I just turned 69 this month and I live on un-improved parcel of land in a temporary structure w/ solar power here in Hawaii, but after following your videos, you make me believe that I can have the life in Japan I have dreamed of so often over the years. Mahalo for showing people like me that even at my age I don't have to settle. FYI: I am not a total stranger to Japan, I was blessed to have lived my first 5 yrs there and it has always been a dream to return, how fitting would it be to come full circle and spend my twilight years there.
I’m an Australian architect based in Nara City Japan. We are sourcing and renovating `Akiya` in Japan for foreigners. If you need any help moving to Japan message me.
At first when I saw how much you paid I was a little surprised, but this was nearly a full teardown and rebuild adding a bunch of new features and what looks like really exquisite luxury craftsmanship. I’m actually surprised now that it was that cheap considering everything you did. Absolutely beautiful build, congrats on your home!
Wow!!! The Japanese craftsmen did an awesome job with the renovation of your Akiya! Thank you for sharing your journey of country living in Japan!!! Ganbette ne!
Well done. What you got for your money is astounding. Great that you exposed the beautiful wooden beams. One thing that you can count on is the high quality work of Japanese tradesmen.
I am getting ready to remodel a house on Teshima Island. The architect actually comes tomorrow. My main request was that I wanted the beautiful beams throughout the house exposed. They are each so unique and the joinery a work of art. When completed it will combine modern and traditional Japanese styles. The house is part of a compound with two barns, a second room that was lived in attached one of the barns, and a bathhouse. The center of the compound has a Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi pond which I have already renovated. Your house has given me many ideas and is beautiful.
wow that's really cool. I looked it up and you are about 4 hours from here to include the ferry. I would love to visit and possibly feature on my channel. If not okay with that at least just to see it and camp in our van. Please keep me posted! Glad to provide some inspiration. I really love the exposed beams! my e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com if you wish to stay in touch.
This was a nice nostalgic recap of the journey to transform your property from beginning to current. I wish I had videoed the construction process on my latest home, but I guess my photos will have to suffice. Your grounds and house look wonderful with lots of well thought out touches & details. Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm grateful & honored you accepted my suggestion for the kitchen "annex"! I hope you & your wife continue to enjoy your slice of paradise in the Japanese countryside for many years to come.
Your wife is the luckiest lady in the world with this wonderful craft room, the traditional craftsmanship of the renovation is inspiring ❤. We need more people who are high skilled in these areas 🫶
I just had your video show up on my feed and since i love renovation videos and i also love japan, i had to watch. I loved the style of the video, it was very comfortable to follow, your soothing voice was nice to listen to. I love what you did with the house, keeping it's traditional charme and character while modernising just the right parts. keep up the good work! Much love from germany ❤
@@bazingarama oh wow thanks! Don’t think anyone complimented my voice 😀we lived in Germany while in the military. Love Germany 🥰 where are you located? Unfortunately I did not learn German and I regret it. Thanks for watching
@@cocolenchojapan fact is i was born and grew up the first 4 years of my life at the Ayers Kaserne at Kirch-Göns that was a U.S. Army installation. My dad was a german soldier and they worked closely with the US military that was stationed there. That was in the early 90's :) My family moved to Bonn, the former capital of germany in the West of the country, where i spend most of my childhood. As a young adult i settled in the Cologne (Köln) region. Currently i am located in Belgium, in West-Flanders due to work, but within the next 3 years i will go back home. I always loved japan, the culture, the architecture and your house is absolutely amazing! I dream of visiting japan one day, exploring the countryside and going where the locals go. Tokyo is the last place i would want to visit. I want to experience the REAL japan :) You have won a new follower for sure. Keep it up!
You did a great job and I truly admire what you did.your patience and following the tradition is or are remarkable. Woodwork you all did are out of this world. You are determined patient and resilience couple and the Japanese contractor is awesome Congratulations to all of you a job well done!❤❤❤🎉🎉😅😅
What a dream come true. The garden and home are beautiful. Well renovated and lovingly updated.Your wife's craft room is the same as mine, outside. I am going to raise my ceiling and add lots of windows. It is a former carpenter workshop the previous owner used. I love the little sink! Looking forward to seeing how your property develops. Roses and Hydrangeas are my favorites. Your page is inspiring!
Wowza. Fabulous renovation. Your wife is sooo lucky to have a top of the line craft room and butler’s pantry. Impressive craftsmen working On your place. Buen trabajo Sr. Jardinero
I really enjoyed watching this. I lived in Japan for 33 years and really miss a lot of the features in a Japanese house especially the Ofuro/shower room. You did an excellent job.
I love your akiya rehab series. We recently left Iwakuni after working there for 5 years as GS employees. I hope to return to Japan in a few years for work and possibly buy and rehab my own akiya.
Oh wow cool! I was a GS as well. I was on my 5 to 7 extension. I knew I was not returning and the chances to 9 were slim. I am told that is changing though. Now I am a contractor. Hope you make it back soon, we really like living in Iwakuni.
@ I had the 5-7 year extension approved, but the opportunity for a promotion stateside came up so I took it. We will make it back eventually. Love the videos!
Absolutely perfect! Only thing that wouldn't be to my taste is unfinished floor. It seems and would probably feel more like patio flooring. And I feel like there's a lot of raw wood already everywhere, so more finished floor, like normal parquet or something would work better and make those older exposed wooden parts more significant, including stuff like cabinetry, tables and whatnot. I think this illustrates the point 15:30 those beautiful cabinets are kinda buried/blending in because of that floor. Some wood that's finished and lighter in color, matching those white plasters a bit, would really just allow all the finishes, cabinets and stuff you put into the house shine. It still looks good, it's just gives more of an cottage vibe or something. Otherwise, I love all the exposed details and new layout you made. Garden is also super beautiful.
