I think your journey is going to become a common one for a lot of younger folk who are disillusioned with their lives and the potential of north american society. We lost our way with community and family a long time ago. The pace is too fast and we serve the wrong purpose (careers and money). We were sold a bill of goods - you don’t need community or family.. you need success and success is ‘this’. Success is relative and you do not know what a difference you make when you love genuinely and help your fellow human beings. Congratulations!

Hi all! You might be wondering: haven't I see this video before? Yes, I'm re-publishing an updated version of this video. I received a request for additional privacy and was unable to accommodate it using KZfaq's post-upload blurring/cut tools. Unfortunately I'm anticipating that this video won't do as well as before because those people who already watched it are likely to skip. So if you feel like sharing this video with your communities on facebook/discord/reddit/etc, it would be VERY much appreciated!!! Thank you for sticking with me. ❤‍🩹

I like the new animation section, simple at first glance but containing so much expressive detail. The fire warming the tea kettle. The sunlight cast through the window. And what a wonderful hug!

I see that a few people are asking questions about visas. This is very important: buying a house in Japan doesn't entitle you stay there forever (at least as far as I know!) Anyone can buy a house but you need a strategy for legally living there. And, as I understand it, it's not necessarily easy. Maybe this is a topic for a video down the line? Keep up the great work!

Konichiwa. I thoroughly enjoyed your heart felt video. I'm an architect from the Uk living in the the US.and I'm 57 years old, My mum just turned 81 and I'm all she's got. I've been a Japanophile for years, I studdy and practise Japanese carpentry and have load of Japanese friends My son is now 22 and is a welder, he's on his own destination. When Mum goes I have nowt to stick around for. I would love to move to Japan to a nice small village and help the locals repairing their homes. Internet would be nice but if there's cell phone coverage, that'd do. I just love Japan. I've been intrigued about Japan since when I first live in the US, we had a Japanese missionary couple stay at out home. Mrs Matsuda sat down and started teaching me origami. Mr Matsuda gave me a 5 yen coin which to this day I have on my keychain.

Yes, I was offered a free house last time I was cycling in Japan. But at the time I had other plans. Thanks for your flog

Full of intelligent advices, but for life in fact. Not only to live in countryside in Japan ! Thanks to share with us.

I loved the outcome of the tools. So amazing to see you give them new life.

Living in Japan for the past 20 years I totally agree with everything you said .

I’m gonna need my virtual high five for making it past 9:00 😂

Your intro about how you didnt want to live as a hyper-corporate in survival mode in New York really resonated with me. Me wanting to live a simple life where generosity and care for others is practiced, is the reason why I moved out of the western world too. Thank you so much for this video :) Me and my family have been considering moving to Japan since we love the country, and your experience in getting a free house in Japan is invaluable to us. Thank you so very much for taking the time to make this video

This is actually my second time watching this! love it! :) I see you replaced that beautiful interaction with the couple with an animated sequence now. I guess they didnt want to be in the video in person?That was one of my favourite scenes, but its still super nice as a hand drawn animation!

Thanks for sharing the story of your 🏡 in 🇯🇵. It’s inspiring that you have embraced a new culture and way of living. Life is about sharing not just our common goals but celebrating our differences. We’re all trying to live our best lives one day at a time. 🥂

for a long time I‘ve been trying to gather my thoughts on life in the Japanese countryside and why I seem to have had a different experience than many foreigners I‘ve been talking to. you just managed to summarize it perfectly. looking forward to follow the renovations :)

You know, I just came to this video tryibg to understand what 'free houses' in Japan are actually about, what with it popping up on shorts and such. What I got was not only an explanation but also a glimpse of what living in Japan might actually feel like. Thank you for such a nice, calm and interesting video :)

