Professional Chef here, we use plain distilled vinegar to keep our stainless steel worktops clean and shiny. Just spray some vinegar on after you've used soapy water, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth, and you're good to go!
Adding to this as a European, anything acidic will also help with those oil slick like stains on stainless steel cookware! We always use a dab of tomato paste on microfiber for pots and skillets
Yep, 100% better! Especially with the framing being dark timber to balance. My father has lived in Osaka for many years, and after many trips to Japan myself- there are still things that confuse me. Must be weird when they come to Aus also! 😂
This is really an inspiring channel. I'm 42, and am trying to move to Ecuador, where my parents are from. I had many doubts because of my age, but this channel really pushed me to just do it. Problems will come, but that's life. We only live once.
You may need a primer on the wood first with paint over it. You can switch out the pull cord light for one with a remote. In the US we can get a fan/light with a remote. Works well in the hot weather
@@californiadreaming567 I primed my grey bead board paneling before I painted it antique white. Primer was recommended at the pant store. Hope she used it.
You really lucked out with the handyman you found to help you fix and change all those things in your house! That's great you got a garage door put in and an indoor laundry area, I love the white walls, too!
For about a year now I have become enamored with Japan and its culture. I occasionally fantasize about living there (Okinawa for being a blue zone), not permanent but maybe for a year. I congratulate and admire you for actually DOING what I only fantasize about. Thank you for the videos. They are very informative and I enjoy them.
Visiting here and living here are too very different beasts. I'm sure it's the same in every country, but I've lived in a few now and it seems Japan has the harshest difference personally. It's one of the most amazing places to be a tourist, but to live as a foreigner is incredibly challenging. There is a reason why most end up returning to their home countries after some time. It takes a different breed to thrive here and I applaud those that manage it. Tenacity and perseverance are the words that come to mind
@@Ditronus. The blue zones (there are five of them) are places on earth with extraordinary longevity and health ageing - as in like people there live 5-10 years longer on average than comparable populations in comparably industrialised states. They have been extensively studied by Dan Buettner and colleagues (book, documentary), determining lifestyle factors that contribute to their longevity such as staying active with natural movement as you age, having a purpose, having strong social ties, and eating a whole-food plant-based diet (95+ % plants). It's really fascinating and insightful, I recommend you check it out if you're interested. Sadly, the only blue zone to remain intact today are the 7-day Adventists (a faith community) in Loma Linda, California. The other four have not been able to keep their lifestyle, Okinawa sadly among them with younger generations having a lower life expectancy than their grandparents.
I had never heard of musical garbage trucks until a couple of weeks ago on a trip to Okinawa I saw (and heard) one playing Greensleeves, so cute! I can imagine a few people hearing it, think "oh crumbs I need to put the rubbish bag out!" and get it out there in the nick of time 😂
You did an amazing job w the new home. It looks cozy. The white color brings wonderful light to the room. Kitty is looking happy and cozy in the new home. I’m looking forward to the next vlog.
Thank you for the content. I'm a young man looking into living in Japan as an ALT for a few years. Content like this helps me understand the things not often covered by larger channels
I was an ALT for 11 years. I'm also president of the ALT union local. Happy to answer any of your questions. I don't actually know what Chani does, but I don't think she is an ALT.
@@plainvanillaguy This is downright cosmopolitan versus some ALT placements. You can be placed on the top of mountains or on far flung islands. Places where the number of students for the entire area fit into a single classroom. Chani's area isn't at all too rural for ALTs. The smallest school I ever taught at had only 90 students, and that wasn't as rural as some placements.
The fact that there’s no garage in Japan and people park their cars 🚗 outside just shows how safe Japan is 🇯🇵🇯🇵. I didn’t notice that and that’s true about parking outside. Japan is truly community.
The white wood looks great in the hall. Really interesting video and makes me realise how much better at efficiency and thinking of the environment Japan is.
I used Windex to clean stainless surfaces. You can also use windex to clean your laminate cupboard doors, fridge doors, bathroom stalls, bathtub, any porcelain finish, etc. Windex is also great for cutting down grease in the kitchen.
I’m an Aussie and learning Japanese! I love your videos. My dream would be to live in Japan so I love your pointing out the everyday dilemmas and not romanticising life in Japan. Can’t wait see more of your content. Good luck with your renovations 😊
Hi there! Glad you found the video. To answer your question, I was a high school teacher in Australia. I don't know about all visa categories, but I do know there is a shortage of Nurses/aged care workers here. That may be an option with your qualifications?
I’m thrilled at your house purchase! It looks very nice, now that the initial problems have been solved. I’m something of a DIYer and sometime handyman myself, and love the changes and improvements you’ve done. Yes, the painted surfaces are definitely an improvement and I am looking forward to seeing more of your home improvement journey. Good luck!
Your videos are such a breath of fresh air in the whole Japan content creation sphere. Love seeing the nitty gritty, and getting to experience all the little obstacles and discoveries you make as a new resident in the country. Will definitely be following along your journey, keep up the great work!
