What's Under Our Japanese House?

[@haildorothygale]

"I'm not sure I'm gonna crawl all the way over there...ah, maybe I should since I'm down here" ...Said the first victim of every found footage indie horror movie ever.

[@Robert-ko6wr]

Sir, this was the funniest comment I've ever seen. Bravo! Well said!

[@Robert-ko6wr]

Sir, this was the funniest comment I've ever seen. Bravo! Well said!

[@mercedeslluberes50]

Hahaha

[@BillMaherlover]

The structure underneath that house is the most interesting. It is still in good shape. None of the wood seemed to be rotten, which can be the difference of being able to afford to fix up a home like that or not. I love seeing the old wood in the home, from the big beams and the character within it.

[@christinamarie3598]

😂

[@Unionst8808]

Damn it. Even a Japanese crawlspace is spotless.

[@shammydammy2610]

The house was pretty junked when they bought it.

[@Sparrowdean]

Kenan Ozer You need a reality check. With an entry hole that tiny, only spiders and bugs will be making a mess in the crawlspace, and the property was far from spotless when they purchased it.

[@g_young_h]

@@shammydammy2610 He said crawl space...not house. The underneath/crawl space is in fact in pretty great shape visually - and "clean"

[@cherahsBroll]

😂

[@franklinnanai2745]

That's exactly what I was thinking.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

I can't get over how pretty this house is.

[@boa9535]

Gorilla Jones: “Pretty” is barely the right word. I’d go for absolutely stunning.

[@douglasolsen1208]

The timber frame construction techniques are art.

[@raheebeauty9053]

The father is build beautiful house with his sweet but the children's lose their fathers memory because of money.

[@JnSobre]

I never saw a foundation so clean on a 30 years old house.

[@harshsharma5305]

I also want to buy a house like thie

[@harbel8088]

What if after you climb up you realize that your back in the 80s

[@TokyoLlama]

Lol, would make a good movie.

[@lutherblissett7873]

Those would be great news. Japan was at its best

[@sircheesethethird6179]

what if after you climb up you realize that you’re back in the sengoku period and you meet a half-human half-dog-demon individual -named inuyasha-

[@NurseArielPhysiotherapists]

😂

[@Chiffonkek]

Then you'd be Running in The 90s

[@g.d.2059]

I'm thinking: He can't possibly fit in that tiny hole. Jaya: Slips in like melted butter through toast.

[@hypothalamusjellolap8177]

No human remains, check, no cold spots, check, emf sweep, check, no strong sulfur smell, check

[@cellomozchaa]

@@hypothalamusjellolap8177 excuse me, not to be rude but sounds to me you watched some supernatural or reads lookwood and co. Im sorry but somehow this comment just made my day 😂😂

[@19irving]

He's part Japanese, not fat like many of us Americans.

[@19irving]

Get some knee pads, too. Isn't the lumber treated? Or do they not do that in Japan?

[@hypothalamusjellolap8177]

@@cellomozchaa What made my day was " not to be rude". Lmao, this guy has no chill man.

[@Psychommuniter]

Respect the Spiders, these are eating termites and ants.

[@UVtec]

@steve gale Then the answer is more spiders!

[@hitsuokinawamura]

In brazil we mostly rely in Geckos. But there are spiders too.

[@Dethrey_]

amen

[@Nevir202]

Hitsuo Kinawamura in the US, I’ve always relied on geckos and spiders to control the bugs too. What part of Brazil are you in? I’m going to be moving there at the end of the year. Planning to stay mostly around Juiz de Fora, where I have friends, but probably check out Rio and São Paulo too, at least.

[@Vyrkhan]

@@Nevir202 rio is not a safe place lol

[@denwanai]

we lived in a house in northern Japan in the 80's and the tatami was suspended in a frame. There was no subfloor, so if you lifted the tatami all you saw was dirt a few feet below. And I wondered why the house felt damp..... Your home is beautifully and solidly built.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes we’ve just had a very long wet season so to see there wasn’t much dampness under the house was encouraging! Northern Japan in the 80s must have been an interesting time to be here. Where exactly were you?

[@denwanai]

@@TokyoLlama My husband and I lived in Hirosaki and Mutsu in Aomori-ken. 1983-87. A very different era for comfort, shall we say. But a wonderful experience! We were teaching English at a private English school owned by an American friend.

[@TokyoLlama]

Can imagine that would have been a great experience. I think if I had a choice on where to live in Japan, I'd live somewhere a bit more remote than where we are now. Next summer we are thinking to go up north to Aomori and Hokkaido for a holiday - I've never been north of Yamagata.