Bbitsi, thank you for this. I've seen a large growth in interest in this trend as people are dealing with very expensive housing costs here in the USA. You were right regarding the comments you were getting on your own home. People were projecting their own experiences with housing on your situation. It's a bit funny to have read those comments and I just imagined how miserable those people were in their current lives. Your description of New York was spot on. It seems that the main philosophy we have here is that "There's a sucker born every minute". Here it seems that you need to always be skeptical of anything that benefits you, and unfortunately, that's somewhat true. Always look to the messenger. Now, I really envy you as you no longer need to deal with this. Most people have no idea of what the Japanese culture is really like (including me). Inspired by people like you, I'm finally able to take a trip to the Tokyo area in the next couple of weeks. I know that the hustle and bustle of the city is far different from the countryside where I feel I would be most at home, but for this trip, I'm bringing my teenage daughter and we will do Tokyo and surrounding areas visit for two weeks. The trip after that will be to other towns and the countryside (which there is a lot of). Bitsi - believe it or not, you are inspiring! You have a great way with the turn of a phrase and always evoke images of what you are discussing. My best takeaway phrase this time around, "...This is not the place to look for a house, this is the place to look for a good life where society cares about harmony..." You should trademark or copyright that phrase! Keep up the fantastic videos and I will keep watching your journey to harmony! Maybe one day, I'll have my own.

I loved the disclaimer. That sense of community and safety and being cradled by the place you spend your life is something I long for. ❤

‘Stay curious!’ 🇯🇵🍃🙏🏻🎋 I miss Japan. Wonder if I would have the courage, like you. Will stick around.

Actually I just found this video after coming across your move to the mountains video as I am kind of intreged by people living or moving to rural areas of Japan. I mean its just so peaceful and the scenery is beautiful. Japanese culture is fasinating and I love Asian cultures anyway as my wife is from Thailand and we spend alot of time there.

Pairing the video of cleaning the tools with your narration is brilliant.

Your video was the first video to pop up when I searched up free homes in Japan. I was expecting a gloss(selling Japan as a fantasy land like other videos have) over of how hard moving to a whole another country is but I found a genuine experience. I like your vibe and thanks for the informative video.

I love your intro disclaimer, it is so directly raw, truthful and down to earth. My grandmother is Japanese but I never met her because she passed on before i was born. We don’t know her background well because she was adopted. But I remember the first time I went to Japan, I was blown away. The affiliation was immediate. It’s not an obsession but I feel a calling. The second time I went back, I knew I want to retire there. I can’t explain it, it’s just almost the natural right thing to do. So right now I am just dreaming and wishing upon it. My steps are small, my intention is to visit Japan every year to get to know it better and to just enjoy and take in the essence of Japan. I wish for my dream to come true one day. 😊 Love from Germany and do keep up your lovely deep soulful work, it’s wonderful ❤

i loved the quick animation, it has a nice feeling

You such a wonderful story teller. Beautiful and all the best

8:45 I'm doing this naturally, now. It is my way. However, some places in America lack an understanding (and actualization) of the harmony concept. So blooming where I am planted is good, but like you, I needed to choose a better place. When I first visited Japan (back in 2000), and first saw the green of the land from the airplane, I cried. And when I set foot on the land, it spoke "home" to me, unlike any other place. The same holds true to this day. So I will return soon, and take on your steps and advice. Thank you for what you have shared and bravo for bringing life to that place and new hands for the tools.

I’ve been to Japan 3 times for 10 days each time. I’ve never felt so comfortable, at home, and able to be myself.

Thank you for posting an updated version. It was extra work for you, but is really honoring and drives home the value of cultural respect you talk about.

This is such a delightful update to the video that got me to your channel months ago! Thank you so much!

didn't even realize I was just listening to the disclaimer lol, you're voice is very soothing that I couldn't help but listen

So I am an American that’s always been infatuated with Japan & Japan’s culture but I’ve always liked the country and never liked the big city. I can’t afford to buy a American house but it looks like I can afford to live in the countryside of Japan. Too bad they don’t let ex convicts live in Japan. I would totally renounce my US citizenship immediately. After doing a little more research, I also found out that most of these abandoned houses come fully furnished with everything inside I so wish Japan made it easier for people with my situation to move over there.

I love rural Japan, and the community centirc lifestyle. I could easily go without ever going to Tokyo. This is extremely tempting to me. Thank you for this insightful video.