This is absolutely impressive. I’m Japanese living outside Japan more than half of my life and am in my 50s. Started thinking about maybe I want to move back eventually but I’m too comfortable where I am in the US. Your video helps me see what I need to know if I were to return. I’m also considering Akiya but that means I have to go somewhere I don’t know as I am from near Tokyo🥹 I’m so following your video. Thank you for sharing Chani🙌
Once it hits June, it's gonna start to get real humid. You might see black mold popping up where you put that washing machine, the tatami room, and anywhere that doesn't get used/ventilated regularly. Nothing you can really do to keep it dehumidified permanently, it's just how the weather is in the summer seasons. Loving the videos. Good luck out there
If you're talking about a full on wall to wall infestation where you'd need PPE, all I can offer you is some light prayers. But typically, if it's just in small areas, you can make a solution of dish wash soap & water or dilute bleach with water, spray it and wipe it off with a towel. Maybe wear a face mask and gloves while cleaning. To keep the area moderately dry and prevent mold (if it's a closed space like under the kitchen sink), you can buy disposable charcoal dehumidifiers that'll probably last about a month or two depending on how moist the area is. Otherwise you're gonna have to keep the room ventilated, open windows and let air through frequently like once or twice a day. Hope that helps
Really enjoy your narrative about living in Japan. You’re honest and humble and you speak your mind. ⭐️ I’ve lived near Tokyo (off and on) for many years. Years ago when I first got married to my Japanese wife, we visited Japan quite often. Her parents lived in a house built in the 1930’s. After hundreds (if not thousands) of small earthquakes over the years, the beautiful old tiles on the roof had shifted a bit and it had started to leak. Back in the booming 1980’s they called a roofing company and were quoted some crazy price like the equivalent of $150,000 to replace the roof. Being a young naive American, I decided to climb up on the roof and see if there might be an easier way. I ended up going down the street to the local hardware store, buying a bag of mortar for ¥500 and one by one, I just reset the few tiles where the roof was leaking. Problem solved ! My in-laws were impressed ! 😂. It was a good thing, because not too many years later a big construction company offered to buy their house and land and now there’s a huge 14 story mansion. We now live on the top floor, exactly 14 stories above where the house used to sit and can enjoy the beautiful rising Sun every morning. Now I have to go outside and scrub the big rooftop veranda several times a year to keep the Tokyo grime at bay… what have I gotten myself into ? 😅 🪣🧽💦. The mansion is actually showing its age a little now too, so I’ve started to upgrade a few things whenever I’m over there. We are planning to retire in Japan very soon. Life has gotten crazy expensive in Seattle, and our precious dollars go ALOT farther in Japan (Yes ! We can actually afford to eat out once in awhile !). Anyway, I really like your philosophy. Life is short and we should strive to do the things we WANT to do. Eating cake for dinner… yeah ! 🍰 😋… why not ?!!
Thank you so much for yor comment and story. I love that you helped the in-laws get an awesome result for their property. A few $ go such a long way here.
The outdoor is starting to look cheerful. It reminds me of the space in a st Kilda flat my friends rented in our 20s we still had a good time drinking, bbqing and talking
I'm an English learner living in Japan. Through your vlogs, I have realized there are still some English words that I don't know about the things of my daily use. One of them is "sock" used in the kitchen sink. Your vlogs are inspiring and help me to study English. Thank you so much❗️
The hole in the floor in the kitchen is for cold storage like potatoes, fruits and things that don't need to be refridgerated but stored in cool space. i loved mine!
Chani, wow nice improvements to the house. The garage, washing machine in the house, trap doors. The house must be happy to have you as an owner. The white color paint on the wall looking nice!
The white paint on the plywood walls is so much better. For a luxury look one can also use lining paper and then put a wallpaper of their choice over that. You are certainly pulling the whole building into a home of your choice and taste. Great job.👍😍
Cool, I found all that fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I agree, the entrance looks way better with the white paint, brightens it up heaps. Great video!
Hi Chani, I love you videos. I watch them from Central Asia where I’m currently living but I’m also an Aussie. I lived in the north of Japan some time ago and the door in the kitchen floor had big plastic crates for storing drinks or veggies in them. So you could add more storage to your kitchen if it needs it too.
I love the recycling machines outside of the supermarket. I have multiple recycling bins but the council picks them up only once a month and sometimes we have to take the excess to a local centre. No points though! Very interesting to see how another country functions.
I’d love to make an artist retreat in Japan: find one of those old rural homes and set it up to take 4or 5 artist for a couple weeks to explore and work. I think that would be a nice retirement. I use to dream of having a book/video/ small gallery/ creative space by the sea on the NSW coat somewhere but Japan looks so interesting
I worked for an eco cleaning company in Byron Bay 10 years ago. To clean and polish a stainless steel bench we would use bicarb soda and vinegar mixture to do an initial clean and we would use a little drop of olive oil on a clean cloth to shine the steel benches. Try it out 👌
I worked in a tourist park in Australia and it had a few older cabins with the good old timber ply panelling. One of them had had a smoker living in it and a square metre of wall area would turn a bucket of water a dark tea colour 😮 but after a good sugar soap scrub and paint with a light beige colour it was transformed. I have seen some nice "shabby chic" painting with a light blue base coat then a white overcoat lightly sponged off before it dries, giving a beachy vibe.
