These small snap shots of rural Japanese life are extremely calming and enjoyable. Truly a joy to watch vicariously. Good luck on the Akiya hunting.

@sherlockhomes9919

9 күн бұрын

Until you find out that these rural areas, houses are targetted by immigrants from vietnam, cambodia, philippines for burglary, robbery at gunpoint. Recently 2 vietnamese were finally caught for ransacking houses across nagano and other prefectures. They tied up the elderly owners while robbing the house. Imagine if you're wife or daughter were there. Then there's that filipino that robbed a supermarket in hiroshima. Then latest news on nhk is a highly organized cambodian group stealing solar panel equipment in rural ibaraka areas. More immigrants going to japan the more crimes will happen.

I'm one of the very few gaijin kids who grew up in rural Kochi. The mist and the fields and the mountains and the ocean and the country roads made me blink back "natsukashii" (nostalgic) tears. We lived east of Kochi on the coastal plain, and the villages are still beautiful!

The one thing you should not compromise on when buying a house is location. You can change and modify many structural and landscape things but you can't change its location (at least not easily). We were in an old house near a babbling brook and the view was spectacular...but then a hurricane came and we watched the brook turn into a raging torrent and pass the 100 year high water mark. When we finally bought a house we went for elevation...and have since learned that high winds are a problem as are the higher accumulations of snow in winter... Nothing is perfect but these things do matter...especially as you get older. Good luck and take your time ❤

@anydaynow01

Ай бұрын

Yep this was some of the best advice my dad gave me. Buy in the nicest neighborhood that I could afford!

FYI Hydrangea plants have strong, deep root systems and can be used to stop or slow erosion on slopes if needed. Used extensively in the Azores for exactly this reason.

The cutting is of a chrysanthemum symbolized in the Imperial Seal of Japan. I would have rooted it in a pot of soil or a glass of water before planting.

@geruto17760

Ай бұрын

Interesting, I always thought the Paulownia was the official seal.

your videos are so relaxing, i click on them as soon as you upload!! love what you’re doing 💕

@SephirothinLEGO

2 ай бұрын

you gotta sprint for that rest and relaxation amirite?

Thanks for taking us along ❤

TokyoLama youtuber tells me that most Akiya are not listed. They are just sitting there because the kids moved to a city and the parent passed, and the kids just straight abandoned or forgot about the houses. He says to find the abandoned house first. Then talk to neighbors

@ChienVu-bb2rw

Ай бұрын

Thương !❤❤❤

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh ! What beautiful houses ! Thank you for showing other houses ! I hope your flowers , trees and bushes bloom soon . I look forward to see them in all their glory ! Best wishes from the U.S. ! 😊. ❤

It's so cool that you are searching for a house of your own ! I wish you the best 🎉

The scenery while you were driving was amazing. I would love a Lofi style video of a window-side view in a car.

@emilys3638

Ай бұрын

YES, I've been hoping she would make a video purely composed of long shots of scenery, perhaps with very subtle quiet music, but nothing too distracting. The little clips of rural scenery are so wonderful, and for me they are never long enough! I would even watch a video with just one viewpoint for several minutes, because I'm sure it would be captivating...

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

You might be getting something kind of like that soon 😉

@dhruv2985

Ай бұрын

@@maigomika LETS GOOO😆

Some of the views within those neighborhoods are devastatingly beautiful.

I love your videos. I do wish they were longer and more frequent. But they do take a long of work to produce so totally understand. The anticipation makes your content that more valuable.

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words! Yes, this video was a little short... but more coming your way!

I'm excited to see what kind of house you guys find for yourselves! And just a little tip for the cuttings: you should propagate them in a glass of water before planting them in soil. Allowing them to grow roots before they're planted gives them a better chance of surviving and becoming strong, healthy plants ^^

@rolandomichel2070

2 ай бұрын

Had the same thought, as I watched her put that cutting into the soil... without any roots. But who knows, it might just "take".

@ceruleanroses

Ай бұрын

I recognized the plant as a Chrysanthemum. There’s no need, they are so easy to just plunk in soil and grow!! 🌼 As long as it doesn’t dry out it will be fine 😙

Japan has always been the one place I wanted to visit.😊

I have been here from your first video and I have to say I have never enjoyed a channel so much. Every single video is a masterpiece and is just what I need. Thank you Mika, Jesse, and of course Pancake

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

Thank you for sticking with us since the beginning!

