Report #19: Hiroshima

Join us on a journey to the gateway to the Seto inland sea

A&I News

Back on the hunt with NTV’s News Every

We keep busy fielding media enquiries, which we greatly appreciate as it helps us get out the word to people around the world as well as Japanese looking to sell their akiya. This time around, we have started filming a 3rd program with Nippon TV’s News Every program, which has already taken us to Hiroshima and Yamanashi. With another filming scheduled for rural Saitama, we can’t wait to show you what we’ve been up to!

Stay tuned.

How to buy an Akiya in Japan, a YouTube short

Check out our latest video, where we take you through the Akiya buyer’s ownership journey in a short one-minute clip. What are you waiting for?

Akiya revisited in Nikkei and Asahi Newspapers

The interest of the Japanese news media in our adventures is a continually humbling experience. Recently we were interviewed by Nikkei and Asahi newspapers on the growing interest in Akiya by customers from around the world. The fact of the matter is that Japan’s Akiya problem is only getting worse, and with over 8 million Akiya across Japan by the government’s last count in 2018, the matter is pressing.

Can foreigners do something to combat this alarming trend? How can we get more Akiya owners to place their properties on the market? We attempt to answer these questions in Japan’s newspapers to help get the word out.

Nikkei article featuring Akiya & Inaka

Finding Peace in Hiroshima: A travelogue

4:00 am, bleary eyed, heading out on an adventure!

6:00 am, board the first Shinkansen of the day, Nozomi No.1

This is actually my first time to Hiroshima. In 17 years of living in Japan, I never had a chance to visit. Being a car enthusiast, I am greatly unaware of what is out there in west Japan. That is about to change, as my 3 hour 40 minute Shinkansen ride will conclude in a 24-hour whirlwind tour of Japan’s gateway to the Seto inland sea.

I’ve come to Hiroshima to scope out two properties for an overseas client. Yes, that’s right, you can send us on-demand to the locale of your choice from the comfort of your own sofa!

This is an interesting case, as usually we conduct on-site visits together with the client, but at the same time a smart move for people who don’t want to miss out on a hot property.

Upon arrival, I will rent a micro-size Kei car and head out to the first property in Hatsukaichi, a suburb just west of Hiroshima’s metropolis.

9:40 am, arrival in Hiroshima

The brisk morning sun greeted me upon arrival, a nice and warm winter day. Without delay, I picked up my rental car and headed straight for the first property.

A home with a view!

This month’s property for paid subscribers is a 1980’s build with a spectacular view. Consider a paid subscription if you would like to learn more.