Here in Finland old houses often have stainless steel benchtops. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, just plonk a little bit of bicarb soda and a few drops of diswashing liquid on the benchtop, mix those together with a damp cloth and clean away. Finish by rinsing the cloth thoroughly and give everything one last wipe. That's how my grandma always did it. I now use this method with my sink 😊
Loving your down to earth, real life insights of your Japan experience. Looking forward to more.... the white looks 100% better on the walls as there's plenty of other wood/wood colour accents around!
What a wonderful home! I 'thought' you'd have a tiny house but yours has a good amount of space and you configured things beautifully. Interestingly, too, I didn't anticipate that there would be "much" English - that's really great actually! Thank you for your video
ps. regarding the stainless steel counter top, u prolly already know this, but make sure to always keep them dry to avoid water stains. it was always very satisfying for me to wipe them down at the end of doing the dishes.
@@mazzdacon2134 a very clean, slightly wet and as hot a rag as yr hand can handle. then rinse it under the hot as possible water, squeeze as much hot water out as you can, and if needed wipe the counter down a second time to remove any water streaks. to preserve the longevity of the rag i used to either hang it on the edge of the sink at the front OR on the neck ( as they're v.long in japan) of the tap to air and dry it out. plz make my effort of this long a rse detailed commentary worth it by NEVER wasting money on cleaning agents you don't REALLY need. hot water, bleach, citrus extract are all thats really needed to maintain a clean home ( and elbow grease) . make your grandmama proud, and your bank balance slightly healthier (and the environment) . regards from the hikikomori gaijin
Oh yeah the white is definitely an improvement! There's nothing I hate worse than that dark feeling like the walls are closing in on you. It's looking really good so far!
All the very best Chani from Melbourne. Really look forward to every video that you will put out on your progression in Japan. I'm 35 bogged down with work, kids and everything else to do what you did...inspiring to see you take the leap and maybe will help me make the same call down the line.
The white paint is very nice. It's also a way of adding your energy into the house rather than living with the previous owners' choices. A bit time consuming to paint the grooves, but patience is free and painting one of the cheapest, easiest and quickest ways to refresh a space. Also a lot less mess than ripping it out and putting up sheet rock/drywall/gyprock --whatever it's called in Australia. Good move with the washing machine. It's always fun to see a team of Japanese people figure out how to do something no one has asked them to do before.
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world desires a japanese society . Prepare to be amazed: BRAZIL has more japanese descent than the WHOLE Japanese society in JAPAN ITSELF. DID YOU KNOW THAT? BRAZIL HAS THE BIGGEST japanese society in the world outside Japan. We have A " SECOND JAPAN" in BRAZIL. YOU DIDN'T know that, did you? Among all people on eath , WE BRAZILIANS wish the ENTIRE JAPAN WOULD MOVE TO BRAZIL. WE LOVE THESE PEOPLE in all ways. We have a lot to learn from them. JAPAN , YOU ARE WELCOME IN BRAZIL!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷
Thank you for sharing your adventure, so happy to discover your channel. I lived in Australia Japan and Malaysia a long time ago, and am seriously considering leaving America and going back to Japan. If you are up for questions I may have some along the way. Btw, the white paint on the entry was a huge improvement and opened up the space and knocked the age of.
Hi I’m Angie from North Carolina, USA. I’ve just found your channel today and I’m really enjoying watching your journey. Your voice is very calming for me and relaxes my mind. Just wanted to tell you that and say Thank you for all the hard work in making the videos! Also, I like the walls painted white much better then the plywood walls! I’m loving all that you have done with the house! ❤
Just in case you are wondering about the trap door in the kitchen, it's for storing food as it's cooler down there and there is usually not tons of storage in the kitchen :)
Definitely paint the walls white. It brightens up the space tremendously. I admire you. Just coming cross your channel. What brought you to Japan I wonder. I like Japan. I like their strict rules with cleanliness etc.
You have such a nice and calm way of presenting your story, I find that watching your video’s is very therapeutic for me 😄 Not only that, your video’s are informative too. I am a 47 year old currently living in Europe and seriously considering the option to move to Japan. So please continue to make your video’s and yes the white colour entry hall is much better 👌🏻
I love your channel. You have a lovely, very down to earth way of sharing the reality of your life there, the good and the challenges, without being over the top like so many other creators in this sphere. I always dreamed of seeing Japan one day and although it's not possible right now, a girl can dream! Thank you for your perspective, it's refreshing!
I love your videos very informative for people like me that are interested in moving there and what to expect. The more info the fastest or easier the decisions can be made to move.
This is the first video of yours that i have seen, and i noticed what a calming voice you have. I also appreciate how simple and uncomplicated the video is, but it's also to the point. I plan to move to Japan in the future and i am starting to prepare now, by learning the language and watching videos about life in Japan. So this was perfect for me. Arigato! :)
It is wonderful to see daily life in Japan. Every thing looks wonderfully clean and orderly. Your personable and practical explanation is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your postings.
great video, awesome house, hopefully i will be making the move to Japan to get married, hope to see you there, that was great food you had cooking, i never had seafood from Japan, so it will be my first time
Hi there. What made you want to go to Japan? I like the improvements you made on the house. If you make more I would love to see them. You got to tell us what it is like living in Japan as a opposed to Australia. Please keep us updated. Love ya! Stay safe out there. Take care and God bless
Love your living spaces. Japan seems to have a great vibe about it. Neat, clean and super efficient, I’d love to visit one day. Also, You drive on the left like we do in Britain! I didn’t know that. Cool 😎
It seems like a very nice neighborhood you live in. How do they manage the cleanliness over there? It is very impeccable!!! Best of Luck and happiness in life. Ciao!!!
