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.
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.
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
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 😂
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!
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.
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 😊
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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 used a creme cleaner for my bench in Japan and that worked well. I like how you've brightened up the walls by painting them. It makes them look more modern.
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
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🙌
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
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!
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 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 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.
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!
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!
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.
It is nice to start making our new place to look like ourselves. White walls is always good, more light, more cleaning sensation and make small places look bigger. It is looking good ❤
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!
some people prefer dark moody rooms, it helps to relax and switch off better. You can bring good electric light there, but most of time people spend there in low light and it really helps to calm down. But it is personal.
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.
Having a week off for Obon, I wanted to do some painting also. First mistake was asking at the police box where to find a paint store. We were there for an hour and a half being grilled by the police wanting to know everything about us. Then he looked up our address in a big, handwritten ledger. Says David so and so lives there. He went home. Home where? Scotland. The questions never stopped. Finally made it to the paint store. Asked to see chips of different shades of white. White? Do you live in a hospital? Hmm. Finally settled for a very pale yellow. I think your paint job looks great!
Thanks for the comment! I think I might have time off then too so I will probably do the same. It's hard to paint when you only have a couple of hours here or there. You need a full day or two to get it done.
🇧🇷🇧🇷 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!! 🇧🇷🇧🇷
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.
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.
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
I’m so glad I found your channel!! It’s so refreshing to see someone I can relate to who is doing something I dream of doing. I can’t wait to see more of your journey!
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!
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! :)
Just found your channel. Love your videos. I think your long history with the language has been a key to your happiness. By the way, anyone, anywhere can be shocked by home ownership! I’ve heard such good things about Japanese contractors and their fast and excellent work.
I enjoyed the reality factor with this channel too. I'm British and my partner is Japanese, and she has a very similar house to this one in a remote part of Shikoku; tatami rooms, private septic tank etc., but I like it. I just returned to Scotland after a 4 month stay with her, my second time in Japan. It was very cold during the winter as (like most Japanese houses) there is no insulation and no central heating....and it got very cold in February! But I still loved it. It's nice for me to watch these videos and reminisce! I really miss Japan; it's such an amazing country, amazingly kind and peaceful people, and I fully understand how you wanted to move there from Australia. I love Scotland but I think I want to move to Japan also.
I agree with you about the houses being cold. I used a kerosine heater this winter and it really was the only thing to get the house warm enough. The aircon was ok but the kerosine heater really took the edge off and made it toasty inside.
@@ChaniJapan Yes, that's right - kerosene is cheapish too. My partner's hot water was bottled gas heated and I think that was pricey. Being Japanese she likes a bath every day too!
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!
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❗️
I like the painting the walls white. I live in an older mobile home in Phoenix. We have those wood panels as well. My son painted them white, and it looks SO much better.
Fantastic design work & innovation in all aspects. Especially with the recycling for points 😮 Love the house too. (p.s the white plywood looks a lot better, it brightens up the space and makes it look more modern)
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.
In my second apartment in Japan, I had that exact same light and covering/fixture thing (same design) with the pull string that is in your guest room, so I was surprised to see it! And yes, the white does make the place look much brighter!
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 :)
That was interesting. Try sanding the wall down. It might just be stained and you could possibly uncover some beautiful light colored wood under the surface.
![Cat's First Kei Van Camping Trip in Japan: Nighttime Scare! [猫とキャンプ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/130HmCij9us/mqdefault.jpg)
![Cat's First Kei Van Camping Trip in Japan: Nighttime Scare! [猫とキャンプ]](/img/tr.png)
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! 😂
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?
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.
I love how real your videos are. This is genuinely how most people live.
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
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.
The white wall definitely gives it a beautiful bright look
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 😂
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.
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.
I love the wall. You've done an excellent job of painting it 👏. It certainly brightens the house up 🫶
Thanks so much! 😊
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 🇯🇵🇿🇦🌷💕
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!
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?
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.
I love the white paint on your wall that makes your room brighter and refresh :)
🇧🇷🇧🇷 The world doesn't need to move to Japan. What we MUST DO TO is LEARN FROM JAPAN. Period..🇧🇷🇧🇷
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!
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.
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 👌🏻
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... 👌
I agree. The wall looks much better painted white as it makes the room brighter.
Excellent video Chani, totally love this!
Thanks Kara 😀
I used a creme cleaner for my bench in Japan and that worked well. I like how you've brightened up the walls by painting them. It makes them look more modern.
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!
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🙌
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
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!
Love the recycling scheme. What a great idea and incentive!
Yes! The white looks so much better. White always looks clean and really makes the area seem larger.
Thanks 😀
Thanks for the video. I find it fascinating to learn about everyday life in Japan, with the perspective of a new migrant.
The white walls are lovely! You just make that place your own. Have a blessed day!
Thank you! You too!
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.
So many cuteness in Japan house.
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)
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 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!
Definitely good idea , painting the walls white
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!
Love the white walls. 👍
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 😊
Paint the wall white is definitely a good idea because it modernize and brighten the rooms.
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!
