*Have you seen my Real Japan Living Video on day to day life?* kzread.info/dash/bejne/fXmTqtCRgriYeKQ.html

In under a year you have: 1) Moved overseas to Japan (after planning and saving up for 2 years in Australia); 2) Managed to find an employer and a job and organized a work visa; 3) Found a rental apartment; 4) Bought a car; 5) Purchased an Akiya for USD 13k, and: 6) renovated/remodeled the home substantially, converted a garage space and patio putting in labor and hiring a handyman for bathroom and pipe refitting after dealing with the Council - all by yourself as a lady in her late 40s. -- And you have done all this quietly with dignity. I guarantee most KZreadrs in Japan would have been creating drama and whining for AT LEAST 5-10 episodes for EACH of the points mentioned above. You have done in under 1 year what it takes most people at least 5 years to do (if at all). What you've achieved is EXTRAORDINARY! I wish you the very best going forward.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Oh 🤔 when you mention all these things it sounds crazy that I even thought I could do it. From that moment I started saving I had a strong vision of what I wanted to achieve. I have more ideas in the pipeline that I am very excited about 🤗😁 Thank you for reminding me how far I’ve come ❤️

@MilkTeaASMR

Ай бұрын

so true! This is my dream! I don’t have the funds yet, but i’m moving back this year and i’ll get started on the saving. You’re inspiring me so much!

@reelsad3849

Ай бұрын

Agree. The first video I watched, Chani mentioned she had received some harsh critics about the whole thing... I mean, HOW???! How?! How many people can actually do what she did and do it so brilliantly? I'm pretty strong and resourceful but I don't think I could do all this, it's too overwhelming to me. I'm really, really impressed. As one should be!

@cee_el

27 күн бұрын

I agree but im sure she secured the job before arrival. Otherwise, the only way she could have came to Japan was on a student visa.

@ManfredW

12 күн бұрын

I'm also living in Japan. I know life ain't easy here ;) you did very well. Very amazing story. Kudos to your strength and ability to handle so much yourself

I am Japanese. Wakayama like many other parts of Japan has declining population problems. Thank you for moving in and helping local economy !

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Wakayama really is a beautiful place with lots of nature ♥️

@andreaslists

Ай бұрын

We are hoping to end up in the Wakayama area too :)

Lovely to see a moving-to-Japan story that isn't either a 22-year-old on parents' money, or a retired person with loads of money anyway.

@bluetech2809

2 ай бұрын

also nice to see a renovation project that doesn't involve buying a 5,000 year old barn in the middle of nowhere.

@mizbootsie8175

Ай бұрын

That's what i love about KZread, you can find the channel/youtuber that speaks to you. Im older to, can't connect with the younguns aa much. I can feel happy for them...but never watch again😂😂

@andreaslists

Ай бұрын

Totally!! Super realistic and showing all the good and the not so good!

@maiy8786

25 күн бұрын

Contrary to what you seem to believe the easiest way to move to Japan is to do what Chani did. Teach English. Money doesnt help you much with getting a VISA.

@johnvienna3422

24 күн бұрын

@@maiy8786 Hmmm... you got me thinking... I'm a qualified and experienced teacher of English, with a reasonable-ish level of Japanese... Maybe a potential future here...

26k for a beautiful home in the best country on planet Earth, just blows my mind. Thought akiya in general and renovation costs would be MUCH more than that.

I lived in Japan (Tokyo and Nara) for 20 years before returning to the U.S. Seeing you tackle challenges brings back many memories. You have made great choices in your house and location. I look forward to your videos. You have such a pleasant delivery style in your speech and positive attitude. Thank you and best wishes!

@lauravirgin8796

2 ай бұрын

Hi Beth, I hope to live in Japan someday. May I ask what brought you back to the US after being there for such a long time?