Hi. I stumbled onto your channel. I really enjoy your videos. It’s a fresh perspective on day to day living in Japan. I hope you are enjoying Japan. I am Japanese, but born and raised in the USA. My family loves visiting Japan, and now that I am getting close to retirement age, I plan to visit more often and for longer periods of time. By the way, I like the white color wall.
I like the painted "wood" panels. The texture is fun and it looks way nicer brighter. Japanese houses can feel dated and dark with their love of dark wood; but dark wood looks really lovely with pale colours.
I had planned to move to Japan after I graduated but COVID set me back educationally. Hopefully I can still do it. Thank you for this actual real video! It was so nice to watch!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏👏👏 Loving your videos! So refreshing to see someone my age speaking on my interests. Your insights are so fresh and not run of the mill; so many Japan vloggers show the same visuals and discuss redundant topics. You are filling a much-needed and desired niche! Keep it up! Blessings on your adventures!
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Professional Chef here, we use plain distilled vinegar to keep our stainless steel worktops clean and shiny. Just spray some vinegar on after you've used soapy water, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth, and you're good to go!
Adding to this as a European, anything acidic will also help with those oil slick like stains on stainless steel cookware! We always use a dab of tomato paste on microfiber for pots and skillets
Painting the walls white looks so much better. ❤
I love the wood as is personally, but I was surprised that it looks okay painted - brighter for sure.
After recovering from a flood, I painted all the walls white, and it's so nice and bright !
I like the mixture of wood and white walls.@@27klickslegend
The colour scheme in your Akiya is great. You're a fantastic lady. Enjoy watching your videos. Cheers.
Yep, 100% better! Especially with the framing being dark timber to balance.
My father has lived in Osaka for many years, and after many trips to Japan myself- there are still things that confuse me. Must be weird when they come to Aus also! 😂
I love how real your videos are. This is genuinely how most people live.
This is really an inspiring channel. I'm 42, and am trying to move to Ecuador, where my parents are from. I had many doubts because of my age, but this channel really pushed me to just do it. Problems will come, but that's life. We only live once.
Thanks so much for your comment. I hope you can make your move!
@@ChaniJapan If I move to Japan, it will be your fault :)
@@Songbirdstress😂
ecuador is sometimes controlled by gangsters
in spite of the crime wave?
I do agree painting the walls white makes it brighter especially for the entrance
You may need a primer on the wood first with paint over it. You can switch out the pull cord light for one with a remote. In the US we can get a fan/light with a remote. Works well in the hot weather
@@californiadreaming567 I primed my grey bead board paneling before I painted it antique white. Primer was recommended at the pant store. Hope she used it.
You really lucked out with the handyman you found to help you fix and change all those things in your house! That's great you got a garage door put in and an indoor laundry area, I love the white walls, too!
The white wall definitely gives it a beautiful bright look
Definitely the right choice, painting the walls white is the oldest trick in the book to make a small dark space become alive and feel bigger 👌
Or put more lighting.
I wonder if they had a renter in the room with the remote
control lighting?
My wife is Japanese and I’ve been to Japan two months. I still learned a lot. Great stuff. Renovation looking good.
For about a year now I have become enamored with Japan and its culture. I occasionally fantasize about living there (Okinawa for being a blue zone), not permanent but maybe for a year. I congratulate and admire you for actually DOING what I only fantasize about. Thank you for the videos. They are very informative and I enjoy them.
Visiting here and living here are too very different beasts. I'm sure it's the same in every country, but I've lived in a few now and it seems Japan has the harshest difference personally. It's one of the most amazing places to be a tourist, but to live as a foreigner is incredibly challenging. There is a reason why most end up returning to their home countries after some time. It takes a different breed to thrive here and I applaud those that manage it. Tenacity and perseverance are the words that come to mind
What's a blue zone?
@@Ditronus. The blue zones (there are five of them) are places on earth with extraordinary longevity and health ageing - as in like people there live 5-10 years longer on average than comparable populations in comparably industrialised states. They have been extensively studied by Dan Buettner and colleagues (book, documentary), determining lifestyle factors that contribute to their longevity such as staying active with natural movement as you age, having a purpose, having strong social ties, and eating a whole-food plant-based diet (95+ % plants). It's really fascinating and insightful, I recommend you check it out if you're interested. Sadly, the only blue zone to remain intact today are the 7-day Adventists (a faith community) in Loma Linda, California. The other four have not been able to keep their lifestyle, Okinawa sadly among them with younger generations having a lower life expectancy than their grandparents.
@@Ditronus.A blue zone is where the elderly live often to a centarian. This would be Okinawa.
I had never heard of musical garbage trucks until a couple of weeks ago on a trip to Okinawa I saw (and heard) one playing Greensleeves, so cute! I can imagine a few people hearing it, think "oh crumbs I need to put the rubbish bag out!" and get it out there in the nick of time 😂
You did an amazing job w the new home. It looks cozy. The white color brings wonderful light to the room. Kitty is looking happy and cozy in the new home. I’m looking forward to the next vlog.