It is nice to start making our new place to look like ourselves. White walls is always good, more light, more cleaning sensation and make small places look bigger. It is looking good ❤
Thank you❤️
Like the white paint. It brightens up the area.
Thanks!
Beautiful video. I love the painted plywood. Beautiful house.
Very kind of you to say that. Thanks 😀
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!
some people prefer dark moody rooms, it helps to relax and switch off better. You can bring good electric light there, but most of time people spend there in low light and it really helps to calm down. But it is personal.
Wow, your handyman was quite a find!!
Nice sharing
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
I do enjoy the way you’ve painted the walls. Anytime you buy a house with paneling you have to do something.
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. 😅
Having a week off for Obon, I wanted to do some painting also. First mistake was asking at the police box where to find a paint store. We were there for an hour and a half being grilled by the police wanting to know everything about us. Then he looked up our address in a big, handwritten ledger. Says David so and so lives there. He went home. Home where? Scotland. The questions never stopped. Finally made it to the paint store. Asked to see chips of different shades of white. White? Do you live in a hospital? Hmm. Finally settled for a very pale yellow. I think your paint job looks great!
Thanks for the comment! I think I might have time off then too so I will probably do the same. It's hard to paint when you only have a couple of hours here or there. You need a full day or two to get it done.
The white colour is great, it brightens the area! 👌
Thank you! Cheers!
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Thank you so much for your video! So inspiring! And I miss Japan! ❤
You're so welcome!
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!
White walls make the space feel bigger. Great job!
Yes keep painting walls white or a neutral beige to brighten the area. Love the info and tour.
Yes! Thank you!
Just back from 6 weeks in Hokkaido. Fabulous country.
Yes it is!
Wonderful and congratulations 👏
Thanks 😀
1:10 look at Millie she's so funny on the shelf there ❤
Very interesting insight into a different culture. And yes! I like the painted wall better than the wood!
Glad you enjoyed it!
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!
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 😀
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!
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 ♥️
I’m so glad I found your channel!! It’s so refreshing to see someone I can relate to who is doing something I dream of doing. I can’t wait to see more of your journey!
Love the white wall, much brighter
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 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!
I enjoy your Home. It is very beautiful.
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!
Just found your channel. Love your videos. I think your long history with the language has been a key to your happiness. By the way, anyone, anywhere can be shocked by home ownership! I’ve heard such good things about Japanese contractors and their fast and excellent work.
Thanks and welcome
I enjoyed the reality factor with this channel too. I'm British and my partner is Japanese, and she has a very similar house to this one in a remote part of Shikoku; tatami rooms, private septic tank etc., but I like it.
I just returned to Scotland after a 4 month stay with her, my second time in Japan. It was very cold during the winter as (like most Japanese houses) there is no insulation and no central heating....and it got very cold in February! But I still loved it.
It's nice for me to watch these videos and reminisce! I really miss Japan; it's such an amazing country, amazingly kind and peaceful people, and I fully understand how you wanted to move there from Australia. I love Scotland but I think I want to move to Japan also.
I agree with you about the houses being cold. I used a kerosine heater this winter and it really was the only thing to get the house warm enough. The aircon was ok but the kerosine heater really took the edge off and made it toasty inside.
@@ChaniJapan Yes, that's right - kerosene is cheapish too. My partner's hot water was bottled gas heated and I think that was pricey. Being Japanese she likes a bath every day too!
The white looks great and a very, very dark green Will Mae those concrete blocks look so much better.then, you a begin to decorate the wall!
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!
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!
First time here. Great vid!
Oh my god yes. The white walls are so much better. Well done.
Thanks and welcome
Oh I get wanting to paint the walls white but I love Japanese houses with all the wood. Nice home
I like the painting the walls white. I live in an older mobile home in Phoenix. We have those wood panels as well. My son painted them white, and it looks SO much better.
Fantastic design work & innovation in all aspects. Especially with the recycling for points 😮 Love the house too.
(p.s the white plywood looks a lot better, it brightens up the space and makes it look more modern)
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.
The whitewalls look great.
In my second apartment in Japan, I had that exact same light and covering/fixture thing (same design) with the pull string that is in your guest room, so I was surprised to see it! And yes, the white does make the place look much brighter!
I love the everyday videos, how the rubbish goes out the hot water system ect thank you
Thank you for such an interesting video. Love the white wall, and your beautiful cat.
Thank you! 😊
Love your RENOVATION S..TO YOUR HOME 🏡.🙏❤️👌👍
Thank you! 🤗
Yes, the white looks better. Thank you for showing us your daily life. Grretings from Finland.
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! 😀
That was interesting. Try sanding the wall down. It might just be stained and you could possibly uncover some beautiful light colored wood under the surface.
Thanks for your lovely video and information.Love Sweden🥰
You are very welcome 😀
Definitely love the white walls better. Looks like Aust VJ walls. Really enjoying your down-to-earth walk throughs & nitty gritty.
Thanks 🩷😃
I love white...so vibrant and life giving! go for it!
Absolutely yes love the change in your wall
The white color works nice job
Wow, you are living my dream! This was very informative, thank you. The white on the entry wall looks a lot better and brighter. ❤