Close-up of a person using a power drill while working on wood indoors.

Design Tips for Renovating an Akiya

Renovating an akiya (空き家), or vacant house in Japan, can be an incredibly rewarding project. These traditional homes offer charm, character, and affordability—but they also come with challenges. If you’re …

Traditional Japanese tatami room with shoji sliding doors open to a garden view featuring a pine tree.

Termites in Your Akiya? Here’s What to Do.

Japan’s akiya (abandoned homes) present unique opportunities for buyers seeking affordable properties in serene, rural areas. However, these homes often come with challenges, including structural issues caused by termites. If …