This is the first time I've seen a video of you. I understand every decision and step you have taken, I would sign it as something I like. I love everything you have done in this renovation. I'm from Spain and I'm in love with Japan. I work in the world of architecture and my dream would be to live in Japan and do the same as you have done, but my life is too settled for the moment in Spain and because of language, work and family it is not very feasible. I give you my absolute congratulations, I enjoyed and suffered in equal parts this video (because it has made me envy/anxiety to see what you have done, close to tears 🤣). Enjoy your house and your finished work!!! Thank you. All the best
Muchisimas gracias! I really appreciate your kind words and hopefully someday you can. I wish to visit Spain someday. I grew up in Mexico.
2 месяца назад
@@cocolenchojapan Entonces seguramente hablas algo de español 😁. Gracias por tus deseos y espero que algún día visites España también. Si necesitas información igual te puedo aconsejar. Un saludo
Si claro que si. Soy nacido en los Estados Unidos, pero me crie in Mexico. Mi apellido es Covian y parece que proviene de Asturias. Me gustaria visitar algun dia. Cuando gustes aqui esta tu casa.
2 месяца назад
@@cocolenchojapan Covian es una aldea muy pequeñita de Asturias sí. Pues tendrás que ir algún día a conocer tus raices ;-)
I'm thinking I'd want something with less work. That was one of the reasons I sold my house and left the US, I don’t like mowing grass! Beautiful house just the same. 👍
I'm curious, seeing all the yard tools you're using, is there many options for electric tools? When I got a house a could years ago, I was looking for a mower and weed eater but I found most options available these days are all electric. They turned out to work really well. How was the process to get a self propelled mower from the US?
@W4ABN hi there are some options but I am still skeptical due to the large amount of work I have to do. About the lawnmower…long story short I work for the US government and I was entitled a move of house hold goods from the US. So I had it shipped along with other items.
Nice renovation and super nice home with a huge yard (for Japan). You should have kept the old wood. They come in handy for the raised beds. You make the raised beds higher 2 to 3 feet so you don't have to bend down too much and then you fill the bottom with the wood which also helps the plants and accelerates their composting. I am sure that in the Japan countryside the soil is cheap but in the US even when buying in bulk, the soil is expensive so you can use a lot less with the wood from the old home and any tree branches you cut and place at the base of the planer
Hi thanks for the comment! Actually I did! So far I made raised beds (and more in the works, a saw horse for cutting logs, and work in the garage. I have several videos about these projects if you are interested.
Have you considered using chains instead of down pipes. I love the sound thay make when there is rain on warm days. Love the building and garden. Stay safe J
Very nice video wrap-up on the house and grounds from start to finish. I'm looking myself at something similar. I think my restoration would take longer than 3 months as well.
On one side a greenhouse with raised beds of everything you guys like again What a huge land indeed just for that much so cheaper indeed countryside Japan
Very beautiful! However, since inheritance taxes are so high, you have to budget a large amount of taxes so your heirs do not have to sell the house just to pay the taxes! It's understandable that so many homes are abandoned. People can't afford to stay in the country with fewer economic opportunities when they have to pay such a huge tax burden. Unfortunately, the public debt is so huge that the government can't afford to alter inheritance tax policies on rural properties to stop rural depopulation.
really nice wrap-up of your progress. didn't plan to watch the whole video but I did. :) you may be able repair some of the dents to the floor by steaming them with a damp cloth and an iron. a woodworking trick but I've done it in spots to my oak floors and since your floors are unfinished it should work better... but probably should test on a piece of scrap or someplace hidden.
@@DavidPopdan ah cool thanks for the tip, definitely Going to try it. Yeah sorry it was so long. I have been working on it for HOURS trying to shorten as much as possible. On the other hand it’s a memory for as well. Thanks!
Since the 'craft room' is so big, I would suggest adding a sofa-bed. Your wife can take a nap, or open up for add'l sleeping for grandkids/guests. Man cave w/bunk bed (in case they drink too much?) How about a drop down platform w/mattress, shelving above. Thus making a lower bunk which would be safer. At first I thought, "You spent HOW MUCH?" Now that I've watched this video, I would say, "You got MORE than your moneys' worth." It is beautiful. You are fulfilling my dream by proxy. Oh, and smart move on the garden by not adding a pond.
Thanks for the comment. For the man cave I have something like that planned. I started cleaning it out last weekend. It will be a place for my prior military memorabilia, other manly stuff, and an overflow for guy company. The guest house is more comfortable for couples. My wife does have a nice recliner in the craft room. She falls asleep watching TV every day 😅. Yeah we put some money into it, but well worth it to us. Been working on the Japanese garden, but the pump broke and it’s getting cold, so probably going to wait a little.
In other regions I have heard the cross braced sections of walling are called Rigid Wall. Some companies hide steel versions near the corners behind the drywall. Normally modern wood stoves have adjustable feet on the legs to account of uneven floors. Were they left off on purpose?
I see you disposed off of a lot of wood cut down on the property. Wasn't it possible to store and use it in your wood stove? Great video. Giving a lot of ideas for people who consider doing the same in Japan
@@DrZarky si, me sorprende que no hay más en México. Yo me crié en un rancho en Jalisco, Mexico y una camioneta como esta estaría bien Chingon. Es por eso es my camioneta chingona 😅
Love it. Gorgeous. Extremely tasteful and livable remodel. I'm curious how a Japanese professional fills in the cement foundation area which was previously dirt in the living room area. They added a vapor barrier you said. do they lay a vapor barrier sheet purpose built for this application in Japan under the cement or some other material? Curious as I've run across this situation before and didn't know the proper way to proceed.