[@denwanai]

@@TokyoLlama You should visit Shimokita penninsula - it is so beautiful and remote. Our favorite was Osorezan, outside of Mutsu for an amazing experience visiting an Buddhist holy site with volcanic activity and otherworldly views. Hotokegaura on the west coast has incredible rock formations. Then, take the ferry from Oma to Hakodate, a port city in Hokkaido, for a great end to your trip.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for the tips! We’ll likely drive up so the idea of the ferry across after sounds ideal!

[@risatanaka4444]

See how clean the crawlspace and strongly build foundation the old house sits. It shows how Akiya homes survive this long compared to new houses. Akiya is unique each houses are different/custom made however be prepared for finding replacements that may be difficult to find or no longer avaliable/business. I love Akiya homes a lot of people find it scary/creepy it's all in their head.

[@thatboybrandad]

risa tanaka I waterproof basements in America and water proof crawl spaces I wish everyone I went to looked nearly that nice and dry lol

[@risatanaka4444]

@@thatboybrandad I live in New Jersey, crawlspace here in every homes are absolutely terrible - I've seen it when we went house hunting, because the foundation sit directly on the soil with no air that's why its constantly wet. Waterproofing will not last unless homeowner keep it maintained every 10 or so years and also use humidifier. No wonder why basement have a lot of problems later in the long term... Japan is good example they sit above soil with air circulation around no mold no wetness no water condensation nothing.

[@Nisaaaaaaa23]

My house don't even have a crawl space... My house on the river and water everywhere ~

[@Asian_Connection]

I just reminds me of the RING movie

[@Asian_Connection]

@@risatanaka4444 That because America quality is garbage

[@wuxy4169]

Australians are obliged to say "down under" at least once in a conversation- confirmed 2:15

[@TokyoLlama]

Lol, I just couldn't help myself, could I?

[@friendandpoet]

he said it right from the start haha 00:23

[@pillar350]

wu xy I thought this was the funniest comment and clicked on the time three times just to hear him say it pretty funny

[@Bigotedechivo]

he's australian!? I thought he was japanese and could talk very good english LOL

[@dalton-at-work]

@@Bigotedechivo his accent is very typically ozzie....

[@tobynmanthorpe]

Thanks for taking us under there, but... never again, k?

[@TokyoLlama]

Ha, to be honest now I'm thinking I really should go back under and crawl around there properly.

[@tobynmanthorpe]

@@TokyoLlama LOL Well, the more you do it, the easier it will be. But I would set up flood lights. :)

[@TokyoLlama]

I didn't put it in the final cut but I found some floodlights in one of the sheds that still worked! However I didn't have a long enough extension cord to use it properly. I did think about getting some decent LED ones when I got the torch, so I may do that now.

[@oliverkhoo]

Never? He better know what’s going underneath the house

[@eoniagrace2759]

I was impressed about how clean, dry and well built everything is under the flooring.

[@korona3103]

A wooden frame supported on concrete posts. Very nice. Best type of foundation in my book, at least in terms of durability. Because the wood is kept dry it will be hard for insects to attack it. Your main enemy is damp and there's signs of good ventilation from the sides. The main thing to check periodically is to make sure those side vents are kept clear year-round. The only issue you'll have is eliminating drafts coming up from the ventilated crawl space although I imagine the tatami mats will help with that somewhat.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for your comment, that reassures me somewhat. Perhaps a bit paranoid after seeing all the termites around the yard and in the more exposed (and damper) outer sheds.

[@e.p.6502]

Very good assessment. If it were my house I would be quite happy with that foundation. The best way to keep the foundation in good condition is to manage exterior drainage. Ensure all downspouts and water around the house drains cleanly away and remove any vegetation within 2 feet. If the foundation is always dry and free of vegetation then chances for any infestation is minimal. Spray if you like as well.

[@kloss213]

@@TokyoLlama Maybe keep the outside near home clear of vegetation pickup any deadwood near the house this would help keep bugs away. If your going to have a snake it would be under lawn debris. Nice house well built.

[@tuscanyjc]

I didn't see any wood joist hangers & beam hangers from the concrete foundation to the wood or wood to wood. Nor any steel bolts from the foundation through the wood. USA building code requires it so house doesn't fall off foundation in earthquake. Also at least in Oregon we tend to close our vents in winter to keep excess moisture and the cold out. Open them back up in Summer to circulate the air & make sure any moisture that got it gets back out. Beautiful place :)

[@PasiSavolainen]

I don't see capillary breaks (f.ex piece of asphalt shingle) between wooden posts and concrete. Concrete wicks moisture and passes it into the wood, this can be seen as the dark bottoms on those pillars. However if they're in that condition after 40y, it's all ok. If soil condition changes radically (becomes much wetter for longer time) then it could be an issue. If the house is on a small hill then that is again unlikely.

[@kouusa]

Well, that is definitely the cleanest looking hole full of nope I've seen.

[@familyfounder90]

kouusa that’s what I said when he was like “ I have to go under the house”, gave that a solid NOPE!

