Buying a House in Japan

In this episode, the hosts discuss recent changes in Japan's immigration and visa requirements, particularly the new language proficiency standards. They delve into the implications of rising interest rates on the housing market, especially for homeowners with variable rate mortgages. The conversation also covers the challenges of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and introduces Mocomoko's new service aimed at assisting property owners in managing their homes in Japan. In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences with property management and licensing in Japan, the challenges of flipping properties, and the evolution of their business strategies. They reflect on their growth, networking opportunities, and the importance of adapting to market trends while emphasizing the benefits of investing in Japanese real estate.TakeawaysJapan's immigration scene is evolving with new language requirements.The JLPT is now a key factor for many visa applications.Interest rates in Japan are on the rise, affecting homeowners.Variable rate mortgages are common in Japan, leading to potential market shifts.Cash buyers may benefit from increased housing supply due to rising rates.Mokomoko is launching a service to help property owners manage their homes.The JLPT has different levels, with N3 being the new requirement for residency.Reading Japanese novels can enhance language skills significantly.The hosts emphasize the importance of property management services for foreign buyers.Navigating the Japanese real estate market can be complex and requires support. The property comes with a management company attached.Pricing strategies can surprise potential buyers.Hotel licenses can enhance rental opportunities.Navigating property laws in Japan is complex.Networking is crucial for business growth.Business trips have shifted from leisure to strategy.Familiarity with Japan eases the property management process.The importance of adapting to market changes.Building a lifestyle business can be fulfilling.Investing in property can improve quality of life.If you found this show helpful or entertaining, please leave a five-star rating and share it with a friend. Visit mokomoko.com to browse listings and learn more about purchasing property in Japan.

Buying a house in Japan as a non-resident foreigner is entirely possible, but what happens after you get the keys? In this episode, Taker and Joey break down the often-overlooked post-purchase realities of owning Japanese real estate. From navigating complex utility bills and local property taxes to securing Japanese bank accounts and phone numbers, they discuss the heavy administrative hurdles every foreign homeowner faces. Discover how they built a solution to keep your vacation home running smoothly without the constant headaches.Key TakeawaysProperty ownership in Japan comes with hidden administrative challenges like paying utility bills in person and dealing with language barriers.Standard foreign credit cards and roaming phone plans often fail to work with local Japanese systems and websites.Having a local point of contact or tax representative is mandatory for handling annual property taxes and official mail.The new Mokomoko Home Base service was created to manage these ongoing chores for foreign buyers.Main Discussion PointsThe shift in the Japan real estate market from asking how to buy a house to figuring out how to manage it afterward.Why standard translation tools and AI emails often fall short when dealing with Japanese sellers and utility companies.Real-world struggles of acquiring a Japanese phone number and local bank account required for monthly payments.Managing property renovations and small maintenance projects from abroad without being on the ground.The introduction of the Mokomoko Home Base basic package and a la carte coordination services.Resources MentionedSakura MobileMobalNitoriMokomoko Buyers ClubContact the hosts with questions or feedback at [email protected] you found this show helpful or entertaining, please leave a five-star rating and share it with a friend. Visit mokomoko.com to browse listings and learn more about purchasing property in Japan.

Celebrating over 150 episodes, Joey and Take tackle the most common question they get during client consultations: Where should I buy in Japan? Because buying property is deeply personal, there is no single right answer. Instead, the hosts break down different regions based on lifestyle choices, hobbies, natural disaster risks, and budget so you can figure out what fits your goals.Key TakeawaysStart With Your Hobbies: Your location choice should depend entirely on how you want to spend your time, whether that means surfing, skiing, city living, or enjoying hot springs.Natural Disaster Awareness: Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, especially along the Nankai fault line and coastal zones, making hazard maps an essential research tool.Surf Hotspots: Miyazaki and Chiba are the top recommendations for consistent surf, while Kochi and Okinawa offer great waves with a different atmosphere.Skiing and Snow Country: Niseko offers world class powder and an international community at a higher price point, while Otaru and Asahikawa provide great alternatives with strong food scenes and better value.Urban Living: Osaka, Fukuoka, and Nagoya offer true city life with great infrastructure, dining, and more affordable real estate compared to Tokyo.Country Homes and Land: Rural areas like Gifu, Niigata, and Shiga offer traditional farmhouses and large plots of land, but come with added maintenance and transportation needs.Main Points CoveredEvaluating Natural Disasters: How to read government hazard overlays for tsunamis and understand the realities of building in coastal areas.Coastal and Surf Living: Why Miyazaki tops the list for surfers and what to expect from local economic conditions and travel access.Ski Property Markets: Comparing the high-end international market of Niseko with up-and-coming winter destinations like Otaru and Asahikawa.Traditional Homes Near Kyoto: Why many buyers looking in Kyoto ultimately find better value and authentic farmhouses in nearby Shiga and rural prefectures.City Alternatives: Exploring Fukuoka, Osaka, and Nagoya as accessible urban hubs with lower entry costs than Tokyo.The Decision Framework: Why having a local support system or knowing someone on the ground makes managing a Japanese property much easier.Resources and MentionsMokomoko: mokomoko.comContact the hosts: [email protected] to ActionIf you found this episode helpful, please give us a five star rating and share it with someone looking to buy a home in Japan. Visit mokomoko.com to browse over half a million listings and learn more about the Mokomoko Buyers Club