Great job, expensive though. For that much cash you could buy 8 beautiful homes in Okayama, already renovated. We paid $6kAud for our Akiya with 5 acres, and will probably spend another $20k on renovations.
David Austin Roses have beautiful shrub and climbing roses. There's a Japanese store, but also a US version of the site for full English info. Their Lady of Shallot is a beautiful rose to start with, planted in a group of 3 or 5. You'll be hooked.
This is an amazing video or your journey and very informative. One small question I have trouble finding answers, on someone building up enough wealth for a full renovation but worried about missing out on a beautiful home for the future. Would it be worth buying an Akiya now with what I do have, and just paying any ongoing costs to hold it while building up the renovation fund? Little worried about missing out do to not being in the best position. Thank you!
Hi well that can be difficult to predict. I hear prices are going up in tourist areas, but not so touristy places not so much. Regardless the population in Japan is decreasing and many more houses will become Akiyas. Plus Japanese for the most part do not want older houses. I guess if you are going to live in it now and able to do some DIY buy now. But if not ready to live in it buy later. Hope that helps a little
@@cocolenchojapan It does thank you, I can only get so much information from the internet, so it helps when someone living there gives advice! This has helped alleviate some of my fears on buying a personal home as there will be more in time in non tourist areas, just need to speed up some of my plans around homes in tourist areas if I want to set up an airbnb. Again thank you, wasn't expecting a reply, glad you did and grateful.
@@john-paulrose1581glad to hear! Definitely check the Benton’s because they did exactly what you described and have tons of info on their channel and blog. bentonhomestead.com
Wow $230,000 USD is too much, but its beautiful. Im buying a home myself 50 minutes from Tokyo and fully renovation but i dont plan to spend this much because i dont have that much money.
Hi I am sorry I really don't know exactly. I really did not focus on that other than what he did on his own, but to meet modern standards could probably be quit a bit, but nor sure.
@@cocolenchojapan thank you for your reply. Yeah i think if the structure has withstood multiple earthquakes it'll be fine. just need to have an inspector check the foundations for possible risks. thanks
Im thinking of moving to Japan intending to live in the countryside. I hate busy cities. Even though close enough for its convenience. My job here in my country I do is maintenance painter. Do you happen to know if such job is big in Japan?
Hi thanks for watching. I am not really sure but I believe Japan has a shortage to of workers. I would recommend looking into different was to immigrate. What country are you from?
I love your videos. I recently moved to Yuu due to a job transfer from Butler to Iwakuni. I have some small appliances I want to get rid of such as a bread maker, blender, etc. Does the recycle center you went to take these items? Or better yet, do you know of anywhere on Base that I can donate or dispose of them? Thanks in advance.
oh thanks and welcome to Iwakuni! I am assuming you work on base. If so, the thrift store opened back up. It is a little past the chapel and PMO. Getting rid of electronics in Japan will most likely cost you money, so best to donate or sell. You can also post on the MCAS Iwakuni FB page. Thanks for watching!
wow congrats on a job well done! great work recording this as well... question: how feasible is it to do somehting like this if you are not fluent in japanese (and not married to a japanese woman)? i assume the language barrier would be too daunting. best wishes!
Thanks, well language wise can be difficult without translation assistance, but not impossible. More importantly is your residency status. You can own property in japan as a foreigner, but it does not lead to residency. Additionally you may not be able to secure a loan in Japan, so it’s all cash.
@@cocolenchojapanthank you so much for responding, sorry I missed it until now. I am in Shizuoka City. I was glad to buy local wood to help lessen the pollen (hopefully), but although I have searched so much, I have never found anyone with advice about how to care for it. Do you have any recommendations for a wax or cleaning products? Most products are advertised for synthetic wood or hardwood, and I haven’t had much success with what I have tried so far. Thanks in advance
@@melissasugi681 oh wow beautiful place! Tell you the truth we have an iRobot (like a rumba)and does the cleaning with plain water. That’s all we have done.
paid 35 000$ for old akiya + probably 15000$ for legal + 230 000$ = so 280 000$....wouldn't be easier buy better not akiya just good house in rural japan area?
For sure! the company is Asahi and the owner's name is Kayaki-san. They are a small company. Are you in the Iwakuni area? Here is the website: www.iwakuni-asahi-k.co.jp/
My wife, who is Japanese, also bought a house in Nagasaki, so we would like to do some reseervtions. I didn’t catch it at first, but heard you mention the carpenter in the video. Thank you!
The official Government figures on how many abandoned houses there are in the Country is way too low, it's a massaged number so as not to alarm the remaining population don't forget these figures do not include closed offices, closed shops, closed agricultural industrial/manufacturing sites, closed medical practices, I live in rural Japan small town in prefecture, not a big population any more, but there must be at least a thousand abandoned houses here in just a few miles radius!.
very true! we did insulate and add a wood stove. As we speak I am nice in toasty with the fire going. You got me thinking...I think I will make a video after the winter to access if it was worth adding a fire place in our house.
@@cocolenchojapan Nice ! I love ( and a lot of people also) videos on heating, it is such a important part of a house. Japan has a similar climate in winter to Northern/central Italy ( I'm Italian ) so good heating is a must. Did you add some centralized heating etc... ?
