SUMMARY

Hosts Take and Joey interview Mika Auslander, a Tokyo-based real estate agent specializing in Akiya for foreigners, from her family's former home in rural Nagasaki, discussing her career, local culture, buying challenges, and advice for overseas buyers.

STATEMENTS

• Mika Auslander, a seasoned real estate agent, specializes in vacant homes (Akiya) for overseas buyers and has been working in the industry for nearly five years.
• The podcast is recorded in Mika's grandmother's living room in Akawa, Nagasaki, a place filled with childhood memories, including climbing a wooden structure with Pokemon stickers.
• Mika moved from Nagasaki to Tokyo in 2019 for an airport ground staff job at Haneda, which she found boring after less than a year.
• Mika learned English through school and university exams but became serious about it after a five-week study program in Australia, followed by a year and a half in Canada.
• Transitioning to real estate, Mika sought to use her English skills, starting with rentals for foreigners before moving into sales.
• Japanese real estate, especially in Tokyo, can have sketchy elements as depicted in shows like "Tokyo Swindlers," but Mika has not encountered scams in her work.
• Mika now works for a larger brokerage with a team of freelance agents, sharing commissions, and backed by legal support for contracts and advice.
• Hosts Take and Joey bought Mika's family's Akiya home in Nagasaki after she mentioned it was available, drawn by the stunning ocean views and rural charm.
• The neighborhood in Akawa has an average age of 70-80, with no JR train access, relying on buses, and is about 25 minutes' drive from downtown Nagasaki.
• Nagasaki offers breathtaking nature, mixed cultural influences from Portuguese, Chinese, and European sources, and unique foods like Champon and Turkish rice (Himach).
• Abandoned properties, including a nearby school closed for over a decade, highlight rural depopulation, with wild boars and other animals moving in.
• Buying the abandoned school would require contacting Nagasaki City, as it's likely government-owned, with estimated costs around 30-50 million yen including land.
• Mika feels happy and relieved selling her family's home to known buyers like Take and Joey, viewing it as recycling rather than letting it go to waste.
• Japanese culture lacks a strong DIY tradition, and banks prefer loans for homes built after 1981 due to earthquake standards, making older Akiya harder to finance.
• Foreign buyers must prepare for high fees like agency commissions, ownership transfers, and travel costs; non-residents can buy property without issues.
• Renovating Akiya in Japan involves challenges like strict regulations, but the process can be rewarding for those embracing rural life.
• Rural areas like Nagasaki face job scarcity, prompting youth migration to Tokyo, but incentives aim to attract younger people through development.
• Mika advises visiting potential neighborhoods multiple times before buying, as reselling countryside properties is difficult due to low demand.
• Akiya purchases suit lifestyle seekers loving Japan, not investors seeking quick ROI, as hosts have made no profit from five properties.
• Government efforts to spread tourism include JR passes, Shinkansen expansions, and free domestic flights, making travel easy compared to larger countries like the US.