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, Take sits down with NJ, a San Francisco Bay Area tech worker, gymnastics coach, and pole dance instructor who purchased a pre-renovated condo in Hachioji, Western Tokyo. NJ shares their journey from listening to the podcast to buying a fourth-floor corner unit with views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree. They explain their reasoning behind choosing a condo over a detached house, how they use it as a global warming getaway, and what it was like installing a pole in their Japanese living room to perform a phoenix move.Key TakeawaysWhy buying a condo in Japan can offer low-maintenance living compared to a detached home.The realities of property costs, HOA fees, insurance, and management fees in Tokyo.Why Western Tokyo and Hachioji offer a mini-Tokyo feel with easy train access and mountain proximity.How to filter for reinforced concrete (RC) buildings for earthquake safety and better insulation.Understanding Japanese real estate as a lifestyle and adventure investment rather than a traditional financial play.Main Points & Episode HighlightsMeet NJ: Bay Area tech worker in simulation technologies, gymnastics coach, pole dance instructor, and former Crunchyroll employee.The Motivation: Managing Bay Area real estate frustration, seeking a home base abroad, and creating a winter escape from summer heat.The Search Process: Searching for nine months across Chiba and Western Tokyo, working with real estate agent Yoshi, and touring properties in person before buying remotely.Why Hachioji? Living in Western Tokyo, getting a guaranteed seat on the Keio line, enjoying Mt. Takao hikes, and taking in local views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Skytree.Condo vs. House: Avoiding roof, yard, and exterior maintenance while getting an open-concept 2LDK layout built with reinforced concrete.Living Space & Customization: Measuring living room space for acrobatics, installing a pole for a phoenix move, and adding air conditioning and appliances.Costs & Maintenance: Total purchase price around 17.2 million yen (approximately $114k USD total with closing costs and appliances), plus low monthly HOA and management fees.Visiting & Life in Japan: Staying six weeks, taking language classes, hosting friends and parents, navigating building rules, and enjoying local convenience stores and Indian curry spots.Guest Info & Resources MentionedGuest: NJ (Tech worker, pole dance instructor, gymnastics coach)Locations Mentioned: Hachioji, Mount Takao, Western Tokyo, Chiba, Saratoga, San Francisco Bay AreaPop Culture & Hobbies Mentioned: Chainsaw Man, Super Mario, Pokemon, Final Fantasy VIIReal Estate Platform & Services: Mokomoko Buyers ClubCall to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share it with anyone interested in Japanese real estate or living in Japan. Explore over half a million Japanese property listings and learn more at mokomoko.com.

Takeru and Joey reach a major milestone on the Buying a House in Japan podcast as they celebrate surpassing  50 episodes. In this episode, they recap all six properties they have purchased across Japan and lay out their plans for their next big focus: rebuilding their $3,500 ski house in Myoko, Niigata.Key Takeaways 150 Episodes MilestoneRecap of All 6 PropertiesThe Myoko Ski Chalet Project: Dealing with snow maintenance, narrow road access, chainsaw demolition teams, meeting with Sekisui Chemical in Tokyo, and working with Mitch at Ikigai Housing in Iiyama. Lifestyle ROI vs. Airbnb Hosting: Why rising host fees and administrative hurdles in Japan make lifestyle value and long-term rentals more attractive than short-term Airbnbs. Resources and Links MentionedWebsite: Browse Japanese real estate listings and check out the Mokomoko Buyers Club at mokomoko.com. Mitch at Ikigai Housing / Ikigai Co: Partner in Iiyama assisting with demolition and prefab build options in heavy snow regions. Sekisui Chemical / Sekisui Heim: Corporate home builder in Tokyo evaluated during initial planning. Feedback & Listener Email: Send questions and feedback to [email protected]. Social Media: Follow updates on Instagram and TikTok. Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, please give the podcast a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It takes five seconds and helps others find the show. To browse over half a million listings or start your home-buying journey in Japan, head over to mokomoko.com. 

