AkiyaMart Productions

Buying a House in Japan

Business EN ↓ 141 episodes

We’re Joey & Take - two friends who dreamed of owning a cheap home in Japan. So we bought one...and then five more! Dreaming of owning property in Japan? We cover everything you need to know and more. Highlights include: * Pros and cons of purchasing in Japan * The complexities of Japan’s real estate market * Challenges for foreign buyers * Interviews with locals, expats, and experts * All the mistakes we’ve made (so you can avoid them!)Find your Japanese dream home: www.akiya-mart.com [https://www.akiya-mart.com/?utm_source=podcast]Serious about buying? Let’s chat! https://www.akiya-mart.com/...

Author

AkiyaMart Productions

Category

Business

Podcast website

www.akiya-mart.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

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Episodes

Dear Diary Series: USD/Yen Price Fluctuations, Economic Shifts and the Yen Carry Video 09.08.2024

Description: In this episode, Joey and Take discuss the recent fluctuations in the yen and their impact on Japan's real estate market. Joey, with a master's degree in macroeconomics from Cambridge, explains the yen carry trade, the Bank of Japan's interventions, and the resulting effects on exchange rates and the stock market. They also share insights on how these changes influence property prices...

AkiyaMart Preferred Agent Interview: Real Estate Insights with Kendall Bharath Video 01.08.2024

In this episode, Joey and Take interview Kendall Bharath, a preferred agent with AkiyaMart based in Hokkaido. Kendall shares his experiences living in Japan for over a decade and provides a deep dive into the real estate market in Hokkaido. From the challenges of managing properties in snowy climates to the cultural nuances of buying homes in Japan, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone...

Dear Diary Series: Rapid Fire Questions with Joey Video 25.07.2024

Join Joey and Take as they share their experiences settling into their new home in the Tokyo suburbs. They talk about dealing with the sweltering summer heat, the quirks of their 1970s house, and the surprisingly efficient appliance deliveries. They also dive into the pros and cons of suburban life, like long commutes to central Tokyo and the warmth of their new neighbors. Plus, get an update on t...

AkiyaMart Direct Agent Interview: Insider Tips from Agent Yoshi Chatani Video 18.07.2024

In this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey interview Yoshi Chatani, a successful real estate agent in Japan. Yoshi shares his journey from a rock music lover to a real estate expert and offers valuable tips for foreign buyers. They discuss legal requirements, cultural differences, and real estate opportunities in Osaka. Tune in for practical advice and expert ins...

AkiyaMart Direct Agent Interview Series: Betting on Japan's Real Estate Future w/ Ryo Takemoto Video 09.07.2024

In this episode, we welcome Ryo Takemoto, one of AkiyaMart’s dedicated real estate agents. Ryo shares his experiences from growing up in Osaka to working with international clients in Japan’s real estate market. He offers practical insights into Airbnb management, investment strategies, and the exciting upcoming casino development in Osaka. Ryo's humble approach and deep knowledge make this episod...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Embracing Tama – Our First Week in Japan Video 05.07.2024

Take and Joey recap their first week at Tama Base Camp, appreciating Tama's spacious environment and the convenience of having a car. They recount their unpleasant stay at Fuchu Urban Hotel and a lively housewarming party. They introduce a new series featuring preferred agents and aim to modernize Japanese real estate with tech tools. They share their experiences with Amazon for home supplies, han...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Day 1 in the New House Video 27.06.2024

In Episode 34, "From Keys to Comfort - Our Tokyo Base Camp Adventure," we dive into the thrill of getting the keys to our new home in Tama City, Tokyo! Join us as we explore the highs and lows of moving into a freshly renovated, turnkey property. From the breathtaking views and spacious lot to the unexpected steep hill and bustling neighborhood, every moment is an adventure. We share our first-day...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Finalizing the Tokyo Purchase + Move-In Plans Video 15.06.2024

