A Gen X couple, Deborah and Jason Brawn, made a bold move by purchasing an abandoned house in rural Japan for approximately $23,000 in 2023. Their vision is to restore this property over the years as they transition into retirement. They emphasize the importance of integrating into the local community, a crucial aspect of homeownership in Japan.
Shared Dream of Owning a House in Japan
Deborah and Jason Brawn, originally from Brisbane, Australia, share a deep-seated interest in Japanese culture and lifestyle. Having frequented Japan on several occasions, the couple harbored a dream of owning a house in the country. With their four children grown up, they seized the opportunity in 2023 to turn their dream into reality.
A Lifelong Connection to Japan
The couple's fascination with Japan traces back to Deborah's university days in the '90s when she studied Japanese and later spent five years in Tokyo working as an English teacher. Her passion for the country, including practicing karate for thirty years, influenced Jason as well.
Discovery of Akiya During the Pandemic
It was during the pandemic that Deborah and Jason became acquainted with the concept of akiya, abandoned houses in Japan. These unoccupied dwellings in rural areas resulted from population decline and internal migration to urban centers. To incentivize occupancy in these "ghost towns," the Japanese government introduced programs offering renovation subsidies and even free properties.
Turning Dreams into Reality
With their youngest child reaching adulthood, Deborah and Jason decided to embark on their next chapter, including retirement planning. The allure of purchasing an akiya aligned with their desire for a passion project post-child rearing.
Choosing the Perfect Akiya
After meticulous research online due to Japan's closed borders, the couple visited Japan in November 2022 and subsequently in April 2023. Their quest led them to Mitocho, a quaint town near Masuda city, where they stumbled upon a traditional Japanese house dating back to 1868. Enthralled by its charm, they knew it was the ideal property for them.
Restoration Journey and Challenges
Having acquired the akiya for $23,000, the couple commenced the restoration process, focusing on reviving the house's former glory while infusing modern elements. Challenges such as encountering wildlife like spiders and snakes, alongside navigating the language barrier, presented hurdles along the way.
Community Integration and Future Plans
Deborah and Jason emphasized the significance of building relationships within the local community, a pivotal element in their akiya project's success. They aim to split their time between Japan and Australia, documenting their restoration journey on a YouTube channel.
Buying an akiya in Japan not only offers an affordable homeownership opportunity but also allows individuals to contribute to and embrace the local community, fostering meaningful connections and preserving the essence of Japanese culture.
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By: agoh@businessinsider.com (Amanda Goh)
Title: Gen X Couple Buys Abandoned House in Japan for $23,000 as Part of Retirement Plan
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/gen-x-couple-bought-abandoned-house-japan-akiya-restoration-retirement-2024-12
Published Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:14:01 +0000
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