In this collaboration episode, the team sits down with Ziv Nakajima Magen, co-founder and COO of Nippon Tradings International (NTI). With 15 years in Japanese real estate, Ziv shares his perspective on shifting market dynamics, anti-foreigner sentiment, changes to visa regulations, and what it takes to navigate Japanese property today. The hosts also discuss their major rebrand from Akiya Mart to Mokomoko, explaining why they outgrew the original name and expanded their scope to cover condos, houses, and beyond.Key TakeawaysMarket Trends: A post-COVID wave of holiday home buying has elevated prices across rural areas, but political sentiment and shifting visa policies are creating new hurdles for foreign buyers.Immigration & Visas: Tighter rules around the Business Manager Visa and Permanent Residency requirements are pushing some long-term international residents to rethink their strategies.Rebranding to MokoMoko: Why Akiya Mart transitioned to Mokomoko to eliminate pronunciation hurdles, remove negative connotations around "akiya," and represent a full-spectrum real estate search platform.Investing Beyond Akiyas: The sweet spot in Japanese real estate often sits just above empty country homes, including multi-unit buildings and move-in-ready properties.Main Conversation Points15 Years in Japanese Real Estate: Ziv recounts the evolution of international demand since starting NTI after the 2008 financial crisis.Policy and Sentiment Shifts: Discussion on recent government sentiment, language test requirements, pension checks, and the risk of blanket regulations hurting rural communities.The Tourism Impact: How tourism fatigue in cities like Kyoto influences local attitudes toward non-resident buyers.Property Inspection Tips: Guidance on assessing older concrete and wooden multi-unit buildings before committing to a purchase.What's Next: Ziv's upcoming projects, including an AI property deal analysis tool and a new e-commerce venture.Resources MentionedNippon Tradings International (NTI)Mokomoko (Formerly Akiya Mart)Dr. Jonathan Tam on YouTube (Asia-Pacific Economics)Enjoyed this episode? Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a five-star review, and share it with a friend looking into Japanese real estate. If you want to explore over half a million properties across Japan, visit mokomoko.com or drop an email to [email protected]!

In this episode of Buying a House in Japan, Taker and Joey sit down with Keito Swan, a half-Japanese U.S. native who bought and fully renovated a 50-year-old akiya in Higashikawa, Hokkaido. Keito breaks down the real expenses behind his $180,000 project, the hard realities of local weather and trash rules, and why he thinks most foreign buyers should think twice before purchasing property in Japan.Key TakeawaysThe True Akiya Budget: Why cheap listings can quickly turn into $180,000 projects once you factor in full gut renovations and harsh climates.Local Integration Matters: Why understanding community rules, trash sorting, and local events like the Undokai make or break your living experience in rural Japan.The Airbnb Trap: Why managing remote vacation rentals in Japan rarely delivers the expected ROI for average buyers.Financial and Practical Realities: Why liquid capital, language access, or realistic plans for upkeep are non-negotiable for Japanese homeownership.Main PointsKeito's Journey to Hokkaido: Driving the Pan-American Highway, leaving a failed deal in Niseko behind, and finding a property in Higashikawa on Suumo while parked in the Atacama Desert.Renovating a 50-Year-Old House: Dealing with sub-zero temperatures, replacing entire plumbing systems, and prepping a house for 10 meters of annual snow.Skepticism Around the Akiya Boom: Unpacking common sales tactics, misleading online listings, and why low-cost rural houses often cost more than they are worth.Living in a Town of 8,000: Joining the local track-and-field day, dealing with village addresses, and building future plans for cabins, an art studio, and an English school.Resources & Links MentionedFollow Keito Swan on Instagram: @keitoswanBrowse Japanese property listings in English: MokomokoLearn about full-service remote home buying: Mokomoko Buyers Club If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. If you or someone you know wants to find a property in Japan, check out mokomoko.com or email us at [email protected].