I made it thru the very long disclaimer!! Which was actually a vital piece of information. Thank you very much for that. It's a lot to think about, because I'm also planning on starting a new life in Japan.

Thank you for presenting a beautiful perspective to living in Japan. The suggestions that you have made are indeed important for any situation in life.

I love it! This video ought to be titled: Zen and the Art of Home Ownership.

Thank you for your thoughts on all this and for sharing it with us. As someone in the process of making a similar life change (but not to Japan, though very close!) it’s incredibly inspiring and also sobering.

I’ve been waiting for your videos! Thankyou!

Very nice personal story with kindness, sincerity and helpful information - Thank you and greatest gratitude

I love your philosophy on life. Japan seems like it can be a wonderful place to live. I wish I had half the insight you convey in your videos.

Great video! So refreshing to see a honest, straightforward experience and explanation of the situation and how you fit into it all.

thanks for this video it helps to hear your side of the free houses story :) ty

So glad you remade this wonderful and informative video! ❤

Such beautiful story of your journey of finding a place to call home in Japan. Mahalo for sharing.

This was such a wonderful and informative video. It's always nice to see smaller creators on youtube making quality content like this :]

Great video, super sound advice! I'm so happy for you! I could only dream of living in a community where people actually know and care for each other, instead of being just a random group of tenants who are too crushed by their job and high cost of living to even notice each other.

I was Wondering what happened after you got the house! Glad to see this follow up! ❤

I have enjoyed your authenticity and your beliefs about creating a good life. Thank you for your beautiful videos ❤

This is a great solution to the problem. You did a good thing. I will very much enjoy re-watching this video!

Thank you forsharing your experience and the spirit of this content. X

Definitely might look into this for Akiya abandoned homes in Japan.

High five Bitsii! Love your video content. So peaceful and refreshing. I hope you continue to update us on your story!

You hit the nail on the head: Akiya banks will have houses that people are motivated or wanting to get rid of. Now, whether that is "good or bad" is debatable, but it is something to be aware of, espcially if you are going into a very small community. Some distant family member offering an empty house to an internet rando might not be what the community is looking for.

Thank you for sharing your story.

I made it to mid point and it’s also give me something to think about

Bitsii : The reason , you left and went to a place like that , is the reason in my later years , I am 63 I would like to do Photography overseas , and Japan is a beautiful and interesting country , the people are so thoughtful too. I hope at 63 I would not be shunned by the government to renovate a home , and enjoy neighbors and local life. Thanks for the nice calm , interesting , video ... I also repair old tools , and I enjoyed watching you preserve the old tools. Nice touch ...the clipped limbs , in Vase , beautiful. I like that kind of thing. Chris

I love your videos and look forward to this journey you're on.

Love your down to earth explantations ...

Hey, awesome video. Thank you ! Just a tip, the spray you used on the tools (looks like Q20) is highly toxic and carcinogenic. I've switched to olive or sesame seed oil.

very motivational, keep it up

Beautiful narrative, I feel privileged to learn about your experiences and vision ❤

Loved your video. Happily viewed it in it's entirety. Although I'll never be able (physical and age related issues) to travel to and/or live in Japan, the culture has always been a part of my long life. Grew up in a wonderful neighborhood with first and second generation Japanese families (as well as many other cultures). It was a blessing to see how other's think, how their verbal & social cultures functioned on an intimate level. Most importantly, what makes us all different and the same in a single breath of shared experiences. Thank you for your honest and wonderful way of showing your personal journey. I look forward to your future adventures.

Good life is the best choice. Love your videos and thoughtful discourse.

Great video! Enjoyed it! Thanks you!

What a beautiful story, such insights, very Zen

Thank for this video, it's really good to see how it is possible to get a more quieter pace of life. We would love to follow your example, as we do have the dream of moving to Japan and seeing all these wonderful things, and living a similar life,but it's unlikely it'll happen for us due to various circumstances. But it's lovely to live vicariously through your video's, looking forward to seeing your future adventures. Also REALLY good job revamping / restoring those tools... Good job 👍❤️

Very exciting watching your journey. Our Son is looking forward to moving back to Japan and Shikoku is a dream of his. Getting away from it all etc. Nice to know being adventurous and personable. can get you somewhere.