Thank you so much!
@@ChaniJapan Yes, the cat is really beautiful. Does the cat like to go outside and sit on your wall?
Thank you for the content. I'm a young man looking into living in Japan as an ALT for a few years. Content like this helps me understand the things not often covered by larger channels
I was an ALT for 11 years. I'm also president of the ALT union local. Happy to answer any of your questions. I don't actually know what Chani does, but I don't think she is an ALT.
@@nippoliticaDO ALT opportunities exist in rural areas like these?
@@plainvanillaguy This is downright cosmopolitan versus some ALT placements. You can be placed on the top of mountains or on far flung islands. Places where the number of students for the entire area fit into a single classroom. Chani's area isn't at all too rural for ALTs. The smallest school I ever taught at had only 90 students, and that wasn't as rural as some placements.
The fact that there’s no garage in Japan and people park their cars 🚗 outside just shows how safe Japan is 🇯🇵🇯🇵. I didn’t notice that and that’s true about parking outside. Japan is truly community.
Japan is safe as long as you’re not a woman. Stalkers are terrible in Japan and men coming onto you are very aggressive
You need an approved parking spot. No on-the-street parking.
It's safe because of Japan's strict immigration laws - it's not full of diversity so Japan doesn't have the population that commits all the crimes.
Hello. Yes there are garage almost each house my friend. It depends where you live.Japan.
@ what part of Japan 🇯🇵?!! 🙄🙄🙄 Normally don’t use garages there cause of the space, but go on please tell me the city or part. I’m all eyes!!!
The white wood looks great in the hall. Really interesting video and makes me realise how much better at efficiency and thinking of the environment Japan is.
Thank you! Cheers!
I used Windex to clean stainless surfaces. You can also use windex to clean your laminate cupboard doors, fridge doors, bathroom stalls, bathtub, any porcelain finish, etc. Windex is also great for cutting down grease in the kitchen.
Great tip! Thank you 😀
Mix a little bit of vinegar with water and there ya go.
I'm so glad I found your channel, it's all so interesting. And YES the white is looking great on the walls :)
Yay! Thank you!
I’m an Aussie and learning Japanese! I love your videos. My dream would be to live in Japan so I love your pointing out the everyday dilemmas and not romanticising life in Japan.
Can’t wait see more of your content. Good luck with your renovations 😊
Thanks so much 😀
Hi there. My son live in Japan. He teach Japanese. His channel is Light Smit. I also love Japan.
Love from South Africa 🇯🇵🇿🇦🌷💕
I found it all absolutely fascinating. Wonderful how you are melding your own preferences into your Japanese home.
Hi there! Glad you found the video. To answer your question, I was a high school teacher in Australia. I don't know about all visa categories, but I do know there is a shortage of Nurses/aged care workers here. That may be an option with your qualifications?
I love the wall. You've done an excellent job of painting it 👏. It certainly brightens the house up 🫶
Thanks so much! 😊
I’m thrilled at your house purchase! It looks very nice, now that the initial problems have been solved. I’m something of a DIYer and sometime handyman myself, and love the changes and improvements you’ve done. Yes, the painted surfaces are definitely an improvement and I am looking forward to seeing more of your home improvement journey. Good luck!
Thanks! I will post an update once I've finished a few more things.
Your videos are such a breath of fresh air in the whole Japan content creation sphere. Love seeing the nitty gritty, and getting to experience all the little obstacles and discoveries you make as a new resident in the country. Will definitely be following along your journey, keep up the great work!
Glad you like them! I will keep making more as time allows.
Baby oil and a soft cloth for stainless steel, you only need a small amount on the cloth and wipe over comes up like new.
Great tip!
For a proper clean, use vodka and a micro fiber cloth.
Then rub with oil... 👌
This is absolutely impressive. I’m Japanese living outside Japan more than half of my life and am in my 50s. Started thinking about maybe I want to move back eventually but I’m too comfortable where I am in the US. Your video helps me see what I need to know if I were to return. I’m also considering Akiya but that means I have to go somewhere I don’t know as I am from near Tokyo🥹 I’m so following your video. Thank you for sharing Chani🙌
Once it hits June, it's gonna start to get real humid. You might see black mold popping up where you put that washing machine, the tatami room, and anywhere that doesn't get used/ventilated regularly. Nothing you can really do to keep it dehumidified permanently, it's just how the weather is in the summer seasons. Loving the videos. Good luck out there
How do you get rid of the mold safely in Japan?
If you're talking about a full on wall to wall infestation where you'd need PPE, all I can offer you is some light prayers. But typically, if it's just in small areas, you can make a solution of dish wash soap & water or dilute bleach with water, spray it and wipe it off with a towel. Maybe wear a face mask and gloves while cleaning. To keep the area moderately dry and prevent mold (if it's a closed space like under the kitchen sink), you can buy disposable charcoal dehumidifiers that'll probably last about a month or two depending on how moist the area is. Otherwise you're gonna have to keep the room ventilated, open windows and let air through frequently like once or twice a day. Hope that helps
Yes, mold can be an issue. It's possible to buy room de-humidifiers which work reasonably well.
