I moved to an abandoned house in Japan’s countryside and discovered that homeownership in Japan does not guarantee long-term stability like in the US.
I moved to an abandoned house in Japan's countryside and discovered that homeownership in Japan does not guarantee long-term stability like in the US.
Finding Peace and Purpose in the Japanese Countryside: Bethany’s Journey
This article is based on a conversation with Bethany “Bitsii” Nakamura, who made the leap from the US to Japan to pursue her dreams. Join us as we explore her fascinating journey of self-discovery, living in an abandoned house, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way.
Soul Searching: From Interior Designer to Adventurous Explorer
In 2019, Bethany Nakamura found herself yearning for a change. Tired of the corporate rat race and the relentless pursuit of financial gain in her career as an interior designer, she decided to embark on a soul-searching journey. She tapped into her inner child and discovered that 10-year-old Bethany had always dreamt of living in Japan and teaching English. Fueled by the desire to reconnect with herself, Bethany took a leap of faith and made the life-altering decision to move to Japan.
Escaping the Grind: The Appeal of Teaching English in Japan
Bethany began applying for English teaching jobs in Japan while still living in New York. It took her two years of perseverance and determination to secure the position she desired. As an English teacher, she found that the Japanese government made the immigration process seamless. Her employer supported her throughout, helping with necessary procedures such as obtaining a hanko (a name stamp) and setting up a bank account. Bethany’s first apartment, subsidized by her employer, came at the affordable price of $60 per month – an incredible opportunity for anyone looking to start a new life in Japan.
Discovering Hidden Gems: The Abandoned House on Shikoku
Bethany’s journey took an exciting turn when she stumbled upon an extraordinary opportunity – an abandoned house on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands. Through word of mouth, she learned that there are countless vacant houses in Japan, particularly in rural areas. These houses often go unnoticed by real estate agents working on commission, making platforms like Akia Banks, which are operated by local governments, valuable resources for finding them.
The abandoned house Bethany acquired had an intriguing backstory. Owned by a centenarian grandmother who passed away, the house had been bequeathed to her son, who was in his 80s and lived on a different island. Given the circumstances, he no longer needed the house and kindly offered it to Bethany for free. She only had to cover the utility expenses, amounting to approximately $136 per month. Renovation stories inspired her, and being an interior designer herself, she saw great potential in this time-worn gem.
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Rediscovering Charm: Preserving Tradition and Nostalgia
Bethany’s abandoned house, dating back to the Showa era (1926-1989), possessed an enchanting fusion of seventies retro aesthetics and traditional Japanese architectural elements. The use of tatami mat flooring throughout the house, made from multiple layers of densely woven grass, created a comfortable and nostalgic atmosphere. Exploring the house, she found pressed glass windows with retro patterns, adding an extra touch of visual delight.
The main floor, spanning 1,000 square feet, and the second level, an additional 250 square feet, presented Bethany with unique living arrangements. A Western perspective would define it as a one-bedroom house, but in traditional Japanese fashion, the number of futons available determined the occupancy. Large closets housed numerous futons, allowing multiple people to comfortably sleep on the tatami mat flooring. Living in the house felt like an extended camping trip, as it required occasional trips outdoors. The front windows offered beautiful views of the town, adding a delightful touch to this captivating residence.
The Value of Cultural Understanding and Flexibility
Bethany’s experience in Japan taught her valuable lessons about cultural dynamics and the significance of homeownership. She initially viewed renovating the abandoned house as a way to show gratitude to the community. However, as she began to immerse herself in Japanese culture, she realized that the house didn’t necessarily require any changes. It was already clean and beautiful – she had simply failed to grasp its inherent charm.
Bethany made the decision not to purchase the house, although she had been living in it as an official resident, paying only for utilities. She believes it’s unwise for foreign individuals to rush into homeownership in the Japanese countryside. Japanese culture, real estate dynamics, and financial stability differ significantly from what many foreigners are accustomed to. Unlike the US, where homeownership is often seen as a path to long-term stability, Japan experiences property devaluation. Additionally, it takes time for newcomers to understand and adapt to the unique cultural nuances of rural Japanese communities.
New Beginnings: From Abandoned House to a Shared Future
Bethany’s fascinating journey continued as she recently got married and decided to move to her husband’s property, also located in Shikoku. His house had been vacant for only two years, presenting a new chapter in their lives. Her time in the abandoned house had opened her eyes to the hidden wisdom of these neglected properties, sparking a desire to appreciate and maintain them, rather than rush to transform them.
Although Bethany’s adventure in homeownership turned out differently than expected, her experience remains a testament to the profound impact that embracing new cultures and exploring unconventional paths can have on one’s life. With her unique perspective and newfound knowledge, Bethany and her husband look forward to the next chapter, cherishing the beauty of the Japanese countryside and its transformative power.
Note: The conversations and experiences shared in this article have been condensed and edited for clarity.