@@dimmacommunication Hi no centralized heating....it is not very common in Japan. We did install wall units. Right now I primarily used the stove and kerosene heater. The wall unit tends to make the air dryer and plus it costs more. I really enjoy the fireplace! Wow Italy! I lived in Germany for sometime and drove through Italy on my way to Pisa and Rome. Beautiful country and nice people. I wish to go visit again. I hear that in Italy there are many cheap properties. Is this true?
@@cocolenchojapan Cheap properties in very " complicated " areas. No jobs there, no nothing. Very complex to describe. For example some places in central Italy have been " colonized " by very wealthy US people but imho that's not the way. Nothing wrong with being wealth of course, but it creates what I think could be described as what you refer as " gentrification ". Immigration should blend with the general population, plenty of people I've seen here don't want to blend in. I digressed lol :) but I hope I explained
Not sure if it's allowed but couldn't y'all technically do a massive bonfire and burn all the stuff from the previous owners? minus the chemicals, etc of course
I just turned 69 this month and I live on un-improved parcel of land in a temporary structure w/ solar power here in Hawaii, but after following your videos, you make me believe that I can have the life in Japan I have dreamed of so often over the years. Mahalo for showing people like me that even at my age I don't have to settle. FYI: I am not a total stranger to Japan, I was blessed to have lived my first 5 yrs there and it has always been a dream to return, how fitting would it be to come full circle and spend my twilight years there.
oh wow that is so cool! glad to help! I would live to see pictures of your place.
I’m an Australian architect based in Nara City Japan. We are sourcing and renovating `Akiya` in Japan for foreigners. If you need any help moving to Japan message me.
日本人がどんどん捨て去っている伝統的な日本家屋。その価値を大切にしてリノベーションして下さった事を、関わった全ての人が喜んで感謝していると思います。どうもありがとう。そしてこの素晴らしい家で最高の生活を送って下さい。❤
Thank you very much. I wish more people renovated older Japanese houses especially in the countryside.
This is so interesting and a labor of love and respect for the Japanese culture.
Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed it
At first when I saw how much you paid I was a little surprised, but this was nearly a full teardown and rebuild adding a bunch of new features and what looks like really exquisite luxury craftsmanship. I’m actually surprised now that it was that cheap considering everything you did. Absolutely beautiful build, congrats on your home!
@@risingson74 thanks! Yeah we ended up pretty much doing a full renovation. We really like how it turned out though
Wow - that craft room is so cool. Your wife is so lucky to have such an awesome husband like you … 🤣
YES, thank you 😊
Top 3 akiya renos I’ve watched on RUclips.. great efforts- house looks like a dream- not just saying that.
Thanks you so much. We really like it and no regrets at all!
Wow!!! The Japanese craftsmen did an awesome job with the renovation of your Akiya! Thank you for sharing your journey of country living in Japan!!! Ganbette ne!
Thank you very much!
Well done. What you got for your money is astounding. Great that you exposed the beautiful wooden beams. One thing that you can count on is the high quality work of Japanese tradesmen.
Thanks! I really like the way it turned out.
I am getting ready to remodel a house on Teshima Island. The architect actually comes tomorrow. My main request was that I wanted the beautiful beams throughout the house exposed. They are each so unique and the joinery a work of art. When completed it will combine modern and traditional Japanese styles. The house is part of a compound with two barns, a second room that was lived in attached one of the barns, and a bathhouse. The center of the compound has a Japanese garden with a waterfall and koi pond which I have already renovated. Your house has given me many ideas and is beautiful.
wow that's really cool. I looked it up and you are about 4 hours from here to include the ferry. I would love to visit and possibly feature on my channel. If not okay with that at least just to see it and camp in our van. Please keep me posted! Glad to provide some inspiration. I really love the exposed beams! my e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com if you wish to stay in touch.
ほんとにすばらしいリノベーションですね。
感動しました❗️
Thank you very much!
This was a nice nostalgic recap of the journey to transform your property from beginning to current. I wish I had videoed the construction process on my latest home, but I guess my photos will have to suffice. Your grounds and house look wonderful with lots of well thought out touches & details. Thanks for sharing your journey. I'm grateful & honored you accepted my suggestion for the kitchen "annex"! I hope you & your wife continue to enjoy your slice of paradise in the Japanese countryside for many years to come.
Yup thanks for the recommendation! I was telling my wife that this video was more for us as a memory of the journey!
Your wife is the luckiest lady in the world with this wonderful craft room, the traditional craftsmanship of the renovation is inspiring ❤. We need more people who are high skilled in these areas 🫶
Haha thanks! I will remind her!
I just had your video show up on my feed and since i love renovation videos and i also love japan, i had to watch. I loved the style of the video, it was very comfortable to follow, your soothing voice was nice to listen to. I love what you did with the house, keeping it's traditional charme and character while modernising just the right parts. keep up the good work! Much love from germany ❤
@@bazingarama oh wow thanks! Don’t think anyone complimented my voice 😀we lived in Germany while in the military. Love Germany 🥰 where are you located? Unfortunately I did not learn German and I regret it. Thanks for watching
@@cocolenchojapan fact is i was born and grew up the first 4 years of my life at the Ayers Kaserne at Kirch-Göns that was a U.S. Army installation. My dad was a german soldier and they worked closely with the US military that was stationed there. That was in the early 90's :) My family moved to Bonn, the former capital of germany in the West of the country, where i spend most of my childhood. As a young adult i settled in the Cologne (Köln) region. Currently i am located in Belgium, in West-Flanders due to work, but within the next 3 years i will go back home. I always loved japan, the culture, the architecture and your house is absolutely amazing! I dream of visiting japan one day, exploring the countryside and going where the locals go. Tokyo is the last place i would want to visit. I want to experience the REAL japan :) You have won a new follower for sure. Keep it up!