[@spacewolfcub]

😂 Hole full of nope 😂😂

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

That's what I call my ex wife. Badum-tsss

[@ebenezercunningham9073]

I live in a house that was built ~80 years ago, so I have to crawl around underneath it now and again for repairs. My tips: always wear the mask, bring a small backup light, wear a bit of rope as a belt (so as to not ruin your belts), bring a fly swatter for the spiders! haha, and don't be afraid to just lay there and rest when and where you need to (bad place to have a heart attack 😅), and put all of your tools in a sturdy bag that you can drag around (I made one in a few minutes out of an old pair of jeans with a cord cinch top). It looks nice under your house. Thanks for the video.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, good tips. Will keep them in mind for next time. Good idea about taking a rest. Maybe if I were a bit more relaxed I could have spent more time down there.

[@Shimadaambei]

@@TokyoLlama understandable though! Looks really claustrophobic "down under" :) Well done for going down and checking! It's nice to see the foundation posts looking dry. I'm in the UK so (thankfully) no experience with termites, but there's a lot of timber rot here and it's caused by damp/moisture getting sucked by the timber and not drying out or draining away - e.g. when the posts are in a concrete "shoe", as in when you put up a timber fence post for example and you pour concrete around it to secure it in place, the post then rots inside the concrete or just at the top level of the concrete. Therefore good air circulation and no stagnant water are necessary for preventing timber rot. From that point of view I think it's actually a good thing that the sub-base is compacted soil and not concrete, as concrete wouldn't necessarily drain quite so well. It seems like dry timber isn't interesting for the termites (fingers crossed!)

[@fergusontea]

I agree, that crawl space looks delightful compared to under my old house. I go under and don’t mind it a whole lot but am always glad to get back out to sunshine. I don’t have the imagination to think something is going to get me, so I’m pretty comfortable doing it. All the people saying it’s creepy haven’t lived. Haha. 👍😂

[@livertine504]

Man the wood doesn't even look rotten or anything. It looks quite fresh and of good condition - fascinating!

[@eddiOrtiz]

its the airflow down there, vital

[@jimmykim9622]

Not sure what the law is in japan but when I need to go under my house, I usually pops some firecrackers first. That drives anything that was hiding out of there very quickly.

[@TokyoLlama]

Hey that’s a great idea! Will try that next time.

[@ebenezercunningham9073]

I'm remembering this, thanks.

[@DovidM]

Would a snake hear the firecrackers? They may be able to hear low frequency airborne noises but I don’t know if they would associate the noise or vibrations with danger.

[@OddlyElly]

@@DovidM most snakes would rather get away from anything unusual (thank goodness that's not an Aussie crawl space - basically need a hazmat suit to brave that!).

[@ThePandafriend]

​@@DovidM Snakes don't "hear" like humans or similar animals. They don't hear through waves in the air, but they "hear" through the ground. If the wave hits the underjaw of a snake the movement gets transfered through bones to the internal ear. That way they can localize prey. For example if a rodent in the desert is running over the sand the snake can "hear" the vibrations caused by it and chase it down. However if there is a bigger animal it can hear that the animal is big and thus it doesn't chase it. And usually move away if the bigger animal gets closer. A firecracker makes such an enormous wave that it definitely will associate it with danger. How it reacts depends on the snake. Both the species and the individual. The same species might behave differently in different locations. However most snakes would move away.

[@amethys675]

I can see the foundation of that house is strong and beautiful. You are so lucky to have that house... that house would be very happy .

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks for watching. Hopefully we can make the house look nice again!

[@amethys675]

Tokyo Llama very interesting looking forward of the outcome...Gambatte kudasai

[@Chybaby7]

I'm not sure how accessible Diatomaceous Earth is in Japan but you could sprinkle it around the support beams as an added layer of protection against termites.

[@A_Lion_In_The_Sun]

True, plus its organic, and it works on all crawling insects (might not help with the spiders though.)

[@zackbalins658]

D. E. Is some amazing stuff

[@wendyon4517]

They have this product and others that do a similar job in Japan. The supermarket has an amazing range. Ants, termites, flies, mosquitos, giant hornets, centipedes... the list goes on.

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

I have stayed in Japanese homes but I never imagined tatami were so thick.

[@spacewolfcub]

I was surprised by that, too!

[@jameskelly8274]

isn't the tatami just the pad on top?

[@nmindergh2976]

@@jameskelly8274 it's a whole pad mat system about 4" thick.

[@cherish78748]

I know! I'd always heard the term 'tatami mats' and thought based on visuals that tatami were just relatively thin grass mats. Something thicker and nicer than a bathmat but not as thick as western carpet. Like nice grass carpets. When he levered up that big board, I was like, ohhh I get it now! I had to stop the video and really look. Now I understand why they are so expensive! And I suppose they have to be custom made to the size and shape of your house. I'm now slightly less ignorant than I was before I started this video. >

[@ZacharyDBrooks]

@@cherish78748 Tatami usually do come in a standard sizes, and Japanese rooms are designed with tatami coverage in mind rather than the other way around.