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, Take and Joey discuss the exciting milestone of closing on their new house in Tokyo. Despite Joey feeling under the weather, he shares his enthusiasm for the recent purchase and the crucial role their real estate agent, Yoshi, played in making it all happen. The duo also delves into the preparations for their move, including setting up AC uni...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: From Shochu Memories to Minivan Dreams Video 08.06.2024

In this episode of the Tokyo Base Camp series, Joey and Take reminisce about their college days and the infamous Daigoro Shochu. They dive into their recent experience of buying a second house and the process of purchasing a car in Japan. With the help of their friend Ken, an expert in the Japanese car market, they explore options on Mercari and navigate the complexities of registration and shippi...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Navigating the Japanese Real Estate Closing Process & Commission Insights Video 04.06.2024

Pictured the house we bought BEFORE it was flipped. In this episode of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey dive into their latest real estate adventure with updates on their Tokyo Base Camp property purchase. They share detailed insights on the closing process, the unique challenges of navigating Japanese real estate, and the intricacies of commission structures. The episode...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Offer Accepted for Our Turn-Key Tokyo Property ($115K) Video 28.05.2024

Property listing: Tokyo Base Camp In this episode, Joey and Take celebrate their successful offer on a turn-key property in Tokyo for $115,000. They start with a fun chat about getting a Breville espresso machine as a business expense. They then detail the new Tokyo property, highlighting its spaciousness, recent renovations, and prime location next to a U.S. military golf course, while noting its...

Turn-key Cabin with Mt. Fuji Views: Interview with Owner Asa Nakano Video 28.05.2024

Watch the video walkthrough | View the listing In this episode, Asa Nakano joins us to discuss her stunning cabin for sale in Susono, Japan. Situated near Mount Fuji, the two-story cabin features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious wooden deck, perfect for enjoying the serene, natural surroundings. Asa highlights the property's convenience, being just an hour's drive from Tokyo and close...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: We're Putting (Another) Offer on a Tokyo Akiya - 'Tokyo Base Camp' Video 20.05.2024

Property Listing: Tama/Tokyo Base Camp Take and Joey are back with another attempt to secure a Tokyo akiya, this time in Tama City. They're eyeing a 1971 home, listed at 18 million yen (about $115,000 USD), which offers a spacious lot and recent renovations. Dubbed "Tokyo Base Camp," this property could serve as their new headquarters. They discuss the pros, such as the attractive price and move-i...

Tokyo Base Camp Series: Crow Lux offer results, Market updates & AkiyaMart future projects Video 17.05.2024

Joey and Take discuss their Japanese real estate journey, reflecting on their first house purchase in Beppu and the current search for a second property. They share challenges of banking in Japan and their attempts at buying a house in Tokyo. Property listing: Crow Lux Key Points: Property Search: Their low offer on a Tokyo house was rejected due to moisture issues. Banking Challenges: They detail...

Tokyo Base Camp Series - We just put an offer on an Akiya in Tokyo! ... but it could be a lemon Video 03.05.2024

Link to the property: Crow Mountain In Episode 26 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey discuss their recent offer on an Akiya (abandoned house) in Tokyo. They reflect on their past experiences, including purchasing a property in Southern Japan, and share updates on their journey.  The Tokyo property appears promising at first, with Joey noting its immediate livability...

Interview with Japanese Real Estate Agent: Kendall Bharath (Japanese Real Estate Agent @ REMAX): Detailed Analysis of Closing Costs + Hokkaido Snow Retreat Property Insights* Video 01.05.2024

In this episode, Take and Joey discuss the intricacies of closing costs with Kendall Bharath, a REMAX real estate agent based in Hokkaido, Japan. Kendall explains the appeal of Hokkaido for its exceptional snow conditions, ideal for skiing and snowboarding, and shares his journey from teaching to real estate. The episode focuses extensively on the specifics of closing costs associated with purchas...

JRE Conference, Tokyo Akiya Hunt, Akiya Construction Update, and Buying a Car in Japan on a Tourist Visa Video 25.04.2024

Take and Joey start Episode 24 by discussing the Japan Real Estate (JRE) conference ( recording link here ) that Joey attended in Tokyo. The conference, organized by Nippon Tradings International (NTI), covered key topics for foreigners interested in the Japanese real estate market, including low mortgage rates, navigating Japanese property laws, and tips for investing in rural Japan. Joey shared...