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Nara is a beautiful spot! 20 years is a long time in Japan 🇯🇵😀. Thank you for your comment ♥️

@bethduffey247

2 ай бұрын

@@lauravirgin8796 major change in marital status

@whitesamurai

Ай бұрын

This is funny: I also spent nearly 20 years in Japan, both near Nara and in Tokyo. I don't think Japan is right for many foreigners: the countryside can feel lonely and boring while city life is busy (exhausting) and cramped everywhere (seating in restaurants, trains and even the apartments) if not outright claustrophobic. Most Japanese are trying to get out, so they think the foreigners who go there are strange. I always thought the best investment decision I ever made was not to buy property in Japan. Maybe prices are low enough now for there to be no downside. But I am not sure. The Japanese government is desperate to raise taxes. They won't cut spending: they want to raise taxes. So I worry about the innovative tax traps that might be around the corner. I don't know what is coming. But I never imagined the BOJ would be buying shares on the stock exchange either (as part of the quantitative easing). But I am pretty sure foreigners are walking into tax traps. I hope I am wrong.

@jwdjpajtgjm

Ай бұрын

​@@whitesamurai i agree i guess other countrys have same problems of US&CND&UK&EU&JP NORTH　countrys camping car van life peoples increasing

Very few people at late 40s have the courage to start their life from scratch in a totally different country. Very inspirational to me! congrats on all your accomplishments in Japan. Hope you have a wonderful life there!

Milly is living her best life 😊 Your house is lovely.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Yes, she is certainly spoilt. Thanks 😀

There’s nothing more satisfying than just walking around your new house and seeing your achievements, and just enjoying 😊 Well done you!!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Yes! Thank you! 🤗

It looks such a good neighborhood😊 I can imagine how much they are happy and relieved to see someone very decent like you moving in. I would be😊

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

The neighbors are lovely. Everyone puts out nice flower pots so it feels friendly. 😀💐🌺

Great transformation. There is something very therapeutic in taking something old and banged-up and bringing it back to life. Well done!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 😀

$40k in Sydney would get you a garden shed for about 6 months :) Incredible how affordable some areas in Japan are.

My sister just bought a house here in the UK and she had to pay £200,000/$385,000AUD for a house that's not much bigger than yours in an area thats not very nice, and with neighbours who aren't great. Crazy how much cheaper things are in Japan while also being higher quality. I'm learning Japanese right now and building my business so I can hopefully move there in the next few years. Your video showed me that my goal isnt as unrealistic as I had worried, and your other video about your monthly expenses surprised me with how little money it takes to live a fairly comfortable life over there in a place that's so safe and friendly.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Life is certainly more affordable here if you can budget and manage the lower income. 🐱

Oh Chani, your house looks amazing 😍. I absolutely love it and I understand why you are so happy here. I'm so glad that you managed to get the water situation sorted. That can be a nightmare in any house 🏠. I love the cat wall 🧱 😻 and the new bathroom. The kitchen has really scrubbed up well. You have really made this house into a beautiful home 🏡 ❤ 🫶

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! I am glad it got to this stage now 😀

Having a closed (lockable) garage inside the main house is such a luxury in urban areas of Japan. That was great thinking ! Did the local building authorities give you any grief or was separate permitting required to change the former beauty salon into a garage ? (IE: did they require any structural changes to accommodate the big garage door ? ) Despite the limited choices one has when getting one of those Toto bath inserts, I think they’re totally worth it. Easy to clean, plenty of shower space and the tubs are usually deep enough to soak your shoulders. Sure, it would have been nice to pick custom tiles or a fancy tub, but just think how easy those are for maintenance!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

For the garage, nothing was needed permit wise to change as the house was already on commercial/residential land. There already was an old door so structurally I didn't have to change anything just remove the glass door behind the roller door. 😀

Chani - Great story telling (you must be a very good English teacher), great video editing, and btw superb work with the house. Wish you a great journey in Japan, and a lot of success with this channel. 🙂

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Wow, thank you! It is very much appreciated. Your support means a lot to me and your kind words encourage me to keep making videos!

Very well done, and very well deserved from what we see. Thank you for sharing your experience without all the fluff, glitz and/or horror that is all too often associated with this type of move.

Chain,thanks for taking us along on your buying and fixing a home journey.

@ChaniJapan

11 күн бұрын

Thanks for your support!

Best aspect of this channel is your upfront with costs and fees, I know it’s relative to your individual situation and can be significantly different in other areas.