Oil of Clove removes mould
What about installing an exhaust fan which can take the air outside and create ventilation?
Thanks for the video. I find it fascinating to learn about everyday life in Japan, with the perspective of a new migrant.
Really enjoy your narrative about living in Japan. You’re honest and humble and you speak your mind. ⭐️
I’ve lived near Tokyo (off and on) for many years. Years ago when I first got married to my Japanese wife, we visited Japan quite often. Her parents lived in a house built in the 1930’s. After hundreds (if not thousands) of small earthquakes over the years, the beautiful old tiles on the roof had shifted a bit and it had started to leak. Back in the booming 1980’s they called a roofing company and were quoted some crazy price like the equivalent of $150,000 to replace the roof. Being a young naive American, I decided to climb up on the roof and see if there might be an easier way. I ended up going down the street to the local hardware store, buying a bag of mortar for ¥500 and one by one, I just reset the few tiles where the roof was leaking. Problem solved ! My in-laws were impressed ! 😂. It was a good thing, because not too many years later a big construction company offered to buy their house and land and now there’s a huge 14 story mansion. We now live on the top floor, exactly 14 stories above where the house used to sit and can enjoy the beautiful rising Sun every morning. Now I have to go outside and scrub the big rooftop veranda several times a year to keep the Tokyo grime at bay… what have I gotten myself into ? 😅 🪣🧽💦. The mansion is actually showing its age a little now too, so I’ve started to upgrade a few things whenever I’m over there. We are planning to retire in Japan very soon. Life has gotten crazy expensive in Seattle, and our precious dollars go ALOT farther in Japan (Yes ! We can actually afford to eat out once in awhile !).
Anyway, I really like your philosophy. Life is short and we should strive to do the things we WANT to do. Eating cake for dinner… yeah ! 🍰 😋… why not ?!!
Thank you so much for yor comment and story. I love that you helped the in-laws get an awesome result for their property. A few $ go such a long way here.
What a story @sleeplessstu
The outdoor is starting to look cheerful. It reminds me of the space in a st Kilda flat my friends rented in our 20s we still had a good time drinking, bbqing and talking
I'm an English learner living in Japan.
Through your vlogs, I have realized there are still some English words that I don't know about the things of my daily use.
One of them is "sock" used in the kitchen sink.
Your vlogs are inspiring and help me to study English.
Thank you so much❗️
That's great!
Excellent video Chani, totally love this!
Thanks Kara 😀
The hole in the floor in the kitchen is for cold storage like potatoes, fruits and things that don't need to be refridgerated but stored in cool space. i loved mine!
Good to know!
Chani, wow nice improvements to the house. The garage, washing machine in the house, trap doors. The house must be happy to have you as an owner.
The white color paint on the wall looking nice!
Thank you so much 😊
The white paint on the plywood walls is so much better. For a luxury look one can also use lining paper and then put a wallpaper of their choice over that. You are certainly pulling the whole building into a home of your choice and taste. Great job.👍😍
Thanks for the idea 😀
Cool, I found all that fascinating! Thanks for sharing. I agree, the entrance looks way better with the white paint, brightens it up heaps. Great video!
Thanks!
Hi Chani, I love you videos. I watch them from Central Asia where I’m currently living but I’m also an Aussie. I lived in the north of Japan some time ago and the door in the kitchen floor had big plastic crates for storing drinks or veggies in them. So you could add more storage to your kitchen if it needs it too.
I love the recycling machines outside of the supermarket. I have multiple recycling bins but the council picks them up only once a month and sometimes we have to take the excess to a local centre. No points though! Very interesting to see how another country functions.
The point system is great because I shop there so I can use them on groceries!
Love the recycling scheme. What a great idea and incentive!
The white walls are lovely! You just make that place your own. Have a blessed day!
Thank you! You too!
I’d love to make an artist retreat in Japan: find one of those old rural homes and set it up to take 4or 5 artist for a couple weeks to explore and work. I think that would be a nice retirement. I use to dream of having a book/video/ small gallery/ creative space by the sea on the NSW coat somewhere but Japan looks so interesting
That would be cool!
Beautiful video. I love the painted plywood. Beautiful house.
Very kind of you to say that. Thanks 😀
I worked for an eco cleaning company in Byron Bay 10 years ago. To clean and polish a stainless steel bench we would use bicarb soda and vinegar mixture to do an initial clean and we would use a little drop of olive oil on a clean cloth to shine the steel benches. Try it out 👌
Great tip!
Or baby oil ( Johnson)
Super interesting those daily life details! And white walls make the space appear bigger.
I think so too! I just need to find the time to paint the rest now. I keep procrastinating. 😅
I worked in a tourist park in Australia and it had a few older cabins with the good old timber ply panelling. One of them had had a smoker living in it and a square metre of wall area would turn a bucket of water a dark tea colour 😮 but after a good sugar soap scrub and paint with a light beige colour it was transformed. I have seen some nice "shabby chic" painting with a light blue base coat then a white overcoat lightly sponged off before it dries, giving a beachy vibe.
Very cool!