Dear Diary Series: Japan Real Estate Summit Presentation (Video in description) Video 10.04.2024

Video link: https://youtu.be/6rO1YfMwjN4 In preparation for their presentation at the Japan Real Estate Summit on April 6th, Joey and Take rehearse their insights on the "Dear Diary Series: Japan Real Estate Summit Presentation." They introduce AkiyaMart, their platform designed to demystify the Japanese real estate market for foreigners with its user-friendly design and AI-enhanced listings. Shar...

Dear Diary Series: JREP Conference, Shizuoka Warehouse Property, & AkiyaMart Research Video 15.03.2024

JREP Summit Event Description + Tickets: https://nippontradings.com/japan-real-estate-summit-spring-2024/ Shizuoka Warehouse: https://akiya-mart-staging-b358b27c51df.herokuapp.com/listing/192828 In this episode, Joey and Take dive into their preparations for an engaging Akiyama quiz at the upcoming JREP conference in Tokyo. They discuss potential changes to the podcast's intro to keep it fresh for...

Interview w/Rob Arimoto (SHIMAX Legal) - Navigating Japan's Legal Labyrinth: Property, Business, Visa, and more. Video 11.03.2024

In Episode 22 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, hosts Take and Joey sit down with Rob Arimoto from Shimax Legal, offering a wealth of knowledge on navigating Japan's legal landscape for foreigners. Rob, a seasoned judicial scrivener with a diverse background spanning IT and legal services, has been instrumental in helping the hosts through their journey. This episode provides a comprehensi...

Dear Diary Series - Contractor crisis, AkiyaMart pivot, and our plans to buy in Tokyo Video 21.02.2024

In Episode 21, Take and Joey navigate contractor setbacks, deliberate AkiyaMart's pivot towards a B2B model, and plan for Tokyo property purchases. They share the complexities of establishing a legal entity in Japan for their business, touching upon rebranding considerations due to expanding beyond Akiya listings. The episode also explores their ambitions to host a launch party and their contempla...

Answers to our Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions Video 17.02.2024

In Episode 20 of the "Buying a House in Japan" podcast, Take and Joey, insights and answer the top five frequently asked questions they've encountered. They discuss their personal experiences, from the reasons behind the low cost of houses in Japan to the feasibility of owning property as a foreigner and the potential for using such properties for Airbnb. The episode is packed with practical advic...

Interview with our Intermediary (Ziv Nakajima Magen from Nippon Tradings International) Video 26.01.2024

Show notes: -Nippon Trading International's website: https://nippontradings.com/ -Ziv's podcast: Japan Real Estate Podcast - Video version of show: https://share.descript.com/view/17E0G5e2Xjd -Akiyamart Deal Analysis: https://www.akiya-mart.com/listing/1991201 Summary: Introduction [00:01:00]: Ziv Nakajima Magen, a key figure in property acquisition for foreigners in Japan, joins the "Buying a Hou...

Dear Diary Series: Business Insider Feature, 15%+ net yield condos, renovation updates & more! Video 22.01.2024

What's in This Episode? Big News! They got featured in Business Insider, which brought tons of visitors to their website. A surprise, but a happy one! Investment Tips: They're exploring high-yield condos in Japan - turns out, there are some really good deals out there! Renovation Update: A bit of a delay on their house renovation, but they're hopeful it'll be done by April. Business Setup: They're...

Japan Real Estate Podcast interview - Our story + AkiyaMart demo Video 20.01.2024

This is a repost of Nippon Tradings International's " Japan Real Estate Podcast " with Ziv Nakajima-Magen. Full Video with Demo Nippon Tradings International's website Episode 17 summary: Take and Joey's Akiya Journey: Learn how Take, a licensed California real estate agent, and Joey, a software engineer, teamed up to buy an Akiya property in Japan and the challenges they faced. The Birth of Akiya...

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