The Hidden Industry Trying to Sell You a "Free" House in Japan

Comments · 52

• HI

  @hisoka7 · 1 month ago

  The man just discovering that social medias are just another gigantic advertising display.

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• EJ

  @ejmjapan · 2 months ago

  Excellent, honest coverage of this topic. Thanks for sharing the reality of akiya.

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• US

  @user-bt4oj6cy6u · 1 month ago

  Great clip. Your video is a breath of fresh air to the reality of Akiya homes

• DI

  @DidiGaga-hm4du · 3 months ago

  Good point Olli. The point is you have to be able to afford the akiya 3 times before buying which covers, repair, taxes and safety net.

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• FU

  @FuzzyCatMeow · 3 months ago

  FYI Shu charges 10-20k for his services in " helping" foreigners buy. You'll notice his older videos were all about being a landlord. But now it's all about vacation homes with him. There's really no money in Japanese REI. Those services live that from Shu is lowkey scammy and they nickle and dime everything m

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• CR

  @CryptoSteve-oq5ds · 5 months ago

  thankyou so much for this honest info!

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• FR

  @FrauWNiemand · 2 months ago

  Good summ up. Especially: Who is this for. It is still for the same peopel who clicked your video: the dreamers.

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• ED

  @eddenoy321 · 5 months ago

  Nice content. You resemble a younger version of Mike Yanagita in the film Fargo. Subbed.

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• PP

  @Ppzinha · 3 months ago

  People who already live in Japan and have jobs there, or who married a Japanese citizen and started a family, might also be interested in buying, because they already have a visa. Perhaps students as well.

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• CO

  @CoffeeGossipandChill · 1 month ago

  Good video. I bought one with land last year, on my own, without middle men or agents. I understand people’s fears and concern. But I’m stubborn and did it anyway lol I’m doing fine. I’m realistic about what I want and that helps a lot. In the end, I’m one of the people you described in the end. Just want to restore and enjoy it.

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• BE

  @BeigeEyesCroissantDragon · 2 months ago

  Waste of money since they don't come with a visa and have too many requirements for updating.

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• LO

  @lookitskazzy · 2 months ago (edited)

  Most people are not buying actual distressed or abandoned homes when they go through people like Shuo. They&apos;re buying older homes with some patina or homes in livable condition near major cities. &quot;Akiya&quot; gets broadly overused now and it&apos;s important to make the distinction.<br><br>Many western countries have 180 day visa free travel to Japan so for most buyers visas aren&apos;t a problem. Those who do actually want to live there full time are generally an exception and not the rule. Business management visas aren&apos;t really a viable path for a workaround unless you&apos;re already independently wealthy, and at that point parking 200K in a HYSA until you get approved for long term tourist visa makes more sense. You also did not need a Japanese employee until recently but that&apos;s just splitting hairs.<br><br>I think pointing out that you have to pay property taxes on a &quot;free&quot; house isn&apos;t really a gotcha, since that should be expected? You own property, you owe property taxes. Not really sure where you were going with that.<br><br>Caveat emptor.

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