Here in Finland old houses often have stainless steel benchtops. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, just plonk a little bit of bicarb soda and a few drops of diswashing liquid on the benchtop, mix those together with a damp cloth and clean away. Finish by rinsing the cloth thoroughly and give everything one last wipe. That's how my grandma always did it. I now use this method with my sink 😊
FYI - I lived in a house with a water heater like that. You can actually get a subscription service to have them refill it for you. Super easy.
Thanks! I never knew that. I will investigate it. That would be a lot easier.
Loving your down to earth, real life insights of your Japan experience. Looking forward to more.... the white looks 100% better on the walls as there's plenty of other wood/wood colour accents around!
Like the white paint. It brightens up the area.
Thanks!
What a wonderful home! I 'thought' you'd have a tiny house but yours has a good amount of space and you configured things beautifully. Interestingly, too, I didn't anticipate that there would be "much" English - that's really great actually! Thank you for your video
Thank you so much!
ps. regarding the stainless steel counter top, u prolly already know this, but make sure to always keep them dry to avoid water stains. it was always very satisfying for me to wipe them down at the end of doing the dishes.
Have stainless benches too in Oz, spray and wipe does it.
@@mazzdacon2134 why would you unnecessarily use chemicals for cleaning near to where you also do food prep?
@@homebrandrules wipe them down with what?
@@mazzdacon2134 a very clean, slightly wet and as hot a rag as yr hand can handle. then rinse it under the hot as possible water, squeeze as much hot water out as you can, and if needed wipe the counter down a second time to remove any water streaks. to preserve the longevity of the rag i used to either hang it on the edge of the sink at the front OR on the neck ( as they're v.long in japan) of the tap to air and dry it out. plz make my effort of this long a rse detailed commentary worth it by NEVER wasting money on cleaning agents you don't REALLY need. hot water, bleach, citrus extract are all thats really needed to maintain a clean home ( and elbow grease) . make your grandmama proud, and your bank balance slightly healthier (and the environment) . regards from the hikikomori gaijin
@@homebrandrules thank you
I really like your series. I'm hoping to retire with my wife (a Japanese national) in Japan in a few years and your videos have been a great resource.
Wow, your handyman was quite a find!!
The white definitely gives it a clean and spacious look
Oh yeah the white is definitely an improvement! There's nothing I hate worse than that dark feeling like the walls are closing in on you. It's looking really good so far!
All the very best Chani from Melbourne. Really look forward to every video that you will put out on your progression in Japan. I'm 35 bogged down with work, kids and everything else to do what you did...inspiring to see you take the leap and maybe will help me make the same call down the line.
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world doesn't need to move to Japan. What we MUST DO TO is LEARN FROM JAPAN. Period..🇧🇷🇧🇷
The white paint is very nice. It's also a way of adding your energy into the house rather than living with the previous owners' choices. A bit time consuming to paint the grooves, but patience is free and painting one of the cheapest, easiest and quickest ways to refresh a space. Also a lot less mess than ripping it out and putting up sheet rock/drywall/gyprock --whatever it's called in Australia.
Good move with the washing machine. It's always fun to see a team of Japanese people figure out how to do something no one has asked them to do before.
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world desires a japanese society . Prepare to be amazed: BRAZIL has more japanese descent than the WHOLE Japanese society in JAPAN ITSELF. DID YOU KNOW THAT? BRAZIL HAS THE BIGGEST japanese society in the world outside Japan. We have A " SECOND JAPAN" in BRAZIL. YOU DIDN'T know that, did you? Among all people on eath , WE BRAZILIANS wish the ENTIRE JAPAN WOULD MOVE TO BRAZIL. WE LOVE THESE PEOPLE in all ways. We have a lot to learn from them. JAPAN , YOU ARE WELCOME IN BRAZIL!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷
San Paulo has the second largest Japanese population
@@miyoshimoore7417 🇧🇷🇧🇷 São Paulo ALONE, MAY HAVE almost half of the JAPAN'S POPULATION. Check it out.🇧🇷🇧🇷
I agree. The wall looks much better painted white as it makes the room brighter.
Thank you for sharing your adventure, so happy to discover your channel. I lived in Australia Japan and Malaysia a long time ago, and am seriously considering leaving America and going back to Japan. If you are up for questions I may have some along the way.
Btw, the white paint on the entry was a huge improvement and opened up the space and knocked the age of.
I love everything you do. You are an inspiration for so many of us....
Thank you for such an interesting video. Love the white wall, and your beautiful cat.
Thank you! 😊
Hi I’m Angie from North Carolina, USA. I’ve just found your channel today and I’m really enjoying watching your journey. Your voice is very calming for me and relaxes my mind. Just wanted to tell you that and say Thank you for all the hard work in making the videos! Also, I like the walls painted white much better then the plywood walls! I’m loving all that you have done with the house! ❤
Thank you so much Angie! I'm so glad you're enjoying the journey so far ❤️
Just in case you are wondering about the trap door in the kitchen, it's for storing food as it's cooler down there and there is usually not tons of storage in the kitchen :)
Thanks so much. I need to clean it out and put some food stocks in there! 😀
Definitely paint the walls white. It brightens up the space tremendously. I admire you. Just coming cross your channel. What brought you to Japan I wonder. I like Japan. I like their strict rules with cleanliness etc.