@bazingarama wow cool! Let’s meet up when you visit Japan. Thanks again!
@@cocolenchojapan yes we should do that!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful renovation. I'm so happy to see so many local crafts people showcasing their work.
You’re welcome! They were great to work with, and I’m glad the renovation came out so well.
You did a great job and I truly admire what you did.your patience and following the tradition is or are remarkable. Woodwork you all did are out of this world. You are determined patient and resilience couple and the Japanese contractor is awesome Congratulations to all of you a job well done!❤❤❤🎉🎉😅😅
Thank you very much, we really like the outcome as well
Thank you so much! We really like it.
Love all the renovations that you have done ❤
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it
Yo what a huge backyard you guys have can have a greenhouse full of vegetables fruits and crops again
Hopefully some day!
What a dream come true. The garden and home are beautiful. Well renovated and lovingly updated.Your wife's craft room is the same as mine, outside. I am going to raise my ceiling and add lots of windows. It is a former carpenter workshop the previous owner used. I love the little sink! Looking forward to seeing how your property develops. Roses and Hydrangeas are my favorites. Your page is inspiring!
Wow thank you so much and thrilled to provide some inspiration!
Awesome project, lovely property❤
@@momofaleotv6506 thank you very much!
Wowza. Fabulous renovation.
Your wife is sooo lucky to have a top of the line craft room and butler’s pantry.
Impressive craftsmen working
On your place.
Buen trabajo Sr. Jardinero
Please disregard typos.
Muchas gracias! I am on the roll today. Second person to say my wife is lucky!
I really enjoyed watching this. I lived in Japan for 33 years and really miss a lot of the features in a Japanese house especially the Ofuro/shower room. You did an excellent job.
@@cindyreynolds695 thanks, much appreciated.
@@cindyreynolds695 thanks much appreciated.
You've done a great job. Worth every dollar you spent on it! Well done. Great craft room as well.
Thank you very much!
I love your akiya rehab series. We recently left Iwakuni after working there for 5 years as GS employees. I hope to return to Japan in a few years for work and possibly buy and rehab my own akiya.
Oh wow cool! I was a GS as well. I was on my 5 to 7 extension. I knew I was not returning and the chances to 9 were slim. I am told that is changing though. Now I am a contractor. Hope you make it back soon, we really like living in Iwakuni.
@ I had the 5-7 year extension approved, but the opportunity for a promotion stateside came up so I took it. We will make it back eventually. Love the videos!
@@Hamakimon17that makes my day, thanks!
Thanks for sharing, you're living the dream :)
I am!
My goal is to move back to Japan. I absolutely loved living there.
Hope you can make it back soon!
What an amazing renovation job! It came out absolutely amazing.
Thank you very much. I am glad you like it!
Fantastic job.
Thanks!
The Japanese carpenters built a house without nuts and bolts, it's amazing.
Hi yes very impressive
Fantastic video! A well done renovation with an excellent homely outcome for your personal enjoyment.
Thank you so much, we really like it very much.
Beautiful 👏😍
@@moda78z thanks!
Absolutely perfect! Only thing that wouldn't be to my taste is unfinished floor. It seems and would probably feel more like patio flooring. And I feel like there's a lot of raw wood already everywhere, so more finished floor, like normal parquet or something would work better and make those older exposed wooden parts more significant, including stuff like cabinetry, tables and whatnot. I think this illustrates the point 15:30 those beautiful cabinets are kinda buried/blending in because of that floor. Some wood that's finished and lighter in color, matching those white plasters a bit, would really just allow all the finishes, cabinets and stuff you put into the house shine. It still looks good, it's just gives more of an cottage vibe or something.
Otherwise, I love all the exposed details and new layout you made. Garden is also super beautiful.
Thank you so much! I totally understand. I am glad you like it
Wonderful video! Thank you for sharing! Enjoy your Japanese enhanced house 🥰 I’m sure the locals appreciate the love you and your wife put into it 🥰
Thanks that means a lot to me. Yeah they complement the changes often.
J'ai adoré voire les belles rénovations et bravo à l'équipe de rénovateurs pour leurs trvail ! Merci de partager avec nous ! Qc , Canada
Thank you very much, they did a great job!
congratulation nice renovation/ building new facilities
We’re so happy with how it turned out.
the craft room looks great. the ceiling beams look nice
@@woolfel thanks!
Beautiful home. May you have many wonderful memories.
Thank you so much!
This is the first time I've seen a video of you. I understand every decision and step you have taken, I would sign it as something I like. I love everything you have done in this renovation. I'm from Spain and I'm in love with Japan. I work in the world of architecture and my dream would be to live in Japan and do the same as you have done, but my life is too settled for the moment in Spain and because of language, work and family it is not very feasible. I give you my absolute congratulations, I enjoyed and suffered in equal parts this video (because it has made me envy/anxiety to see what you have done, close to tears 🤣). Enjoy your house and your finished work!!! Thank you. All the best
Muchisimas gracias! I really appreciate your kind words and hopefully someday you can. I wish to visit Spain someday. I grew up in Mexico.
@@cocolenchojapan Entonces seguramente hablas algo de español 😁. Gracias por tus deseos y espero que algún día visites España también. Si necesitas información igual te puedo aconsejar. Un saludo
Si claro que si. Soy nacido en los Estados Unidos, pero me crie in Mexico. Mi apellido es Covian y parece que proviene de Asturias. Me gustaria visitar algun dia. Cuando gustes aqui esta tu casa.
