Articles

Practical Guide · 8 min read · Audio

Every Akiya Bank in Japan: The Complete English Guide

Akiya banks are Japan's official vacant-home registries. Most are Japanese-only. This guide covers every English-accessible akiya bank, listed by prefecture.

March 18, 2026

Practical Guide · 14 min read · Audio

Working with Japanese Real Estate Agents: A Respectful Guide

Business card etiquette, response timelines, contract steps, and why ghosting an agent can close doors across an entire region.

March 14, 2026

Practical Guide · 19 min read · Audio

Earthquake-Proofing Your Akiya: A Non-Negotiable Investment

Pre-1981 vs post-1981 building codes, seismic retrofitting methods and costs, government subsidies, earthquake insurance, and why structural assessment is the first money you should spend.

March 12, 2026

Practical Guide · 17 min read · Audio

The Digital Nomad's Guide to Akiya Living

Visa options, internet speeds, coworking alternatives, and a full cost breakdown showing why buying an akiya beats paying Tokyo rent on a remote salary.

March 11, 2026

Practical Guide · 13 min read · Audio

Best Time to Buy Property in Japan: A Month-by-Month Guide

How Japan fiscal year, tax calendar, weather patterns, and holiday shutdowns create buying windows — and pitfalls — for foreign property buyers. Month-by-month guide.

March 3, 2026

Practical Guide · 20 min read · Audio

Managing Your Japanese Property from Abroad: A Practical Guide

Managing Japanese property from overseas: tax representatives, management companies, decay prevention, and the real costs of remote ownership. Practical guide for foreign owners.

February 27, 2026

Practical Guide · 13 min read · Audio

The Akiya Inspection Checklist: What to Look for Before You Buy

The 12-point inspection checklist for buying akiya in Japan. Roof, foundation, termites, plumbing, earthquake codes — what to check before you sign.

February 26, 2026

Practical Guide · 4 min read · Audio

How to Safely Buy Property in Japan: Avoiding Scams & Hidden Fees

A practical guide to avoiding common pitfalls when buying property in Japan as a foreigner — from inflated referral fees to paywalled public information, and how to verify listings yourself.

December 28, 2025

Practical Guide · 10 min read · Audio

Winterizing Your Akiya: What Snow Country Homes Need That Other Regions Don't

Snow load roofing, kerosene heating, pipe insulation, and the yukigakoi tradition — the practical realities of owning a house in heavy snowfall areas.

December 15, 2025