Finding reasonable housing in the Bay Area can feel impossible. In this episode of Buying a House in Japan, Take sit downs with video producer Oliver to talk about his path to purchasing a modern, concrete home in Atami. From growing up in Japan and attending public school in Machida to using astrology and location criteria, Oliver breaks down how his family found their dream getaway near Sagami Bay.Key TakeawaysThe Bay Area Alternative: How high housing prices in California pushed Oliver to look for international real estate options.Atami Location Perk: Finding an ocean view, mountain backdrop, and quick access to Tokyo via the Shinkansen line.House Selection Criteria: Navigating building safety, post-2006 construction rules to avoid asbestos, and searching for lots with onsen water access.Growing Up in Japan: Oliver shares childhood memories of attending Japanese public school and using key local phrases.The "House of Dao": Creating a relaxing home environment for family, friends, and future guests.Resources & Links MentionedBrowse English friendly Japan real estate listings: MokomokoProperty Purchasing Assistance: Mokomoko Buyers ClubFollow the podcast on social media: Instagram | TikTokReach out to the team via email: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, please rate the show 5 stars on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and subscribe so you do not miss the next step in this home buying journey!

Welcome back to the Buying a House in Japan podcast! In this episode, Take and Joey dive into a massive milestone for the team: officially rebranding AkiyaMart to Mokomoko.com. They unpack the tech and administrative challenges of pivoting away from the negative connotations around the word "akiya", dealing with domain migrations, and resetting SEO from scratch.They also share practical tips on managing summer humidity in Japanese homes, the financial realities of trying to install a sauna on a Tokyo property, and the launch of the Mokomoko Buyers Club post-purchase program-designed to handle everything from utilities and tax reps to neighbor welcome gifts and house blessings.Key TakeawaysWhy the Rebrand Happened: Moving away from the term "akiya" reflects a broader mission to cover all real estate in Japan while dropping the dash from the domain name.Startup Lessons: Switching Google Workspace domains and migrating sites overnight requires a "just do it" mindset, even if SEO takes an initial hit.Home Care Hacks: Desiccant packs fill up fast in Japanese summers; running the AC on dehumidify mode at a higher temperature works best for long-term property protection.Sauna Realities: Urban Tokyo rules, neighbor proximity, and retaining wall retrofits can turn a simple outdoor sauna into a $60,000 project.Post-Purchase Care: Transitioning from home buyer to local resident means setting up tax representatives, local utilities, neighbor greeting gifts, and traditional house blessings.Resources & Links MentionedMokomoko (Formerly AkiyaMart): Find over half a million Japanese real estate listings at mokomoko.comMokomoko Buyers Club: Full-service remote home purchasing and post-purchase onboardingHawaii Vacation Rental / Listing: Check out Take's property at cheehoorentals.comHaven Sauna: Battery-backed saunas that standard outlets can chargeConnect With UsEmail: [email protected]: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for property tours, renovation updates, and home-buying tips.Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a five-star rating and share it with someone looking to buy a home in Japan!

Moving to Japan is a massive life pivot, but the real challenges often start long after the initial honeymoon phase fades. In this episode, we sit down with Richard Sandlin, who shares his raw experience moving from the Bay Area to Sendai with his family. We break down the realities of long-term life in Japan-from navigating the complex "three-year gotchas" like fluctuating taxes and car ownership to why hiring professional help is often the smartest investment you can make.Key TakeawaysThe "Three-Year Gotchas": Life changes after a few years. Costs, taxes, and bureaucratic requirements evolve in ways many expats aren’t prepared for.Why You Need Professional Help: Whether it’s taxes, visa paperwork, or interpreting complex Japanese regulations, stop trying to do it all yourself. Hiring experts isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to keep your sanity and stay compliant.Finding Your "Why": Japan isn't just about the aesthetic. Whether it's the safety for your kids, better education, or a lifestyle shift, stay connected to your core reason for moving to get through the tough bureaucratic days.Don't Ship Everything: Japan has a world-class secondhand market. Save the shipping costs and buy what you need locally (or use recycling shops like BookOff).What We CoveredSendai vs. Tokyo: Why choosing where you live is the first major "Yes" that dictates your entire experience.The Reality of Remote Work: How living in a foreign country while working for an American company creates a unique "bubble."Navigating Bureaucracy: The truth about ward offices, driver's license tests (the infamous "crank"!), and the stress of physical mail deadlines.Education: Breaking the myth that you need to be in Tokyo to find great, bilingual international schooling for your children.Resources & Linksmokomoko – Search over half a million listings for your dream home in Japan.Follow Richard: Connect with Richard Sandlin on Instagram for more insights on travel, points, and living in Japan.Subscribe & SupportEnjoyed this episode? Please leave us a five-star review-it helps others find the show and takes less than five seconds! If you’re ready to start your journey of buying a home in Japan, head over to mokomoko.com to get started.