[@michellev.7651]

Watching this video was like watching a horror movie. I was like “DONT GO DOWN THERE” 😱😱😱😱😱😨

[@lfreespirit]

BAKA DARK omg I said the same thing. Then I imagined myself going and not being able to find the opening to get back out!

[@vivin5502]

Claustrofobia...

[@emdee3326]

...with the right soundtrack

[@khadijaqayyum8360]

I had same thoughts

[@simplymiggy]

me either hahaha

[@ryotaarai3816]

Just attach a go pro to a remote control car next time and spare yourself the horror😉

[@TokyoLlama]

One of my kids has a Lego off-road remote control - should be easy to hook up a camera...

[@christianmuller4027]

Hehehe good idea

[@Gamma-SIX]

Lol. Watching movies like Ju-On and the Ring doesn't help in this scenario. :D

[@fabriglas]

was just about to suggest the same!

[@stephencurtis9400]

@@Gamma-SIX and the grudge,waiting for it to crawl out and scream at him with that huge jaw agape.

[@hitherem2105]

I have to say Japanese people do take a lot of pride in Everything they do considering it was built in 1987 it is really well built and done ✅ thanks to the hard working people who take pride in building things well done in Japan 🇯🇵 Nice house 🏠 make sure you keep it up also It seems well Built....

[@mikemccar1296]

Wow. The ‘basement’ was just as interesting as the ‘attic’ footage. Lots of engineering there. Keep up the videos. (I was having second thoughts too.... I hate snakes.)

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, the condition of the crawl space and attic are testament to the quality of the build. Growing up in Australia I'm always nervous about snakes. Clearing the yard at the moment of logs from overgrown trees we've had cut down - perfect place for snakes to hide but only seen one tiny one!

[@williamkazak]

Tokyo Llama I was wondering if you brought a tool if you saw a snake

[@TheGodEmperorOfMankind_]

Bruh that's how you get attacked by a Yokai. Also leaving the tatami like that? You are just asking for it to fall sealing you down there until the next unsuspecting owner gets the property for you to haunt.

[@haha-ik9oc]

The tatami scares me. Like what if it falls then no one see it and then he'd trap forever there

[@rachelrecycles369]

@@haha-ik9oc there's nothing on top, he could probably push it up in an adrenaline rush panic.

[@rolypoly1689]

is it that heavy?

[@momosaku16]

@@rolypoly1689 no, it`s just straw

[@stevep8485]

A yokai? A mythical weasel-like creatures riding on whirlwind. Oh I really hope i can learn some more Japanese so everything is not gore-anime.

[@Derekuma]

the boots on tatami made me squirm but totally understandable. I just loved the sound of the "semi" to add a sense of scary as you went thru that not gaijin sized hole in the floor. Awesome house by the way ! There is $100k worth of beautiful timber down there ! At least there were NO snakes !

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks, yes, now the house is clean it's shoes off. Thos semi certainly add a nice backdrop to the summer videos. Not Japan without it.

[@greghelton4668]

Looked like a solid and well ventilated foundation. The frame looked like cypress so should be pest resistant.

[@TokyoLlama]

Thanks the house is mostly Douglas Fir. I'll double check what the foundations were with the original builder.

[@jackielinde7568]

7:50 - Hey! I recognize that technique. It's something Ask This Old House pointed out when doing a back porch. Cut notches into the posts going down for the cross members to rest on. This way, you don't get shearing forces on the the hardware holding the crossmembers to the posts. Languages may vary, but good building practices are universal.

[@A_Lion_In_The_Sun]

This is called Post Mortise and Tenon construction. It's as old as the idea of houses themselves, Japan has used this building method for thousands of years. It allows the wooden structure to be rigid, yet flexible, which is important in Japan because they get a lot of earthquakes.

[@3rdoldhen]

And their "joinery" is 2nd to none!!!

[@ernielim7111]

This is an amazing vlog. The house's foundation look very sturdy and is actually very clean - saved for some spidy & bugs. In general, since the house is relatively "BIG" - in terms of floor area, the house foundation looks GREAT!!!

[@nickibelle4737]

The moment you said “actually I had a second thought about this” I was lol it looks so scary.

[@zayag3543]

Beautiful house, can't wait to see how it looks after you're done renovating.

[@bannol1]

Your house is a work of art. The craftsmanship is amazing.

[@thomasszalay2077]

I used to be a voice and Data tech in Melbourne for over 10 years. That would rate as one of the cleanest under floor spaces I've ever seen. A testament to the great building techniques and pride in craftsmanship. The moment you put a proper light down there I laughed out loud, its that clean and tidy.