IDEAS

• Rural Japanese neighborhoods like Akawa blend isolation with natural beauty, offering ocean views and community ties that outsiders find unexpectedly appealing.
• Childhood homes evoke complex emotions; selling Mika's family Akiya brought relief in reuse but nostalgia for lost vibrancy in depopulating areas.
• English proficiency opens doors in Japan's real estate for foreigners, turning a practical skill into a career bridging cultural gaps.
• Nagasaki's architecture and cuisine reflect a unique fusion of Portuguese, Chinese, and Western influences, creating a "hidden Europe" vibe in Japan.
• Abandoned schools symbolize rural decline but hold potential as community hubs or creative spaces if repurposed by motivated buyers.
• Japan's loan system favors new builds post-1981 earthquake codes, potentially steering cultural preferences toward modernity over heritage preservation.
• Foreign buyers often overlook Japan's extensive fees and renovation hurdles, mistaking cheap Akiya prices for easy investments.
• Wild boars invading abandoned properties highlight ecological shifts in depopulated zones, adding adventure and risk to rural living.
• Visiting sites multiple times prevents buyer's remorse, as countryside resales are rare due to niche appeal.
• Akiya buying thrives on personal connections; knowing a local agent like Mika transforms "middle-of-nowhere" spots into desirable homes.
• Government propaganda may exaggerate risks of pre-1981 homes to boost new construction, questioning official safety narratives.
• Ferries and Shinkansen make Japan traversable like a "floating hotel network," underrated for spreading tourism beyond Tokyo.
• Cultural immersion requires adapting to rural realities—no nearby stores, friendly but insular locals—beyond superficial fascination.
• Depopulation creates bargains like oceanfront Akiya worth $500,000 elsewhere, but demands commitment to non-monetary rewards.
• Kurashiki's canal-lined, brick-and-Japanese architecture offers a Kyoto-like vibe with better accessibility via Shinkansen.
• DIY culture's absence in Japan contrasts with Western norms, surprising agents when foreigners tackle renovations independently.
• Nagasaki's spacious, developing train station counters Tokyo's overcrowding, signaling efforts to revitalize through infrastructure.
• Personal gambles on unvisited properties can pay off with local guidance, turning risks into serendipitous adventures.
• Aging populations ensure more Akiya, but waiting for cheaper deals misses the joy of immediate Japan engagement.
• Food like Champon evolves from "leftover soup" perceptions to beloved staples, mirroring evolving views on rural gems.

INSIGHTS

• Akiya purchases reveal that true value lies in cultural immersion and personal adventure, not financial returns, fostering deeper human connections to place.
• Rural depopulation, while sad, unlocks hidden beauties like Nagasaki's coastlines, challenging urban biases toward progress and modernity.
• Language skills like Mika's English bridge worlds, showing how individual agency can reshape industries in insular societies.
• Government incentives and infrastructure subtly guide population flows, but genuine revival needs organic draws like nature and community warmth.
• Abandoned structures embody transience in disaster-prone Japan, urging repurposing to infuse new life into fading narratives.
• Misconceptions about easy living in Akiya underscore the need for realistic preparation, turning potential frustrations into growth opportunities.
• Cultural fusions in places like Nagasaki demonstrate hybridity's strength, enriching identity beyond national boundaries.
• Buying without visits risks isolation, but guided risks build resilience, mirroring life's unpredictable paths.
• Economic barriers to old homes perpetuate cycles of waste, hinting at systemic biases favoring consumption over sustainability.
• Personal ties in transactions, like selling family homes, humanize real estate, preserving memories through shared futures.
• Tourism tools like JR passes democratize exploration, revealing Japan's compact scale as a model for accessible wonder.
• Adapting to rural frictions cultivates patience, transforming "inconveniences" into profound appreciations of simplicity.
• Propaganda around building standards may distort risks, encouraging critical thinking about authority in everyday decisions.
• Youth migration to cities drains rural vitality, but reverse incentives could balance lifestyles, promoting holistic flourishing.
• Serendipitous opportunities, like Mika's home sale, illustrate how openness to flow yields unexpected fulfillments.

QUOTES

• "It's like a lot of memories and I'm like making even more memories here."
• "I wanted to use English skill because my parents kind of like invested but my parents paid. Wow. Good. Good daughter."
• "I personally don't have a bad experience. I've been working in this real estate industry for uh almost five years and no, I don't have a Have you seen a scam? Someone get scammed? No, not around me."
• "It's a really small area like small community neighborhood and probably the average uh age in this neighborhood is 70 to 80. We're bringing it down now."
• "Nagasaki offers breathtaking nature, mixed cultural influences from Portuguese, Chinese, and European sources, and unique foods like Champon and Turkish rice."
• "It's kind of sad. Like also like this house as well. We used to have like a really big family and in this town there used to be like an ice cream track and Yeah. It's like a really cute old memory."
• "Foreign buyers must prepare for high fees like agency commissions, ownership transfers, and travel costs; non-residents can buy property without issues."
• "Akiya purchases suit lifestyle seekers loving Japan, not investors seeking quick ROI, as hosts have made no profit from five properties."
• "Japan is a beautiful place. Even if you haven't visited, I can guarantee that it's uh if you're ready, it's a good choice to buy a house now. now that like the Japanese yen is really really cheap."

