Akiya Doers and Dreamers Series: Interview with Matt Guy (@im.mattguy)

In this episode of the Buying a House in Japan podcast, recorded live from Niigata's Lyme Hotel, hosts chat with Matt Guy, a Japan travel expert who transitioned from Fremont, California, to Myoko, Japan. Matt shares his journey of purchasing and renovating a $6,000 house, tackling challenges such as winter heating, insulation, and snow maintenance. The discussion delves into practical aspects of Japanese real estate, banking, and community integration. Matt also offers cultural insights, detailing local events, communal snow clearing efforts, language learning experiences, and enjoying local attractions like hot springs and dinosaur museums. This episode provides valuable information on adapting to rural Japanese life and the unique rewards and challenges it presents. 00:00 Why I Moved to Japan 00:31 Special Guest Introduction 01:53 First Impressions of the House 02:38 Challenges of Snow in Miyoko 04:01 Journey to Miyoko 09:24 Buying a House in Japan 11:03 Renovation Experiences 17:35 Community and Neighbors 23:38 Finding the Perfect Property 29:44 Navigating the Purchase Process 30:53 Challenges of Japanese Banking 32:36 First Winter and Renovation Challenges 34:52 Snow Maintenance Tips 39:44 Winter Road Conditions 41:47 Natural Disasters in Japan 45:39 Exploring Japan's Ski Areas 55:51 Living in Japan: Community and Culture 58:28 Outro and Social Media