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Published by YukiHomes
Buying a home in Japan sounds like a fantasy until you meet the people who actually make it happen. YukiHomes Presents is a show about Japan... its houses, its regions, and what it really takes for a foreigner to own a piece of it. From the snow country of Hokkaido and Nagano to the cities, coasts, and small towns in between, it's a look at the country through the eyes of the people who help others put down a stake in it. Every episode goes deep on one thing. Sometimes that's property: what an akiya is and why old Japanese houses sell for the price of a used car, how a foreigner actually buys and renovates a home, which regions are worth it and which are hype. Sometimes it's everything around the houses: the food, the seasons, the onsen towns and ski hills, the design and craft, the culture, and the parts of doing this that are harder than anyone admits. Hosted by Nick and Derek, co-founders of YukiHomes, and Grant (YukiHomes PR & Media Lead). Along the way you'll meet the builders, guides, shop owners, and buyers who know this country better than any guidebook. No top-10 travel lists. Just honest conversations about Japan, and what it takes to own a piece of it. New episodes every other week. www.yukihomes.com www.nipponhomes.com
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In this episode, Derek and Nick welcomes their new co-host Vee! They delve into starting a business as a foreigner, and discuss practical steps, legal considerations, and personal experiences of entrepreneurship in Japan. They discuss navigating business and visas in Japan, the impact of recent policy changes, and practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to start in Japan. They share insights on real estate costs, cultural differences, and building a supportive network. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Vee's background and journey to living in Japan Starting a business in Japan as a foreigner Legal considerations and bureaucracy in Japan Importance of trust and delegation in business Steps to start a business: from idea to execution Japanese visa types and work restrictions Government support for foreign entrepreneurs Common challenges and cultural differences Visa policy changes in Japan Cost of real estate and business setup in Japan Cultural differences affecting business Importance of local networks and resources Opportunities in Japan's aging business landscape 💻 RESOURCES www.zehitomo.com 🎧 CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and new host background 03:02 Vee's journey from UK to Japan 06:59 Starting a business in Japan: initial steps 11:59 Legal challenges and bureaucracy in Japan 17:56 Trust, delegation, and building a team 22:59 Visa types and legal restrictions for foreigners 27:07 Government programs supporting foreign entrepreneurs 30:05 Practical advice for starting a business in Japan 🔗 WHERE TO FIND US Yukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapan Michikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.world Substack -> yukihomes.substack.com PR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!
Tune into this episode of YukiHomes Presents to hear Nick and Derek break down how they surfed and skied in Japan in the same day! From the logistics to the chaos to whether it's actually worth it, they cover it all. They break down Hokkaido (and why Otaru is the safer buy over the localized Pacific-side breaks near Muroran), the Sendai "middle ground," why Miyazaki's ski hill is basically a North Carolina-style bump, and the reality of winter surf consistency — including a stretch where a full season produced zero solid swells. They also cover Okinawa's tide-dependent point breaks, the surprisingly rideable (and cheap) coastline near Fukushima, and rumored slabs up in Niigata/Akita on the Sea of Japan side. If you're weighing a Japan property purchase around a surf-and-ski lifestyle, this one lays out where the snow is genuinely world-class, where the waves are actually consistent, and why "buy for the snow first" is still the honest answer. 🎙️ TOPICS COVERED Hokkaido: Otaru vs. the Pacific side (Muroran) vs. Niseko/Rusutsu Sendai as a surf-and-ski middle ground Miyazaki's ski hill — myth vs. reality Winter surf consistency (or lack of it) Okinawa's point breaks and tide dependence The Fukushima coastline: cheap land, recovering surf Niigata/Akita slabs on the Sea of Japan side Earthquake/tsunami risk on Pacific-facing properties 🔗 WHERE TO FIND US Yukihomes -> instagram.com/yukihomesjapan Michikusa -> instagram.com/michikusa.world Substack -> yukihomes.substack.com PR -> vee@yukihomes.com Got a topic or question you want covered? Email hello@yukihomes.com or send us a DM!
Tune into this episode of YukiHomes Presents to hear all about our favorite ski resorts across Japan and where we believe are good investment opportunities!
We break down everything that makes a Japanese home different from an American one. The design, the etiquette, and all the little things that catch Americans off guard.
Tune into this episode of YukiHomes Presents to hear all about 16 on Blue, our new coffee shop in Otaru, opening Winter 26/27 Season!
In this episode of YukiHomes Presents, we break down everything it takes to run a short-term rental in Japan: the laws and licensing, zoning rules that can make or break a property, the real costs, and where STRs actually make money (and where they don't).
Clayton from Hokkaido Backcountry Club called us out on Instagram.... so we invited him on. In this episode of YukiHomes Presents, we have real conversation about foreigners buying up Japan, absentee owners, and whether we're part of the problem.
In this episode of YukiHomes Presents, it is all about backcountry skiing. Grant almost dies and Austin from YukiTrips tells him everything he should have done! Interested in booking a trip? Book a call! - https://yukihomes.com/trips
In this episode of YukiHomes Presents, we cover a deep dive of our services, what to expect as a client, and how much we are involved in the process. If you are thinking about buying a home in Japan with us, this episode is a great place to start!
What is an akiya? In this episode of YukiHomes Presents, Nick and Derek explain Japan's abandoned house phenomenon... why millions of homes sit empty, why akiya are so cheap, whether a foreigner can actually buy one, and what it really takes to renovate one. We cover akiya banks, the hidden costs, common misconceptions, and how to find and buy a cheap house in Japan.
The origin story you have all been waiting for...
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