HABITS

• Mika visits Nagasaki twice a year to reconnect with family and enjoy local foods like Skimmen and Himach, maintaining ties to her roots.
• She prioritizes using invested skills, like English, by seeking jobs that apply them, turning parental support into career growth.
• Mika recommends multiple visits to potential properties, building a habit of thorough exploration before commitment.
• Hosts Take and Joey follow a "go with the flow" policy, responding to personal connections as signs to pursue opportunities.
• Mika adapts to rural life by driving 10 minutes to convenience stores, embracing self-reliance in countryside settings.
• She values community interactions, noting how Nagasaki locals greet strangers, fostering openness in daily encounters.
• Mika reflects on childhood memories during visits, using them to create new ones, like podcasting in her grandma's home.
• Hosts emphasize loving Japan's rural adventures, spending time at hardware stores and city halls as part of the buying process.

FACTS

• Nagasaki has one of Japan's three Chinatowns, alongside Kobe and Yokohama, due to historical proximity to China and openness during isolation periods.
• Champon, a Nagasaki specialty, combines noodles with seafood, meat, vegetables, and broth, originating from Chinese influences but uniquely local.
• Japan's 1981 New Construction Law set stricter earthquake standards, making pre-1981 homes riskier for loans and perceived as less safe.
• After the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, studies showed 30% of pre-1981 homes in affected areas collapsed, influencing building preferences.
• Shinkansen expansions aim to connect more regions, but projects like one for Nagasaki face delays, unlike efficient lines in Hokkaido.
• Non-residents can purchase real estate in Japan without restrictions, unlike some countries requiring residency.
• Wild boars (Inoshishi) increasingly invade abandoned properties in rural Japan, posing safety issues in depopulated areas.
• Kurashiki in Okayama features a Meiji-era ordinance preserving historic architecture, blending European bricks with Japanese canals.

REFERENCES

• Tokyo Swindlers (TV show about real estate scams in Tokyo, based on true stories).
• TOIEC (English proficiency exam studied in Japanese universities).
• Australia study program (five weeks, sparked Mika's interest in English).
• Canada (year and a half stay, improved language for real estate work).
• Haneda Airport ground staff job (check-in and gate services).
• AkiyaMart (hosts' platform for vacant homes, where Mika is a preferred agent).
• Ringer Hut (chain known for affordable Champon, nostalgic for host Joey).
• Always restaurant (famous for Skimmen in Nagasaki).
• Himawari (local spot for Turkish rice, a Nagasaki fusion dish).
• Hashima Island (visible from a coastal rest stop, known as Battleship Island).
• Gunkanjima (another name for Hashima, abandoned mining site).
• 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes (M7 events, basis for home collapse studies).
• JR Pass (for foreigners, facilitates nationwide travel).
• Shinkansen (bullet trains, key to Japan's easy domestic mobility).
• Ferries from Osaka to Beppu (floating hotels with pet rooms and dog parks).

HOW TO APPLY

• Research local agents with English skills and legal backing to handle contracts and viewings smoothly.
• Visit the neighborhood at least once or twice to assess rural realities like distance to stores and community vibe.
• Calculate total costs including agency fees, ownership transfers, travel, and renovations before budgeting.
• Embrace a non-investment mindset, focusing on lifestyle adventures like exploring local foods and nature.
• Connect with city hall or government offices for abandoned properties like schools, using personal networks for access.
• Prepare for DIY challenges by learning basic Japanese regulations on renovations and earthquake standards.
• Build relationships with locals through greetings and shared meals to integrate into small communities.
• Use Japan's transport like Shinkansen or ferries to scout multiple areas, prioritizing accessibility over Tokyo centrality.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Embrace Akiya buying in rural Japan for cultural adventure, not profit, guided by trusted agents like Mika.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Prioritize agents with large-team support for legal reliability in complex Akiya transactions.
• Visit potential sites multiple times to gauge rural isolation and scenic appeal firsthand.
• Budget extra for Japan's multifaceted fees, ensuring financial surprises don't derail the process.
• Focus on post-1981 builds for easier loans and perceived safety in earthquake-prone areas.
• Seek culturally fused spots like Nagasaki for unique, history-rich living experiences.
• Integrate with locals through simple interactions to combat depopulation's loneliness.
• Use JR passes and ferries to explore underrated regions beyond Tokyo for hidden gems.
• Approach renovations with patience, adapting to Japan's non-DIY norms via professional help.
• Avoid waiting for cheaper Akiya; start now if passionate about Japan to maximize enjoyment.
• Consider vacation repurposing for abandoned structures, contacting municipalities early.
• Screen for Japan enthusiasts only, steering clear of those seeking quick financial flips.
• Highlight nature and food in pitches to foreigners, countering urban-centric biases.
• Leverage personal connections, like family ties, to uncover off-market opportunities.
• Prepare for wildlife encounters in rural buys by assessing property security.
• Explore Kurashiki for accessible, architecturally stunning alternatives to busier cities.

