBB]

Honest question: How are you managing your children's education while there? Are you homeschooling with the plan to let them attend Japanese schools later if you do settle down?

[@elizabethh257]

I had to lean the huge difference between Zen literature and modern day expat life. I think it will be fabulous for about a year but the culture is cool to outsiders, the language barrier is exhausting and isolating as time goes by and the. bureaucracy is often insurmountable.

[@AdamHaider]

You took the right decision, can you please share about your business there in japan? Will you start homesteading there?

[@Slowsteading]

Ha thanks! We have a few things in the works but nothing to concrete yet. Hope to share more soon!

[@AdamHaider]

@@Slowsteading looking forward...Best of luck.

[@ryanhalter2064]

Nevermind. I understand why y'all gave up your homestead. This is amazing. New favorite channel. Now that you are on that side of the world, you should look into vacationing in New Zealand sometime in the future. Most beautiful place in the world.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks! New Zealand DOES look beautiful, and now much closer. Definitely considering checking it out.

[@dcell79]

that's awesome!!! what is your main source of income?

[@Lisamakes]

How great! Your kids look really happy.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks, they are having so much fun! We're trying to prioritize play time with similarly aged children which can be one of the hardest parts, but is so important!

[@Lisamakes]

@@Slowsteading we traveled for 7 months with our kids when they were 8 and 10 and wherever we went they played in local playgrounds. Language didn’t mtter, especially for the younger one. Now we live in Spain (originally from Canada), and that trip helped them for when we moved here. Such a great experience to see how other people live.

[@Slowsteading]

@@Lisamakes Amazing, what an adventure! Canadians here as well, Spain sounds beautiful! We explored Portugal a couple years back and saw that southern Spain had a pretty healthy homeschooling community on the south coast there, but sadly didn't get a chance to visit! Kids are are so flexible it's really impressive-I think we could learn a thing or two about living without self-consciousness from them!

[@medellee5851]

This is exactly the informations tht i was looking for, but i have some questions. Do u guys ever reserched abt the government's regulations regarding moving & living in japan with kids? I heard tht they would support families with kids who willingly move there financialy.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks glad this was helpful! To my knowledge there is no program to assist families moving to Japan. The only real options are work visa, education visa, or business manager visa. But I'm happy to be proven wrong if there are other options!

[@CUTiEPuNCH]

Which apartment rental service? Visa type?

[@bendingreeds]

Funk ya! Looks great! I'm feeling a bit jeli over here.

[@Slowsteading]

Miss you brother!

[@bendingreeds]

@Slowsteading I bet you do, I am pretty awesome. Thanks for doing the Japanese life. I super inspired by the jumps your making.

[@Slowsteading]

@@bendingreeds 100% awesome. How's the bio char doing? How's the farm?

[@chefevilee9377]

Oh, it’s a shame that y’all didn’t take a vantage of that living out of the city getting something in the countryside program that Japan has going on. You have to live in Japan, a certain amount of time to take advantage of this program? Is this where you’re probably gonna try to head in the future?

[@Slowsteading]

Most of those programs are only open to those with Japanese residency, which we don't have unfortunately. There are other stipulations as well that make them challenging to get, but they are cool programs nonetheless. Thankfully things are still very affordable without those programs!

[@kayt4019]

wow beautiful!! also side note but I would totally leave those 2 mattresses like they are in the closet, it seems like a waste of time to have to fold up the mattresses each morning when you can just close the closet doors.

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks! Yes we'd LOVE to not have to fold the beds up every day, unfortunately the high humidity here means that they'll quickly develop moisture (and potentially mold) issues if we leave them set out too long. It's common practice here with the futons on the tatami to fold them up most days as well.

[@jac1797]

Just curious why you bothered to fold up the kids beds. Couldn't you just closed the closet doors?

[@Slowsteading]

For sure! Closing the doors would definitely be the easiest solution. Unfortunately the humidity is very high here, so you'll start to get moisture issues (and possibly mold-yuck!) if they don't get folded up regularly. It's pretty common here to fold up the futon mattress on the floor on a daily basis as well for the same reasons 😅

[@sallystephanledvina8252]

you think it's humid now, wait for summer. @@Slowsteading

[@pequadcob2009]

I just started following you all. Does your ancestry come from Japan?

[@Slowsteading]

Good question. No we have zero ancestry unfortunately. It would make things a lot easier if we did!