[@virginiaconway374]

The construction and workmanship looks impeccable. The home will be even better and as beautiful as possible.

[@W4iteFlame]

Oh, I were not aware tatami is so thick. Also you have really good floor, much better than in places I've been to

[@ivorwm2291]

I was a telephone installer in Beverly Hills, CA in the early 80's. Sometimes I had to install new outlets and I had to crawl under the house to install the wiring. I had a heavy jumpsuit and gloves. I would put tape to seal the sleeves and ankles to prevent spiders from crawling inside. I wore a hard hat and safety goggles. That is an earthquake foundation under the house. Next time carry the insecticide with you to spray on the piers. I would encourage you to coat the perimeter with insecticide. Best wishes

[@rosi4227]

I am very sad about your job because to crawl under houses for me it's very dangerous.I was seeing the snake he talks about, very poisonous.

[@SMunro]

Expecting shaky cam that ends with a mole person dragging him away. Stayed for the end.

[@policedog4030]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/in7HaWqLdqamg5KDMG - THE DICKIES - Attack Of The Mole Men (1979)

[@nancyd6770]

I have never seen a cleaner, dryer place under a house. The wood looked almost new to me! I am tickled you are fixing this house up.

[@Robabeh_Jan]

God, honestly, after the information about the snake and spider and all the other bugs... And after seeing that the foundation was not concrete... I could literally hear my heartbeat. I still wanna congratulate those saplings, growing in that dark claustrophobic place. Seeing them made me think that there is no such thing as impossible. And how could you fit into that tiny hole again?! It was a big surprise for me xD

[@TokyoLlama]

I felt sorry for those little saplings when I squashed them. Hopefully I can fit into that hole in a few years... Fortunately I don’t seem to be putting on weight in japan.

[@johnharr9707]

Wow that crawl space is very well constructed. They have concrete foundation walls where all the support is needed. Ventilation looks good, air flow will keep that from rotting. Looks real professional.

[@kawaiicreep1188]

When he pointed the camera down the hole I was like “Arietty? You there??”

[@douglasolsen1208]

Kawaii Creep One of my favorite collection of books. I was perfectly enthralled when I first read them.

[@GrandDawggy]

@@douglasolsen1208 watch the anime movie it's really good

[@Yourmomma568]

for a 35 year old house that foundation is perfect. a little tip, wood on concrete can rot fairly quickly because of the moisture, but you dont seem to have any problems. those thin slats seperating the house from the foundation are meant to be replaced once they show signs of rot or damage. its simple and can be done yourself. a simple jack can do the trick, ive done it on 200 year old houses in my area, it isnt hard.just jack up the area, push out the slat with a stick and slide a new one in. lower the jack and move on to the next one. i dont think you need to do that right now though. all the wood in the main house looks great. the other buildings are prett good as well tbh. theres nothing there i would say needs demolishing. even the outbuildings are much better than a lot of the working farms here.

[@03bryony]

That was the worst claustrophobia I've even experienced and I wasn't even there

[@debbiefox6846]

Wow as crawl spaces go that one is pristine. My dad was a plumber here in California and he had to go in really scary crawl spaces. He was 2" taller than you. Some so small he had to crawl on his belly. We have many rattle snakes, black & brown widow spiders, False black widows( still very poisonous, and brown Recluse spiders. I totally understand your reluctance. Your house is piered up so nicely and sturdy. What a well made home.

[@ouagadougou62]

I always bring a short broom with me when inspecting under a house. It helps to remove the cobwebs before moving forward. An easy way to spot termites is look for small piles of saw dust. They chew the wood and take it out to make space for their nest.

[@tUiDo4]

Hi!!! I’ve recently just stumbled upon your channel and everything is SO amazing😍 It breaks my heart so much that the passed home owner children did not want to inherit the home. The design is SO BEAUTFUL, the architect is so unique... you can see the love and ideas that went behind the home. Each video I watch of you and your family bringing the home back to life makes me think “wow, the pass home owner built this home under the assumption it was going to be inherited on through the generations”, I see that when I saw the video where the home owner names were on the walls of the foundation roof... like it just BREAKS MY HEART that someone parent hard work, was left forgotten by children who just didn’t want to be held back by ancient history... smh... I know you said it’s common their in Japan, but it’s just still as equally heartbreaking and hard to swallow... which is why I’m so glad you and your family has baught the home and is bringing new light to the forgotten place😭♥️🙏🏻 I hope you can find out some more history on this home of yours now, on why there was so much rice equipments yet no rice field in the property for the equipment to be used😅... unless there’s rice fields in the town then that explains some of the story, that the family were rice farmers.... you should try asking around the neighborhood to see if they know any stories😁 I mean, only if your curious as I am of the history on it😅 lol, KEEP UP THE INFORMATIVE VIDS👌🏼♥️

[@fahdopal8137]

Make sure you remove the risk of being trapped down there. I was really nervous watching this.