You have such a nice and calm way of presenting your story, I find that watching your video’s is very therapeutic for me 😄
Not only that, your video’s are informative too. I am a 47 year old currently living in Europe and seriously considering the option to move to Japan.
So please continue to make your video’s and yes the white colour entry hall is much better 👌🏻
I love your channel. You have a lovely, very down to earth way of sharing the reality of your life there, the good and the challenges, without being over the top like so many other creators in this sphere. I always dreamed of seeing Japan one day and although it's not possible right now, a girl can dream! Thank you for your perspective, it's refreshing!
Thank you so much! ❤️
I love your videos very informative for people like me that are interested in moving there and what to expect. The more info the fastest or easier the decisions can be made to move.
Thanks 😀 More to come!
Wow, you are living my dream! This was very informative, thank you. The white on the entry wall looks a lot better and brighter. ❤
First time here. Great vid!
Oh my god yes. The white walls are so much better. Well done.
Thanks and welcome
I love the white wall you painted against the dark frames. Pintrest has alot of inspirational ideas also. Your house is coming along great 👍✨
Oh thank you! I should look at pintrest more often 😀
This is the first video of yours that i have seen, and i noticed what a calming voice you have. I also appreciate how simple and uncomplicated the video is, but it's also to the point. I plan to move to Japan in the future and i am starting to prepare now, by learning the language and watching videos about life in Japan. So this was perfect for me. Arigato! :)
Wow, thank you!
It is wonderful to see daily life in Japan. Every thing looks wonderfully clean and orderly. Your personable and practical explanation is so refreshing. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to your postings.
Thank you very much!
great video, awesome house, hopefully i will be making the move to Japan to get married, hope to see you there, that was great food you had cooking, i never had seafood from Japan, so it will be my first time
How exciting you will get married and move to Japan. I hope you have an awesome life here!
@@ChaniJapan thank you
Very interesting insight into a different culture. And yes! I like the painted wall better than the wood!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi there. What made you want to go to Japan? I like the improvements you made on the house. If you make more I would love to see them. You got to tell us what it is like living in Japan as a opposed to Australia. Please keep us updated. Love ya! Stay safe out there. Take care and God bless
Thanks so much for the comment. I will keep you updated on everything ♥️
Just found your channel ❤ I love how you are showing us all the little things that most people don't show of living in Japan!
This was a cool little bit of insight, and I liked the edit, as well as the home renovations you've done.
Yes! The white looks so much better. White always looks clean and really makes the area seem larger.
Thanks 😀
Wonderful and congratulations 👏
Thanks 😀
Love your living spaces. Japan seems to have a great vibe about it. Neat, clean and super efficient, I’d love to visit one day. Also, You drive on the left like we do in Britain! I didn’t know that. Cool 😎
Thanks 😀 Yes Japan has some great places.
It's great just learning about such strange everyday things. For me it's just so close to life. Thank you :)
Glad you enjoy it!
The white is lovely. You’re doing a terrific job!
Thanks 😀
Very interesting, I'd like to see more of the renovations you do over time.
It seems like a very nice neighborhood you live in. How do they manage the cleanliness over there? It is very impeccable!!! Best of Luck and happiness in life. Ciao!!!
Hi. I stumbled onto your channel. I really enjoy your videos. It’s a fresh perspective on day to day living in Japan. I hope you are enjoying Japan. I am Japanese, but born and raised in the USA. My family loves visiting Japan, and now that I am getting close to retirement age, I plan to visit more often and for longer periods of time. By the way, I like the white color wall.
Yes, the white looks better. Thank you for showing us your daily life. Grretings from Finland.
Lovely home! Really like the white walls versus brown wood. Wishing you the best from Florida USA
Thanks so much 😀
Thanks for your lovely video and information.Love Sweden🥰
You are very welcome 😀
Yes keep painting walls white or a neutral beige to brighten the area. Love the info and tour.
Yes! Thank you!
I like the painted "wood" panels. The texture is fun and it looks way nicer brighter. Japanese houses can feel dated and dark with their love of dark wood; but dark wood looks really lovely with pale colours.
Thanks. I just need to find the motivation to keep painting now !
I had planned to move to Japan after I graduated but COVID set me back educationally. Hopefully I can still do it. Thank you for this actual real video! It was so nice to watch!
Best of luck!
So fascinating, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
The white colour is great, it brightens the area! 👌
Thank you! Cheers!
This is fabulous so interesting can’t wait for more and yes white is great ❤
I love the white paint on your wall that makes your room brighter and refresh :)
Please keep doing you are genuine and my wife love your channel
You have a lovely home! I agree, painting the walls open up the space and make it more welcoming. xoxo
Thank you so much!
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏👏👏👏 Loving your videos! So refreshing to see someone my age speaking on my interests. Your insights are so fresh and not run of the mill; so many Japan vloggers show the same visuals and discuss redundant topics. You are filling a much-needed and desired niche! Keep it up! Blessings on your adventures!
Thank you for such kind words. It means a lot!
Interesting video
😌☺️😲🇯🇵
Love the white wall, much brighter
Love your RENOVATION S..TO YOUR HOME 🏡.🙏❤️👌👍
Thank you! 🤗