[@ximonwhhatt3796]

That's insane. Homesteading to a tiny apartment. That's a complete 180. You went from non consumerism lifestyle to a consumerist lifestyle. You guys cant always be going to these nature parks everyday right? Japanese city is like all cement. It definitely seems more like a long-term vacation type of deal though. Not really a sustainable type of life style. I guess if you guys are financially free to do so then why not. I guess. But I just find it that many people would take the opposite approach to life now rather than you guys approach. City life to homesteading instead of homesteading to city life. I feel like apartment living is a dead end. You can't go past beyond the room. But homesteading you can go past beyond the room to outside and be with your plants and garden and animals. It's almost as if like you guys are imprisoning your family. Though i guess you guys are pretty rich so you guys can do whatever you guys want.

[@6cansshort]

Look for high ground and water. Don't wanna go through another Tohoku.

[@Slowsteading]

For real

[@mariedavison3707]

What town in Washington state did you live in

[@Slowsteading]

Canada actually 🙂

[@donaldnewportjr.7678]

My family lives on very little $$, but unfortunately we live in the USA and I have to keep working full time to have decent healthcare.

[@Slowsteading]

Health care is a challenge for sure. Thankfully both Canada (where we're from) and Japan have national health care plans so health care doesn't need to break the bank. It's really a shame how much of a burden and stressor health care in the USA can be 😞 One time I got emergency medical surgery in Thailand to remove my appendix. Even with no travel insurance of any kind, the surgery and subsequent 3 day hospital stay was all-in only $250.

[@donaldnewportjr.7678]

@@Slowsteading I'm jealous! Love what you are doing. Japan's countryside looks incredible.

[@Slowsteading]

@@donaldnewportjr.7678 Thanks so much! The countryside is where Japan really shines. We're planning a road trip for July to get out of this big city a bit more!

[@eloblht]

I am really curious about the immigration process it took for you to come and live in Japan. As for the kids, I was pretty sure that school in Japan was mandatory and homeschooling prohibited. How is it really? 😊

[@mikalahill2531]

School is not mandatory for foreigners

[@eloblht]

@@mikalahill2531 Would it be if you were a permanent resident there?

[@Slowsteading]

There are a few options for visas, but the business manager visa is the process we're looking at (which essentially means starting a business in Japan). While we are on temporary visas, schooling isn't mandatory. I don't have total clarity on what happens after than, but we've met with some alternative forest schools that would provide a great socialization and immersion environment for the children without the strictness of the standard public school system.

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

Bilingual, travelled childhood. YES!!

[@Slowsteading]

They are just little sponges at this age it's amazing!

[@MorAcro]

Every video I watch there is one hater comment….that means they are jealous and you are doing something right.

[@Slowsteading]

Haha seriously! I couldn't imagine getting so worked up over something I watched on KZbin 😂

[@MorAcro]

@@Slowsteading I get worried when our channel stops getting hate comments…means the algorithm is not taking risks.

[@Slowsteading]

@@MorAcro Haha I love your attitude! Ok good to know, hate comments = a good sign! 😂

[@MorAcro]

30k for something in the country side? I am in.

[@Slowsteading]

Or less in some places 🤯

[@MorAcro]

@@Slowsteading here in slovenia I would snatch something at that price.

[@Slowsteading]

@@MorAcro Slovenia looks beautiful! Just subbed your channel and I would agree, I'd definitely grab a place in Slovenia at that price too, although I imagine it costs more than that 😂

[@auroraborealis6671]

Have you read up on how dangerous the Japanese country side can be?

[@Slowsteading]

No I haven't heard, how so?

[@karineb5980]

Beaucoup regardé, mettez un pouce ❤

[@Slowsteading]

Merci beaucoup!

[@user-jm3ng7jn9k]

Do yall homeschool!? So confused on how they are schooled lol. I believe in wild schooling too like I bet yall are teaching them ALOT. But there’s still some reading and math that should be taught etc

[@Slowsteading]

I believe that learning happens every day in our lives, whether or not we're sitting at desks with adults talking down to us 😂

[@cj4607]

you want to work less but you movie to a nation known for people literally being worked to death?

[@Slowsteading]

Don't worry I have zero intention of joining the rat race here 😂

[@mkznan5963]

Hopefully your kids don’t have to face bullying and/or racism in Japan. Especially your daughter, Japan society is still pretty misogynistic. You’ll never be treated like you’re one of them no matter how fluent your Japanese is or how long you’ve been living there. Schooling in Japan also sucks so I hope you have taken your kids future into consideration before moving to Japan. Source: I live in Japan

[@fredalackenspeil9371]

I can get behind living more simply, but you lose me at sleeping and sitting on the floor!

[@Slowsteading]

I honestly fInd sleeping on the floor to be quite comfortable! Supposed to be quite ergonomical too.