[@nypry]

It’s so clean down there. Usually in the USA, old houses have a lot of junk in crawl spaces for some reason

[@marielg9143]

I'm 5' 3" and can crawl and bend pretty fast I hunt mushrooms and at times you have to get down pretty low to get through the thickets. I would help you but I don't live there. I'd crawl the whole length and record it for you. Need a small gal to do this.

[@leademi1387]

I can’t believe you were able to fit in such a small space. I was already feeling nervous for you but after you said you had second thoughts my anxiety rose with you. I am still in awe of the beautiful construction and condition of the house! It really shows that is was built by someone who specialized in shrines, just like you said in the attic video.

[@jhn4399]

Im expecting the grudge to come crawling out any minute

[@bertbattersby9220]

The only thing you might want to add is some black plastic visqueen to help keep moisture from coming up in to the house and you might want to think about insulting the floors at some to at least R-15, up maybe R -35. depending on your weather pattern it look really good and very clean for under a house. You want the soil under the to be hard and compacted it helps.

[@DuhDancer]

As someone still sorta young? But looking to retire in Japan... these videos you made that I just so happe. To stumble upon. Are the best! Haha

[@TheGranti7a]

From the attic to the crawl space, you've got yourselves a really good house. May you grow in appreciation of it.

[@lester44444]

oh man got real sad when you plucked up the plant living under :') must've been tough growing in a space that dark.

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

This house has amazing craftsmanship built into it for sure. Solid.

[@IAmDemonDog]

When you pulled up those three pieces of wood, and only had that small hole to crawl through, I had a visceral moment of fear. I'm not claustrophobic, but the thought of being stuck was a little scary lol

[@Soulsmithing]

Honestly, what an amazing deal that house is! It's recent, very very well made, all top quality material and craftsmanship, the tatami are still good, the kawara looks still good.. wow! Congrats!

[@coffeepot3123]

How the hell was the house not infested with termites?. If i was a dam termite and looked up towards this house i'd be drooling like a mofo.

[@renevitos7936]

The wooden foundation posts look like they are resting on stone bases which termites cannot chew thru. Looks well designed imo.

[@runelea]

@@5andWitch Honestly so long as trees are kept clear of roofing, its pretty rare for termintes to get in though any other location than the foundation.

[@jenniferpayne8432]

We had wood worm in our roof but no where else :/

[@marcryvon]

Always unconfortable for anyone not used to crawl under a house. But that basement looks in perfect condition, dry, no rot to be seen and well made !!

[@EraldoFilms]

Well, what can I say, going down there by yourself perhaps that wasn't a very good idea, always have somebody at least to call for help. Next time you said you were bringing somebody with you, or do a LIVE streaming and we follow your steps! I have some experience working under the floor in tighter spaces than the one you showed, and it sucks man, there is no time for reaction if something happens down there, for example if you are afraid of spiders you can't back out fast enough, that kind of thing. The mask was definitively a great idea, the suit too. Anyways I should probably star recording my adventures at my 1925 house in Saint John, NB too. Cheers!

[@TokyoLlama]

You're right - my wife also said the same thing. Probably not a good place to be during an earthquake either! Live streaming also a good idea - I'll look into it. You should definitely start recording your adventures at your house. When I started I wasn't sure I was going to put it on youtube, but I thought at the very least I'd have it for the personal memories.

[@EraldoFilms]

@@TokyoLlama I will, thanks for the support, you'll be the first one to know!

[@TokyoLlama]

Look forward to it!

[@eddiespagetti8395]

Wood laid directly on top of concrete NO NO. Looks well built. Very clean and strong built home. Beautiful stuff.

[@MichaelS-w1o]

I'm a builder from California and I've worked on Kominka here. It looks like you have a beautiful Meiji or Taisho era minka with updated foundation! That's great. There could be some cross bracing added but all in all amazing so much new work was done. Usually these are just sitting on stumps and rocks!

[@sandytomeo5731]

I never realized tatami mats were so thick!

[@TokyoLlama]

Have to admit I was surprised too the first time I lifted one. Heavy too.

[@sandytomeo5731]

@@TokyoLlama I guess that's why traditionally, they're actually comfortable enough to sleep on by themselves! 😉

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, they're very comfortable to lie down on, and cool, especially now in summer.

[@antoncolbo]

Such interesting construction! So different than what we're used to seeing in North America for sure. With all of that completely empty space under the floor, what type of heating, (if any) does the house have? I saw in another video where there was a large solar (water) heater being removed from the roof of a shed. There doesn't even seem to be much for electrical connections/lighting. I suspect that any land that was being used to farm rice to run the property business was sold off long ago, leaving the owner to retire in isolation.