MEMO

In the cozy living room of her grandmother's former home in Akawa, Nagasaki, real estate agent Mika Auslander joins hosts Take and Joey for their first video podcast on buying houses in Japan. Overlooking a stunning coastline, Mika shares her journey from a boring airport job in Tokyo to specializing in Akiya—vacant rural homes—for foreign buyers. Having grown up nearby, she reflects on the area's tight-knit community, where the average age hovers around 70-80, and laments the depopulation that has left schools abandoned and wild boars roaming hillsides. Yet, she sees hope in outsiders like the hosts, who recently purchased her family's oceanfront Akiya, breathing new life into a property she once thought unsellable due to its remote location.

Mika's career pivot stemmed from leveraging her English skills, honed in Australia and Canada, to bridge cultural gaps in real estate. Working for a larger brokerage, she benefits from legal teams that handle contracts, a rarity among smaller agents. The hosts praise her setup, contrasting it with bootstrap operations, and recount how Mika's casual mention of the family home sparked their interest. What locals view as a "dying neighborhood," foreigners cherish for its quiet mountains, ocean access, and 25-minute drive to Nagasaki's vibrant downtown—far more appealing than Tokyo's overcrowding.

Nagasaki captivates with its multicultural tapestry, from Portuguese-influenced Castella cakes and stained-glass architecture to China's historical footprint in one of Japan's three Chinatowns. Mika highlights hidden gems like a coastal rest stop for ice cream with views of Hashima Island, and fusion foods such as Champon—a hearty noodle soup once dismissed by host Joey as "fridge leftovers" but now a favorite—and Himach, a Turkish-Japanese rice medley. The city's new stadium and spacious train station signal revival efforts, countering youth exodus to Tokyo for jobs, though rural areas like Akawa lack easy rail access.

Challenges abound in Akiya buying: high fees for agencies and transfers, renovation hurdles under strict codes, and banks' preference for post-1981 homes due to earthquake standards. Mika debunks scams as Tokyo-specific, but warns of misconceptions—many assume immediate livability, ignoring needs like heaters in chilly rooms. The hosts, owning five properties without profit, advise treating it as a lifestyle quest for Japan lovers, not investors. Reselling countryside homes is tough, so multiple visits are key; they gambled on this one via Mika's guidance and won big.

An abandoned school nearby, closed for over a decade and possibly city-owned, sparks hypotheticals—could it become an Akiya headquarters? Estimated at 30-50 million yen, its hilltop perch offers panoramic views, but budget constraints and animal intrusions complicate revival. Mika's emotional sale of her grandma's house, used until last month, underscores recycling's joy over waste, despite nostalgia for ice cream trucks and bustling family gatherings.

Beyond Nagasaki, Mika recommends Kurashiki in Okayama for its canal-side, European-Japanese architecture and Shinkansen convenience—a Kyoto vibe without the crowds. Japan's transport innovations, like JR passes and pet-friendly ferries, make nationwide scouting easy, unlike America's long flights. Government pushes for rural tourism, including free domestic flights, aim to decentralize from Tokyo.

In closing, Mika urges ready buyers to act now amid the weak yen, guaranteeing Japan's beauty will reward the committed. For AkiyaMart listeners, she offers nationwide service, emphasizing personal connections in a process blending adventure, culture, and quiet reinvention of rural Japan.