[@jessicamcgill6565]

It’s healthy, actually; good for the back and keeps legs and core strong. It takes more muscle power to get up from the floor than from a sofa or bed.

[@kavang2700]

I feel these people are exoticizing Japan and its culture.

[@WeekzGod]

I agree. I feel that anyone trying and learning anything new these days is wrong. Everyone should stick to their narrow bubble and never step outside of it. International and even interstate travel should be banned. Learning new languages should be forbidden.

[@enlightenedg3843]

@@WeekzGod🤣🤣

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

Sort of like people who make anything (homesteading, travel, art) seem so easy but we would never dare trying it!

[@magnumxlpi]

Of course they are. They used homesteading and when they couldn't make it they decided to move to another country and see if they can get attention this way😂

[@dunedainmom]

Japan is dying off. Their birthrate are so low that their population is aging rapidly. This makes me very sad. (I'm half Korean, a similar thing is happening right now, but it started later, so korea isn't feeling the effects yet) At this point they need robots, or immigration, to help prop up their economy. An aging population needs workers.

[@DD-qw8zc]

Ohhhh nooo whhhy. 😢. My subscriptions dropping quick. Sorry to your kids a farm to a closet

[@kayt4019]

new different experiences, they experienced the farm life. and they did also say they could buy a house there.

[@MosaicHomestead]

I would keep the kids in the closet all the time lol

[@Slowsteading]

@@MosaicHomestead Lol YES, definitely think about that sometimes 😂

[@Slowsteading]

@@kayt4019 Yep you said it! New experiences and new perspectives 🙂

[@MosaicHomestead]

@@Slowsteading Yes, like the option to keep the kids in the closet all the time lol

[@relaxationcentral8075]

Very strange decision for sure

[@Slowsteading]

Yep, we're kinda like that some times 🤷🏻‍♂

[@Sian660]

I think you should have watched some more of Japanese KZbin to know what you are getting into. Many homes in the countryside must be torn down because of earthquake regulations. Not to mention the never ending paperwork of Japan. I know you have lived in Japan before but I don’t really think you know what you are getting into and will ultimately abandon this citing reasons that you would have known if you have have talked to people who have moved to these places (once again-just like your homesteading idea). Or looked at KZbin videos citing all the difficulties people have faced. Have you talked to people about what your kids experience will be like as they learn the language? (probably much quicker than you). Overall there is a difference between wanting new experiences and being starry eyed taking unnecessary risk for your family. I hope you get a bit more realistic about life instead of romanticising things for your audience.

[@carmyn692]

Seriously? You take a risk every time you drive to the supermarket, eat raw oysters, visit a friend in the hospital, go to Disney World, fall in love, take a pilate class, postpone the dentist, drink too much soda, cross the street, forget to set your alarm, get a tattoo, etc. It's called LIFE. And it's better to be "starry eyed" than a misanthrope.

[@Slowsteading]

What are these "unnecessary risks" you speak of?

[@Challffz]

@@carmyn692 You type like a white woman

[@aliciamarie9704]

Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is how you grow. Contentment & safety tends to stifle learning.

[@healthycathy9782]

Shiii don’t tell them. Give it a year. Same happened to the homestead here… money on the bank and free time makes being “inspirational” a personality trait to these people. Don’t waste your time.

[@acatinny]

Green valleys, clear running streams, ancient temples and zen-like atmosphere. Well, there are many places like that in Japan, but how you choose? The one way is that you rent a van and travel through Japan, but that takes time and kids need to go to school as well. The next best thing is to ask someone who have done that already or doing that right now. Like them www.youtube.com/@RoyandAimee Or you ask someone who already settled in countryside with renovated-Akiya like them www.youtube.com/@maigomika There are several others on youtube if you search. My personal suggestion is to stay away from the areas where they got too much snow unless you like to deal with them, more than 10 feet deep, that eliminates most of Tohoku region and north of Japanese alps. Then how about Iya Valley in Shikoku. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4vQiHyGjb-AZsk kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nMf3moeJaVm5Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/f37ThGluhblkfpI kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6rVdYmhitt0aLs Now they have some tourism, that means running a Guest house with a renovated Akiya is one possibility. There are so many other places you can consider, and of course you have to consider your kids education and other things as well. So happy researching and Good Luck!🙂😊

[@Slowsteading]

Thanks so much for the great advice! We've actually been spending a lot of time in Shikoku recently and fell in love with some areas! Road tripping around Japan has been such a highlight for us, and we have a lot more content related to that to share soon 🙂

[@acatinny]

@@Slowsteading That sounds wonderful and I am looking forward to it, but please take care of your heath first for yourself and your family. Be well soon!

[@Slowsteading]

@@acatinny Thank you!