I'm happy to hear that you're thinking about buying an "akiya" house in Japan. I hope you find a perfect place and keep producing these amazing videos.

I’m so glad i found your channel - your videos are just magical! All the best from Thailand!!

The chrysanthemum flowers are great. And will reseed them selves and spread. The verbeena is another. And would look great spilling over the rock edge. And a moss rose.😊

Based on the leaves of the 'Mystery Cutting' I'm willing to bet that is a chrysanthemum. Hope it takes. Look forward to seeing what happens.

@hondameister2656

2 ай бұрын

Looks like chrysanthemum to me too, which blossoms in fall, could be many colors, one of my favorite flowers

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

Thanks! I look forward to it blooming so we can find out what color we got!

Your voice and narration is perfect and also,NISSAN CUBE FOR LIFE!

Can’t wait for the future “new akiya house renovations “ video

Wow, so many of those houses are exceptionally beautiful.

Everyone has their own 8:23 esthetics for a home. I tend to love homes with trees in areas that have a woodsy feel to it. So my favorite was the first house that was shown. Also liked the different levels of rock walls around it. Just wouldnt want to be somewhere that may have mud or rock slides.😊

Tokyo Llama has been working on a restoration project. He is really handy and uses a combination of traditional and western techniques in his work. He might be a good connection to make. I really enjoy both your channels.

Wishing I was more adventurous when young and did something like this. Thank you for sharing ❤

This is great you're taking the plunge, and I wish you happiness in your decision, just remember that good location and school systems are key to great resale values!

Pancake! 😍

I love your videos! Thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life in Japan.

Japan is a perfect place for introverts like me ❤

I always look forward to a new video! I love seeing this side of Japan! You don't see it very often~ Thank you for all the hard work, Mika and Jesse (and Pancake!)

you are my comfort channel

I get to retire soon and will move to Japan. I can't wait to have a nice quiet peaceful place with a vegetable garden. Your videos always bring smile to my face.

@robot_collective

Ай бұрын

I also had the idea to spend my retirement years in Japan. How do you get a permanent visa there as a foreigner, is that so easy?

@kazuwilliams5222

Ай бұрын

@@robot_collective Depends on your situation: family, education, etc. For my situation, my parent is a Japanese national so it's very easy. Essentially, after living there for a year, I get permanent residency.

Your very own Totoro adventure!

I love the quiet ambiance of your videos.

Isn't it funny when something like searching for the ideal house is fun and daunting at the same time? Each property contains its own setting of variables. Oh to be young again! You 3 guys are adorable!

I loved the third akiya house! ❤ I hope it is still available for you guys haha ^-^ Amazing video as always, I'm so happy when I see you upload something new. Greetings from Spain!😊

Props to you guys. I'm canadian as well, and just stumbled onto your channel!

@6:40 The mystery flower appears to be a "kiku", or a chrysanthemum: Shikoku gardens have literally hundreds of varieties, from small multi-bloomers to rather tall single bloom plants that must be supported. When it takes, be sure to ask how tall it is, and whether it will need a support...

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

Will do, thanks!

This is timely for me since I have been contemplating on searching one myself. Just want you guys to know you have great content. Don't let anyone put you down, not even life. Hope you make the best of what you have and make happiness. Cause you certainly are helping people with your content. 🙇‍♂️

NO matter how many times I see the wooden structures in Japan, I simply just could not help saying to myself and recently I am lucky enough to bump into one of the only few Japanese in my area in regional Australia, he seems pretty positive hearing my intention of getting an Akiya in rural Japan and would love to help me on my relocating plan. Thank you for your videos, and Canada has been one of my favourite countries so far as well, people there are just so annoyingly friendly. Take good care of yourself, particularly thank you for spearheading for the rest of us!

I really appreciate how you are sharing your life with us, especially those of us who would dream of living and retiring in Japan some day

A adore this tiny glimpse of life in the Japanese countryside

Yay! Excited you are looking to continue your time in the Japanese countryside. I’ve enjoyed following your adventures so much 😊

Good luck! Nothing feels better than finding the perfect home!

As always, thank you for sharing. It's always lovely to see what you three have been up to; hope your search for a akiya house goes well.

I love watching these videos , they are great inspiration for people interested in finding a way to live in japan and see the potential of living in rural japan, can’t wait for the next one!

The shot at 1:07 is seriously so cool and beautiful it’s my fav from your whole channel! Good luck searching!