[@user-pl8rb1mo9v]

This is a beautiful house, its unfortunate that it wasn't managed over the years.

[@miguelsoares5763]

perfect foundations very clean, it is perfect !!

[@csg2601]

This was like watching some terror movie knowing damn well sth could happen at any momemnt. Tense

[@goerizal1]

i followed your videos with good interest and curiosity. the subject and your technique made it like a great adventure for me with some sadness especially with those school notes. they reminded me of my old family house long time ago and quite far away. thanks.

[@BenNJapan]

Blair witch comes to mind once he goes under the house.

[@amalilconfused]

Agree that that’s the cleanest crawl space I’ve seen. The last crawl space I’ve explored was the crawl space under our elementary “gabaldon” school building years ago, where there were “rumored” graves from the 40s. Playing hide in seek in these crawl spaces was easy when you’re younger. But now I’ve seen a lot of horror movies, I have more reservations going under.

[@NyuuMikuru1]

When all is well and done, leave a freaky scary mask on the ground there for the next owner. (Evil laughing).

[@gailalbers1430]

i really appreciate your videos-i like that you don’t edit so tight -like some people where they click to quickly through images that i cannot see/register what i am seeing. that said i would suggest you tighten it up just a little ( but if i had to choose between the timeline as is or the quick choppy style i prefer this, especially since your content is so unique. the foundation looks so much better than i feared: the concrete stems look good ! another thought i often have with many bloggers is that they don’t use voice over. why not -it would easier to understand- and you can think about what you want to say.

[@cssruth]

I would be so afraid that I'd get trapped under that house in that tiny, dark, spider filled crawl space 😳 no one would ever find me.😱

[@TokyoLlama]

Yes, I was worried too - though I did tell someone and had my mobile phone on me. I'm not that keen to go down there again.

[@monastrand]

Looked pretty good to me that basement, if that one creeped you out, you should have seen mine 😂

[@listenerdave101]

A vapor barrier on the dirt will help lower the humidity under the house and small mesh screen on the vent holes to help keep out warm blooded pest. insulate the floor would help against winter drafts. Some of the post looked like there was some water in the crawl. It looks like pressure treated post were used but it was hard to tell. A previous post correctly stated that the key is keeping water out. Thanks for sharing your house with us. I look forward to seeing more.

[@jackielinde7568]

8:09 - All we need now is for him to say "No, I am your father!"

[@rcruzriovista]

Thanks for the video! The foundation is solid. I can’t believe the price you paid for that house. My only concern with the foundation is moisture barriers and proper ventilation. In the US, we lay a plastic sheet or plastic visqueen, to stop the ground moisture from going into foundation and house. (I noticed the bottom part of the concrete foundation had some moisture. Also in the US, the wood that touches any concrete has to be pressure treated wood, to resist rotting (but some woods are naturally resistant to rot). Lastly, in the US, vents are required down there, again to keep things dry. It might be different in Japan. Those are just a few observations. But even if you didn’t do anything, that foundation looks amazing!

[@eliasorbon450]

The gopro footage and sound are a little strange (not good) but man, under that house looks much cleaner and better than I expected. Maybe you can employ your children to go check it out next time ;) haha My parents would do that in USA

[@TokyoLlama]

Yeah l know, it’s a cheapo $50 action cam - can’t really justify getting a GoPro right now. I cut out quite a bit but thought I’d leave some in to give an idea of what it’s like in there. Re: my kids - no jokes, I also cut out a bit at the end where I suggested I’d send my kids down there next time!

[@eliasorbon450]

@@TokyoLlama It's been a while I hope you're doing alright!

[@eliasorbon450]

@@TokyoLlama I grew up in a log cabin in backwoods USA and the spiders are actually quite a blessing. They'll take care of a lot of other annoying bugs that could get in your house. I live in Seoul now and I actually kinda miss the little buggers. Having a good relationship with your house and the natural forces around where you live is very fulfilling.

[@eliasorbon450]

@@TokyoLlama I'm jealous that you get to have this kind of deep relationship with your house. Even discovering the little pathways and nuances of the house. One day I want to do that again. It's truly your land.

[@eliasorbon450]

@@TokyoLlama Please keep us updated and don't be afraid to make long videos! It's fun! Low effort input with more content = better for me! haha

[@chrislangtiw6395]

Respect and props for you going down there. I don't ever want to go into another crawl space as long as I live, even one as great looking as yours. I like the idea someone else mentioned, using an RC vehicle with a cam attached to make inspection easier. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@nihowdy1]

The making of a Japanese horror movie.

[@EPICSOUNDTRAX]

Let me tell you this whoever built this house is a genuis. Really well built. If you have problems they can be fixed. So far I do not see any problems. This structure is extremely strong.