Hello from USA Hats off to you . Going to a new country, taking up a job and buying a house and working on it yourself or hiring people . Because as women we are scared of being taken advantage of and hiring the right honest people etc. the garage looks awesome. And so does the grass carpet. You knowing Japanese helps a lot too. I am surprised that Japan being such an technology advanced country they don’t have central AC and a dryer for clothes. Your videos have inspired me so much that now I need to start working on my home. Decluttering it, cleaning it sprucing it and making it new.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Hi there! yes the turf was the best I could do to fix the ugly cement. The people I've dealt with have been honest thankfully.

Thank you so much for sharing your videos. I'm in my 40s and I love seeing someone make their dream come true while they're older instead of in their 20s and showing the realistic view that isn't all rainbows and flowers. I was surprised at the cost for everything when the house was finished. I was not that expensive compared to where I live. I was great to see the transformation.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Good idea with the fake grass. Really spruced up the garden.

First things first: your Cat is absolute cute, i fell in Love. Second: the dark grey stone theme in the bathroom Loks fantastic, i Like those types of themes. Well that could be because i am from Germany and Love old Castle. Third: did i say i Love your Cat? I want to cuddle her 🥰😻 All in all your Work in this house is amazing thanks for Sharing. Greetings from Germany ✌️

Wonderful update. Your place looks great. 39K AUD! I come from a two and a half dog town in Oz and you can't even buy a run-down garage in the worst part of town for that! I am in the process of starting a project in Miyazaki and you have inspired me with your channel to perhaps someday start my own.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Miyazaki looks like a beautiful place.

I’m happy to have heard this story. Also I’m a big cat person and that is a cool cat.

I love your house! I live in Toronto where home ownership is a difficult if not impossible thing so it's very nice to see your affordable housing experience in Japan. Was very interesting to hear how your neighbours commended you on your rehabilitation of the house. You've helped to make the neighbourhood a more desirable place to live. Looking forward to future installments of Chani Japan!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks. Home ownership in Australia has also become very difficult. 🤗

It’s beautiful! You can always tweak it with art etc. as you find pieces you love. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

So true! I hope to find some nice art for the walls.

Wow! Remarkable achievements for that price.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

I'm finding the cost of materials and labour are a lot more affordable here.

You did a great job sorting those issues out. Actually the house looks great, well done!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I appreciate the comment 😀

I love Millie. Thank you for sharing your experience, I'm truly enjoying your videos

@ChaniJapan

22 күн бұрын

You are so kind! Thank you very much ❤️

Living the dream, congratulations

I too would have been frustrated by having to make immediate decisions on the bathroom, but in the end, it looks great!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 😀 Yes it was frustrating and a lot of trust involved with leaving some important decicions up to the builder to get it done in time.

I am in awe! It takes courage to accomplish what you have done. I cannot WAIT to continue watching your channel. I love your home and your attitude toward life! Love to you both!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! 🐱

Loved the fake grass and the look of the renovated house overall.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for that. The fake grass is also nice under foot and I don't have to mow it which is a bonus! 😀

@jackh127

Ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan I saw your video about buyers remorse right after getting your house. Glad to see everything worked out. I am fascinated with Japan life videos (experienced by non Japanese though). Your video editing is perfect, good length, and the narration is clear. Kudos.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

@@jackh127 thanks so much 😃

Love your make do and mend practical approach Chani! Your home looks great! Thanks for another enjoyable video! Milly is adorable - love the cat wall you provided for her! She looks like a real character!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! She is such a character 🐱

Great job and I'm really liking your channel.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you very much! 😊

Outside entertaining is not popular in Japan in an enclosed environment. It is part of the ''WA'' syndrome, if you know you know, however if you have kids though they will ''gaman'' . The way around this is to invite your immediate neighbors for a barbie, then they will understand and be more relaxed about stuff, during which time you can show them what you are doing with your interiors, they'll love that. Ignore at your peril....LOL Been there and got the tshirt😃😃😃 Really liking your channel well done