@@cocolenchojapan Covian es una aldea muy pequeñita de Asturias sí. Pues tendrás que ir algún día a conocer tus raices ;-)
Si Dios quiere un día de estos iré. Gracias
I'm thinking I'd want something with less work. That was one of the reasons I sold my house and left the US, I don’t like mowing grass! Beautiful house just the same. 👍
@@terrycavender yeah definitely lots of work! Where did you move to?
an Amazing House ^^
@@Olaf-Lingen2023 thanks!
What a huge lovely home indeed looks great
Thank you so much!
Bathroom in the craft room 🥰
Everything looks so nice. You have a beautiful home.
I'm curious, seeing all the yard tools you're using, is there many options for electric tools? When I got a house a could years ago, I was looking for a mower and weed eater but I found most options available these days are all electric. They turned out to work really well.
How was the process to get a self propelled mower from the US?
@W4ABN hi there are some options but I am still skeptical due to the large amount of work I have to do. About the lawnmower…long story short I work for the US government and I was entitled a move of house hold goods from the US. So I had it shipped along with other items.
@@cocolenchojapan I was in the military so I know how nice it is when someone else takes care of the logistics. lol.
Omg. The recycling plant looks amazing compared to where I lived
They seem to have a good operation!
@@cocolenchojapan your house is amazing too
@@jasonmoo4177 thanks!
Very strongman yourself God bless always and your adorable wife many more years
Thanks for warning!
Nice Video! Looks great!
Thanks! ❤
Nice renovation and super nice home with a huge yard (for Japan). You should have kept the old wood. They come in handy for the raised beds. You make the raised beds higher 2 to 3 feet so you don't have to bend down too much and then you fill the bottom with the wood which also helps the plants and accelerates their composting. I am sure that in the Japan countryside the soil is cheap but in the US even when buying in bulk, the soil is expensive so you can use a lot less with the wood from the old home and any tree branches you cut and place at the base of the planer
Hi thanks for the comment! Actually I did! So far I made raised beds (and more in the works, a saw horse for cutting logs, and work in the garage. I have several videos about these projects if you are interested.
Have you considered using chains instead of down pipes. I love the sound thay make when there is rain on warm days. Love the building and garden. Stay safe J
@@seekersofrhythm hi thanks for the tip, I have not but definitely need to try it out!
Very nice video wrap-up on the house and grounds from start to finish. I'm looking myself at something similar. I think my restoration would take longer than 3 months as well.
Thanks! I would love to see your renovation!
@@cocolenchojapan Well, if it it all works out, you won't be far away, lol
Can’t wait to hear about it!
On one side a greenhouse with raised beds of everything you guys like again
What a huge land indeed just for that much so cheaper indeed countryside Japan
Yes I have many plans for the garden. Much cheaper in Japan
Very beautiful! However, since inheritance taxes are so high, you have to budget a large amount of taxes so your heirs do not have to sell the house just to pay the taxes! It's understandable that so many homes are abandoned. People can't afford to stay in the country with fewer economic opportunities when they have to pay such a huge tax burden. Unfortunately, the public debt is so huge that the government can't afford to alter inheritance tax policies on rural properties to stop rural depopulation.
definitely a big problem indeed.
Ur house is cozy n beautiful
Thanks, I agree 😊 I really like it
Love your set up man!
Thanks, lots of Steve influence there. Good job helping me spend money 💰
really nice wrap-up of your progress. didn't plan to watch the whole video but I did. :) you may be able repair some of the dents to the floor by steaming them with a damp cloth and an iron. a woodworking trick but I've done it in spots to my oak floors and since your floors are unfinished it should work better... but probably should test on a piece of scrap or someplace hidden.
@@DavidPopdan ah cool thanks for the tip, definitely Going to try it. Yeah sorry it was so long. I have been working on it for HOURS trying to shorten as much as possible. On the other hand it’s a memory for as well. Thanks!
Slick Reno 😎
@@robinm3031 thanks!
Thanks!
Very interesting video. Congratulations. Pouring the concrete slab must have been quite an undertaking and expensive. Well done! I would say.
Thank you very much! yeah definitely not easy on the wallet, but worth it to us in the long term. Thanks for watching.
She’s one lucky wife😊
Thanks, I will kindly remind her!
Since the 'craft room' is so big, I would suggest adding a sofa-bed. Your wife can take a nap, or open up for add'l sleeping for grandkids/guests. Man cave w/bunk bed (in case they drink too much?) How about a drop down platform w/mattress, shelving above. Thus making a lower bunk which would be safer. At first I thought, "You spent HOW MUCH?" Now that I've watched this video, I would say, "You got MORE than your moneys' worth." It is beautiful. You are fulfilling my dream by proxy. Oh, and smart move on the garden by not adding a pond.
Thanks for the comment. For the man cave I have something like that planned. I started cleaning it out last weekend. It will be a place for my prior military memorabilia, other manly stuff, and an overflow for guy company. The guest house is more comfortable for couples. My wife does have a nice recliner in the craft room. She falls asleep watching TV every day 😅. Yeah we put some money into it, but well worth it to us. Been working on the Japanese garden, but the pump broke and it’s getting cold, so probably going to wait a little.
Super-sugoi!
Thanks!
In other regions I have heard the cross braced sections of walling are called Rigid Wall. Some companies hide steel versions near the corners behind the drywall. Normally modern wood stoves have adjustable feet on the legs to account of uneven floors. Were they left off on purpose?