I lived in Okinawa for 2 years. Best wishes with your adventure.

Your videos are wonderful! Just watching everything and looking forward to everything coming up next. And totally echoing the wish for longer videos! Truly wonderful ❤️ Good luck on finding your new house soon!

Always on the lookout for new maigomika videos! Your videos strangely remind me of the songs by Ichiko Aoba

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

What a compliment!

Wonderful

This is so well filmed. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Excited to see your new adventure!

If and when you do move to another home, I’m certain your neighbors will miss you dearly. I can see that your family have grown a deep bond with the community. I’ve been following since your first video and watching your efforts to engage and connect with the neighbors, community, Japanese culture has been delightful. Something as simple and small as caring for the garden and wanting to restore it to its former glory shows you care about your community.

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

We don't think we will stray too far from this area, so hopefully, we can continue to keep our ties with this community. 🥰

These videos are so wonderful, some of my favorites on YT. Thanks for sharing. 🙏🏻

How exciting! Anxious to take this journey with you. Thank you for sharing this interesting lifestyle.

Thank YOU for yet another fantastic video 😊 good luck with the house hunting x

How exciting to be looking for an akiya! Beautiful. Fingers crossed that you find something you love. 💕

So excited for the next step in your journey❤

Wish you well on your search. Love watching your channel!

Wow all those houses were so beautiful! Good luck! Beautiful garden back home as well :)

Fab video, good luck with your search.

Good luck! Love these videos. It's beautiful there. No hurry ... 10,000,000 abandoned homes and growing daily. You will find the right one. Then we will get the video!

lovely and beautiful countryside

Love, Love, Love these posts! Keep 'em Coming...Please. Marty in New Jersey.

honestly my favourite channel on youtube

I'm also from Canada, Québec specifically and god the things I'd do to live that exact lifestyle, you guys are so lucky!

Enjoy the process of searching! I hope you'll find a gem of a house.

bonito lugar

That was really interesting. Thank you

thanks for sharing us your life its really inspiring 😊

This was a masterful video.

Very exciting to purchase your own house. Fingers crossed you find a hidden gem.

Love to see more of your vlogs!

How exciting for you, looking for your own akiya. We will continue to watch with great interest. As for your cutting I agree with many others that it is a chrysanthemum. The garden is coming along very well indeed.😊

Good luck on your search for a new home!

Great story and best of luck.

Good luck with the Akiya hunt

Lived there for 2 years- living harmoniously with mosquitoes

awww i love the house your in now but good luck on finding you own!

Happy hunting! Hello from Zushi, Kanagawa! We love your video style!

Loved house #3!

@user-uf9kg2fb5q

Ай бұрын

metoo😊

Very interesting that akiya (abandoned houses) in Japan still look nice, allowing for overgrown plants & garden, despite years of being unoccupied! In many countries, my guess would be that there would be squatters illegally taking them over. Maybe the remaining (few) elders in the village/hamlet keep an eye out for strangers? Beautiful scenery in Japan's countryside.

Mystery flower leaves look like Chrysanthemums? Good luck.

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

Thanks!

I could easily spend the rest of my life driving around Japan's Mountain villages!!

I would have a very difficult time in passing on the boulder garden at 0:11. A true monument and seen from many rooms! Best luck!

Greetings from Redondo Beach 🇺🇸. Beautiful place. Nice work on this video. Cheers 🥂

I saw your insta post about the video lighting, can confirm it looks great!!

Wishing you much joy in your househunting adventure and even more when you have found the right one. I adore Japan and wish I were a little younger; I would then be able to realize my dream. The gift plant from your neighbour is a Chrysanthemum - or so the leaf shape indicated.

love it

Love Pancake!

3:58 - "That's cool" :P. Wonderfull place :). Like a little monastery :P.

If you've done all that work to the existing house and made friends there have you considered asking the owners if they'd sell?

Well, this is exciting! Best of luck on your search, and it would probably be best if you allowed Pancake to have final say on your new home, because, you know.

@maigomika

Ай бұрын

You know we won't buy anything without Pancake's final approval. 🤣

I wish for the episode named "Our first day at the new one acre homestead on the Japanese countryside"

Good looking soil

Good luck finding your home! We bought and renovated an Akiya near Iwakuni in Yamaguchi. Let me know if we can help with anything.

i loved the music during the akiya house scouting! It made me feel like I was playing sim city 4 but it was set in Japan =D haha

House 3!