Congratulations to you settling into your new life in Japan with your pet. On the outside you sound and appear as gentle as a lamb, but I guess on the inside you are as brave as a lion,to follow your dreams and let nothing hold you back. I admire what you have done and achieved. I came to UK from China 18 years ago with a suitcase like you, major culture shock, had to learn the language etc. but it was worth it in the end. Seven years after renting in UK I was then able to buy my own property, it was super stressful, and I didn’t even have burst pipes lol you are amazing for doing what you have done all within the year! Japan is on my to-do-list and I hope to visit there some day. 😊

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Wow you've made a big move too! Well done for buying that property. I'm sure it was well worth it ♥️ I hope you get to Japan one day 😀

26k usd?😮 dang so i could totally mive to Japan. My japanese has gotten worse over the years but thats so much more affordable than what we have now. Thank you for posting and updating us.

Amazing work! The house is looking great and it’s so enjoyable to watch you handle all of the challenges living in a new country. I’m looking forward to seeing more from your day to day life.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoy it!

Extraordinary is the correct word. Your house is AWESOME!! I'm sure the neighbors are thrilled

@ChaniJapan

18 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

House looks fantastic!!! What a transformation. You have done a great job, you should be proud of yourself!!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! 😃

I am in awe of your spirit and can do attitude. Please sprinkle some my way.....The transformation is fantastic, and Millie is adorable.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

✨Sprinkle sprinkle✨

I lived in Wakayama Ken in 2002. It's a very pretty part of Japan.

Think your handyman is a friend for life! Quite the buy for $39k

Love watchingcur Channel, you definitely made some Really Good Choice Chani 🥰🇬🇧🇬🇧

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 🤗

The bathroom looks great, even though you had to rush it! I'm a similar age as you and looking to move abroad to get a life of my own as well. But finding a job is really the most important thing to be able to do that. I'm still waiting for my opportunity to come before it's too late for me....

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you for the comment. I hope that you can find your opportunity ♥️

I am in my late 20s and have been thinking about the future. So many things change in my dreams but one thing remains constant: I want to live in Japan. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏾

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I hope you can do it one day! ♥️

@Miya-ub5qn

Ай бұрын

I am Japanese. You are welcome!

Love seeing how this works in Japan. Adore the tile in your washer under the stairs. Thank you for sharing!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I really like the honest and simple style of your videos. This is great information about your story of moving to Japan and the real problems you faced and their solutions. Also, Millie must love that cat wall!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! Millie loves the wall 🐱 she is still a kitten so very adventurous. 😃

Thank you for posting these videos. My Japanese partner and I are planning on moving to a small island in Ehime and considering buying an akiya. It's great to see that you consider your purchase a success, despite the needed renovations and fixes. I am also impressed with how you managed everything on your own. Congrats on your house!

Incredible price. The home looks lovely, and your kitty seems very happy.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks. I think she is happy 🐱

So inspirational. I feel like I can accomplish my own dreams at 50 after watching this! Thanks for sharing!

@ChaniJapan

28 күн бұрын

You can do it!

Millie is so curious and adorable!!! It was so interesting seeing how much work you did on the house! It now looks brand new and very cute!! Must have been a stressful process but super inspiring.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! 🤗

10:16 Those pegs on the cat wall are hilarious lol

Thank you for the info..

Awesome video😊😊 you give me hope when I visit Japan.

I don't know that I would have the courage to do this by myself... amazing.

How are you such a legend? It’s so funny like I struggle putting the washing away whilst you’re casually just building a house over there. Honestly I feel like if I was stuck on a deserted with you I’d hand you some coconuts and leaves then in 5 minutes we’d have a luxury cruise liner to escape on.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

I also struggle to put the washing away 🤣 But if I get motivated to do something I can push through.

@dcdx8966

2 ай бұрын

@@ChaniJapan I think that’s why people like your channel. Your videos are relaxing but at the same time you’re just so on the ball and focused on this project.

Love the honesty about the cost. Thanks for the insight!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

You are welcome 😀

Hi from Philadelphia, Chani ! I love what you did to the house and found the costs surprisingly inexpensive. Good on you!! Oh and Miss Millie.. I do believe she knows how gorgeous she is!! Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Pets to Millie !!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! 😃👋

These videos are inspiring, thanks for sharing!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thanks for your lovely comment 😀

I love your videos. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to make them.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

So nice of you♥️

I love the tiles in your laundry room. Best wishes for happy times in your lovely new home.