@@JohnDo-ntchaknow hmmm I don’t think they were left off. Probably just the video
welldone sir.
Thank you very much!
Solution for Hillside erosion-new system of planter called dirt lockers. Allows you to plant your steep hill and keep it from eroding safely.
Thanks! I will check it out! My apologies I thought I replied to your comment. Much appreciated!
beautiful
Thank you! 😊
I see you disposed off of a lot of wood cut down on the property. Wasn't it possible to store and use it in your wood stove? Great video. Giving a lot of ideas for people who consider doing the same in Japan
Thanks! most of it is pine and has nails. I am it for the fire pit and other projects around the house.
i like that sticker on the truck.
@@DrZark she is my Chingona 😝
@@cocolenchojapan buena camioneta para trabajos en casa.
@@DrZarky si, me sorprende que no hay más en México. Yo me crié en un rancho en Jalisco, Mexico y una camioneta como esta estaría bien Chingon. Es por eso es my camioneta chingona 😅
@@cocolenchojapan yo I mi esposa queremos comprar una casa igual en Usa, Oita y cuando lo haga vor a comprar una con 4x4.
@ que bien! La mía es 4x4 Subaru sambar 1992. Oita es muy bonito….me gusta Kyushu mucho aver si nos encontramos un día de estos
Hi great content! Appreciate if you reveal the costs for people who are interested in buying and DIY Akiyas in Japan.
Thanks! I talk about it at the link below. Thanks for watching.
ruclips.net/video/sFUUrCfuxdw/видео.htmlsi=9X_Q-ki4xQFy35Dh
Love it. Gorgeous. Extremely tasteful and livable remodel. I'm curious how a Japanese professional fills in the cement foundation area which was previously dirt in the living room area. They added a vapor barrier you said. do they lay a vapor barrier sheet purpose built for this application in Japan under the cement or some other material? Curious as I've run across this situation before and didn't know the proper way to proceed.
hi they load the vapor barrier sheet. unfortunately I was not around when they did it.
@@cocolenchojapan fair enough. thank you though!!! helpful
Great job, expensive though. For that much cash you could buy 8 beautiful homes in Okayama, already renovated. We paid $6kAud for our Akiya with 5 acres, and will probably spend another $20k on renovations.
Don’t disagree. All depends on what you want. I would to see your place. I am not far from Okayama
David Austin Roses have beautiful shrub and climbing roses. There's a Japanese store, but also a US version of the site for full English info. Their Lady of Shallot is a beautiful rose to start with, planted in a group of 3 or 5. You'll be hooked.
Definitely checking it out!
This is an amazing video or your journey and very informative.
One small question I have trouble finding answers, on someone building up enough wealth for a full renovation but worried about missing out on a beautiful home for the future.
Would it be worth buying an Akiya now with what I do have, and just paying any ongoing costs to hold it while building up the renovation fund?
Little worried about missing out do to not being in the best position.
Thank you!
Hi well that can be difficult to predict. I hear prices are going up in tourist areas, but not so touristy places not so much. Regardless the population in Japan is decreasing and many more houses will become Akiyas. Plus Japanese for the most part do not want older houses. I guess if you are going to live in it now and able to do some DIY buy now. But if not ready to live in it buy later. Hope that helps a little
@@cocolenchojapan It does thank you, I can only get so much information from the internet, so it helps when someone living there gives advice!
This has helped alleviate some of my fears on buying a personal home as there will be more in time in non tourist areas, just need to speed up some of my plans around homes in tourist areas if I want to set up an airbnb.
Again thank you, wasn't expecting a reply, glad you did and grateful.
@@john-paulrose1581glad to hear! Definitely check the Benton’s because they did exactly what you described and have tons of info on their channel and blog. bentonhomestead.com
If you don't want a fish pond, make a lotus pond.
That's an interesting idea!
Wow $230,000 USD is too much, but its beautiful. Im buying a home myself 50 minutes from Tokyo and fully renovation but i dont plan to spend this much because i dont have that much money.
I totally understand. It was worth it to us, but probably won’t get my money back.
Very nice. Question how difficult is it to seismic retrofit these type of homes?
Hi I am sorry I really don't know exactly. I really did not focus on that other than what he did on his own, but to meet modern standards could probably be quit a bit, but nor sure.
@@cocolenchojapan thank you for your reply. Yeah i think if the structure has withstood multiple earthquakes it'll be fine. just need to have an inspector check the foundations for possible risks. thanks
@@hida_berserker that’s exactly my thought process!
Do you know the cost of the concrete per cubic meter and the price of rebar for the project?
Hi I am sorry. I do not.
Just a question, what’s the square feet of the house ?
Hi thanks for asking. It’s around 1600 square feet
Im thinking of moving to Japan intending to live in the countryside. I hate busy cities. Even though close enough for its convenience. My job here in my country I do is maintenance painter. Do you happen to know if such job is big in Japan?
Hi thanks for watching. I am not really sure but I believe Japan has a shortage to of workers. I would recommend looking into different was to immigrate. What country are you from?
I love your videos. I recently moved to Yuu due to a job transfer from Butler to Iwakuni. I have some small appliances I want to get rid of such as a bread maker, blender, etc. Does the recycle center you went to take these items? Or better yet, do you know of anywhere on Base that I can donate or dispose of them? Thanks in advance.
oh thanks and welcome to Iwakuni! I am assuming you work on base. If so, the thrift store opened back up. It is a little past the chapel and PMO. Getting rid of electronics in Japan will most likely cost you money, so best to donate or sell. You can also post on the MCAS Iwakuni FB page. Thanks for watching!