[@IamNotMeButWhoAreYou]

- Well the person who did the inspection of your house could have really cut a bit bigger hole - I mean I was having second thoughts if you'd even be able to press yourself through that tiny hole. :o - I'm fine with spiders, insects and snakes - what I would hate are mice and rats - cause where is rice/grains there is bound to have some rodents as well usually. and rats and mice really spread a lot of diseases and their urine really stinks from ammonia. - And by the way guys: This is how Darth Vader would sound if he'd catch a cold - at 12:52 and 13:23 . :D

[@TokyoLlama]

Yeah, I'm pretty skinny. You know, we haven't seen a single rodent, or even signs of a rodent. There are feral cats around so that may have something to do with it.

[@witchgroup]

@@TokyoLlama thanks for the cat lol

[@thomasbrown9402]

@@TokyoLlama ...or snakes. :/

[@ginadelsasso288]

The foundation looks really good under there from what i can see. No rot, pooling water, or cracking in the concrete. You really found a gem over there.

[@jpguthrie6669]

The protective clothing is interesting, the last time I saw such an inspection done on an old house, the inspector (who was more than 60) wore only shorts. It was summer, and quite hot, and he came out looking like he had been in a mud wrestling match.

[@TokyoLlama]

No way I'd go down there in shorts!

[@MISSFAB1996]

My favourite things about the entire house is the birds. It just sounds so peaceful there

[@livingmyhauntedlife]

I was thinking at 7 mins in..and that was the last anyone ever saw him again

[@TokyoLlama]

That would have been an interesting youtube video!

[@livingmyhauntedlife]

I don't know how you went under there, after i saw the film ju-on the grude.. I can't even go into my attic.lol

[@Bigotedechivo]

It's amazing to see these houses so open and unsecured. I'm so used to robbery and insecurity that watching a house (a beautiful house like this) having just a glass door and not much else protecting it from robbers and vandalism is shocking.

[@GrandDawggy]

Guy: puts on hasmat and respirator Me: Lets cook.

[@BelloBudo007]

These are interesting videos, that's for sure. I followed an Aussie (one myself) who did a similar thing, also in the rural. I have toyed with the idea of living in an old house in the Japanese countryside, so it's interesting looking at what's involved. Thanks for making the vid.

[@TokyoLlama]

No worries, thanks for watching.

[@AF-gn6yf]

😂 i saw bamboo growing under your house. its really everywhere

[@donnykitsune5707]

That really was a good flashlight....wow.... Each under segment was sizable , makes it tempting to have like a hanging basket storage with apiece of floor to lift up like a dooor....completely closed off from the basement obviously but who knows how it will effect everything else, including the heat you spoke of

[@donnykitsune5707]

Oh makes me remember alll those little design things to save space like hidden bookcases and stuff....pulling it out of the floor and putting it back down when not used to give more space

[@Shadvi7Z]

Alternite title: Under the house asmr

[@Halfnibble]

I didn't see any plumbing? Can you show how that works? Also, did you find Arrietty while you were down there?

[@TheGreenbutsad]

Imagine if someone close the opening while you were down there......

[@thyaspramesthi4962]

Amazing. This is a very beautiful old house! The base is very clean. The foundation is cool.

[@MauriceSener]

1:24 I'd be nervous about meeting Vsauce down there...

[@mehthatisall]

Hahaha! I just pictured that in my head. Had a good chuckle

[@AlfordLau]

Thanks for sharing. I like the floor plan of your house. Foundation shown looks good to me so far. I have not seen how the wiring and plumbing are laid out, it will be interesting. So there is no insulation under or above the sub-strate. If the house is heated by fire places or wood burning stoves, I guess it can get a bit cold in winter by modern standard. I wonder if the use of rigid foam boards or spray foam are legal in Japan for insulation.

[@TokyoLlama]

You're welcome. I'm thinking to show the layout and plumbing and wiring in my next video. We're going to insulate where we can but in regards to the floor, most of the house will have 3cm solid wood flooring installed above the substrate. The architect and carpenter think that will be enough but I wonder. We decided not to get underfloor heating but what I've seen some houses do here is recirculate the warm air from the attic back under the house, which could be an option.

[@l.a.b.chimmy866]

Ahora entiendo de donde salen tantos cuentos de terror japoneses . En ese sitio se pueden esconder personas , cadaveres , monstruos etc. 😆

[@DarrinsDaffs]

The crawl space framing is as beautifully built as the attic!!

[@AT.inbetween]

SNAKES!? oh there would be no way that I would go down under. call the experts!

[@TokyoLlama]

I probably will next time! More than the snakes I realised I hate crawling.

[@hollygrosshans3529]

I could listen to him all day. Can’t wait to see the end result. I’m sure it will be incredible.