Wow you're a DIYer and so resourceful! It's impressive. I don't know if I can do half the things you did.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I try

Awesome channel, keep us updated Chani !

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

Make sure you keep that handyman on your contacts list. I’ve never really had a really bad experience here but there is definitely a difference between ok, good and great. Enjoy your lovely home which you own outright. Not something many people can do back in Australia.

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

I have saved his number for sure! He was very professional.

You did a great job!

Ahhh - looks amazing! Keep those progress videos coming. Great to see you settling in.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

More to come! 🤗

Certainly can't buy a house in Australia for 39k that house is very cute.

Well done. It looks great! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

More to come! 😀

Excellent investment, I really like your home. It's peaceful and clearly in a good location. Well done!

Really enjoyed this video! Informative and I like the chill, slow vibes 😊

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Yay, thank you!

So helpful! It looks really good. I will refer back when I get to the garden of my new home next spring. Exciting!!!

It is a lovely cozy house. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Inspiring

@ChaniJapan

29 күн бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

Kudos for being so brave and getting a nice house.

thanks so much for posting such a realistic video on fixing the house and moving to japan in late 40's , early 50s. i have seen video similar to this (they were in the same age range) but it was just too 'unrealistic', the video was like ... an 'instagram' highlight reel and people who had lots of money to spare on.

@ChaniJapan

16 күн бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

The house has been given a new life! So exciting! You’re doing a great job to make your house a home! 😊

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much ♥️

Hello, liked and subscribed. Love your videos. You have done a remarkable job on the place. I plan to move to Japan myself in a few years, hoping the Yen stays low for a bit longer. Cheers.

Great to see your journey, Chani. Keep it up

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Will do!

Looking great, Chani. Thank you for sharing your akiya update. The cost details are also super helpful. Cheers!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful! 😃

Hola 👋 que experiencia gracias por compartir😊😊

THanks for sharing your experience Chani. Really appreciate the insight. Goodluck for you and Millie!!!

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

Amazing.

Great video! Cheers Chani 😊❤

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks! ♥️

Great job.The house is beautiful and very functional! Thanks for sharing the details.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! 😀

You are an inspiration Chani 🥰 Love your channel.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Thank you Chani for the great video and information! Really informative and I am glad everything turned out well in the end! :)Can't wait to see more of your journey!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

😀👋 more coming

Thank you Shani! Love your ❤videos

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

Great video! Love the transformation and all the great details and ideas you shared about the journey!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! Very kind of you 🤗❤️

It’s looks so nice x

keep pluggin along very nice chani

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Love this. Amazing! So impressed. Love the cat wall - brilliant - haven't seen one before. So glad you're settling well and thriving there!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 😊

I loved your renovation choices and style, nicely done

@ChaniJapan

Ай бұрын

Thank you! 😊

Very nice how things are shaping up. Love seeing that bathroom all new!

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks so much! 🤗

you've a very calming voice it's great to see this journey

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 😀

I can't believe that the bathroom was renovated in only one week and that it cost less than $10,000USD (since all of your renovations combined were less than that)! That wouldn't happen in California, where I live. They would say it would take a week and it would take 2 months, and it would cost at least 10% more than they estimated. I think the bathroom is perfect and the kitchen is too, after you cleaned it. You can add pops of color in other ways if you want. Beautiful home, and I love Millie. (I also can't live without my 2 cats.) 😻

@ChaniJapan

29 күн бұрын

Thank you so much 😀

OMG it looks awesome. Thank you so much. It helps to know about the additional costs and taxes for these. The astroturf definitely makes it look very welcoming.

@ChaniJapan

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 👋

Great job. I love it. I would do that as well. I want to move to Japan someday. I don’t know where I can start. I want to live in the area where is not too cold or not much snow.

Thanks so much for sharing your house-buying experience. I had no idea a foreigner could buy a property in Japan just like that. Did you need referees or were there any other official requirements before you were granted residency? Thanks, and keep up the great videos.