@ thank you for the advice! Please churning out the videos. BTW I have a Dometic fridge for RVs. It’s yours for free if interested.
@@dl3198 hmmmm I might be interested. Can we link up sometime? My e-mail is cocolenchojapan@gmail.com
wow congrats on a job well done! great work recording this as well... question: how feasible is it to do somehting like this if you are not fluent in japanese (and not married to a japanese woman)? i assume the language barrier would be too daunting. best wishes!
Thanks, well language wise can be difficult without translation assistance, but not impossible. More importantly is your residency status. You can own property in japan as a foreigner, but it does not lead to residency. Additionally you may not be able to secure a loan in Japan, so it’s all cash.
@@cocolenchojapan thanks for your input. Will have to look into how a long term stay can be done.
I also have ‘杉’ wood floors, I haven’t found many others commenting about that experience. If you see this, I’d love to chat about it
@@melissasugi681 hi for sure! I love the feel of the wood. Where are you located?
@@cocolenchojapanthank you so much for responding, sorry I missed it until now.
I am in Shizuoka City. I was glad to buy local wood to help lessen the pollen (hopefully), but although I have searched so much, I have never found anyone with advice about how to care for it.
Do you have any recommendations for a wax or cleaning products? Most products are advertised for synthetic wood or hardwood, and I haven’t had much success with what I have tried so far.
Thanks in advance
@@melissasugi681 oh wow beautiful place! Tell you the truth we have an iRobot (like a rumba)and does the cleaning with plain water. That’s all we have done.
Ah, I also got by with just regular vacuuming and such for four or five years, but unfortunately it isn't enough long term.
@ ahhh that is too bad. Let me know if you figure something out!
Earthquake-resistant wooden houses can withstand only one earthquake of magnitude 7.
It happens once every 300 to 1000 years.
Well hopefully it doesn’t happen in my lifetime 😀
paid 35 000$ for old akiya + probably 15000$ for legal + 230 000$ = so 280 000$....wouldn't be easier buy better not akiya just good house in rural japan area?
Good question! I am thinking about making a video soon discussing this topic. Guess it all comes down to personal preference.
I would weed the heck out of that yard. It makes me nervous having that much greenery. There’s a lot of Japanese critters. You don’t want to meet.
Lots of critters for sure!
Are you prior Marine?
hi thanks for asking. No I am retired Army but I currently work at the Marine base.
Hello Sir, I was wondering if you are able to provide the name of the contractor(s) or company that worked on your house. Thanks so much.....
For sure! the company is Asahi and the owner's name is Kayaki-san. They are a small company. Are you in the Iwakuni area?
Here is the website:
www.iwakuni-asahi-k.co.jp/
My wife, who is Japanese, also bought a house in Nagasaki, so we would like to do some reseervtions. I didn’t catch it at first, but heard you mention the carpenter in the video. Thank you!
I appreciate you sharing…thanks so much! We’ve been enjoying your videos and think what you’ve done to your home is amazing!
Y'all 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂two youts
The official Government figures on how many abandoned houses there are in the Country is way too low, it's a massaged number
so as not to alarm the remaining population don't forget these figures do not include closed offices, closed shops, closed agricultural
industrial/manufacturing sites, closed medical practices, I live in rural Japan small town in prefecture, not a big population any more, but there must be at least a thousand abandoned houses here in just a few miles radius!.
I think you are right and it will only get worse.
I wish I had a husband like that & im not even gay- lady- u sooooo lucky 🍀 😂❤
Haha thanks! I am trying to compile the comments to read off to my wife :-)
Weird
The whole thing
To be honest
I like it ?
All that clearing work! I would have used goats and donkeys and let them do the work for je.
Haha yeah lots of work!
IMHO the biggest thing to do and do it properly is heating.
Japanese houses have poor heating
very true! we did insulate and add a wood stove. As we speak I am nice in toasty with the fire going. You got me thinking...I think I will make a video after the winter to access if it was worth adding a fire place in our house.
@@cocolenchojapan Nice ! I love ( and a lot of people also) videos on heating, it is such a important part of a house.
Japan has a similar climate in winter to Northern/central Italy ( I'm Italian ) so good heating is a must.
Did you add some centralized heating etc... ?
@@dimmacommunication Hi no centralized heating....it is not very common in Japan. We did install wall units. Right now I primarily used the stove and kerosene heater. The wall unit tends to make the air dryer and plus it costs more. I really enjoy the fireplace! Wow Italy! I lived in Germany for sometime and drove through Italy on my way to Pisa and Rome. Beautiful country and nice people. I wish to go visit again. I hear that in Italy there are many cheap properties. Is this true?
@@cocolenchojapan Cheap properties in very " complicated " areas.
No jobs there, no nothing.
Very complex to describe.
For example some places in central Italy have been " colonized " by very wealthy US people but imho that's not the way.
Nothing wrong with being wealth of course, but it creates what I think could be described as what you refer as " gentrification ".
Immigration should blend with the general population, plenty of people I've seen here don't want to blend in.
I digressed lol :) but I hope I explained
@@dimmacommunication Oh I totally get it. There is a reason why I moved away from where many foreigners tend to live :-)
Not sure if it's allowed but couldn't y'all technically do a massive bonfire and burn all the stuff from the previous owners?
minus the chemicals, etc of course
Yeah probably not a good idea 😀
Sorry but spend 230K usd for renovation? That is way too much; better build a new house.
I do not totally disagree. It's all about personal preference.