I havent cried in a while and this vid unleashed the humility i can feel

Your solution for additional privacy was charming! The animation was so cute! And I still really enjoyed watching you wash the tools again. Most people might skip this particular video, but I liked coming back to it again.

Glad I ran into your channel. I'm in the beginning stages of looking for a home in Japan.

I have watched it before, but since it was deleted im commenting again :D Loved the video. Can´t wait for more! Great work!!!

This video resonated with me, as I knew it would. Thanks again! ;-) I am looking for these things too, community, understanding, country living, simplicity in things and in relationships. The free home, yeah, would be nice too ... but honestly as long as I can have access to fruit trees so I can feed my obsession with pruning, shaping, grafting, etc, I will be happy. Looking forward to the next video!

Another great video. I'd add to your wise advice for any newcomer that there's no 'real Japan'. Many people visit to seek out some hidden version of the country but really there are many different Japans - being a very regional country - but Tokyo is as real as the remotest village. It's just a different flavour. Flexibility is indeed important as Japanese houses make for a very different way of living than a Western home. Just as the seasons change what you do and how you dress outdoors, so they affect how you live indoors. That takes some getting used to. Looking forward to seeing your next instalment.

Community is awesome! Nice video!

Very inspirational ❤

This was a fascinating story. I spent two years living up on Park Slope in Brooklyn so I know exactly why you left! There isn't enough money in the world to make me ever go back! I have been learning about Japan for a few year. I'm also trying to learn the language. it's not easy when you haven't anyone with whom to practice, though. I have a goal that being quite long in the tooth, I would prefer to spend my remaining days in Japan rather than the USA. The latter is falling apart and is no longer what my family fought to defend. It's time to jump ship before it sinks completely. I am currently considering looking for a farm style akiya. It would be something that I could fix up if required and help by raising produce. I've seen some very attractive places that are, for all practical purposes, better than free. Your video is helping to push me along with that decision. All I need to do is finish selling off everything I own, first. My time frame is to be gone right after the next election which quite possibly could also be the trigger point for the next civil war. Keep up the good work and maybe we will see each other in Japan.

Thanks! Japanese culture is attractive (respect, harmony, nature, etc.). Ikimasho!

LOVE your channel 😊

To the commenters asking about the similarities of this video to others - My view is that this version gives a counterpoint to her earlier commenters who had projected their own views as to why she received a house in Japan (my words, not hers).

I made it to 09:06 , I like to follow your steps, been in Japan for 6 years now. Some time ago I imagined/dreamed the same life that you now have. Just live in the province and have a simple life. But wife and I had the kid in 2019. Things have changed. No time to learn the language, I'm stuck playing PC games. The daughter is now in an International School and we have to pay the bills :D I'd probably be better off if I followed the akiya bank process if I wanted a house. The new houses are only for the super rich. One thing, I've been here for 6 years but I have no real friends here (yet). In my work place, I have a few acquaintances but no real friends. This made me think, I have to have a legit Japanese friend. Thanks

Thnx for this story and good luck) interesting looking to

Great video and thank you for your honesty and your advice. I have been living in Japan in the city area for many years now and hope to fulfill my dream of getting an old Japanese house in the countryside like yourself.

Thank you for this video 😊 it's wonderful! 🌿I've been considering doing something similar for over 5 years now, and I think it's soon time to go. I'll be in Japan for 3 months Sep-Nov and would love to find a house to rent for the next year. I have some idea of my favorite spots in Japan from my previous long visits, but I still want to explore the more Western parts 😊to see if another part of the country also speaks to me. Basically Shikoku and Kyushu are on my list for the Fall. How did you find the house you originally rented? How do you recommend going about finding a good house for rent in a rural / nature area? Thank you so much for your videos! I'm continuing to follow your stories 💫

What a nice, enlightening video.

8:12 that sounds beautiful, i love your take on that

I was offered a house in the northern island’s countryside. However, I was too afraid to accept. But your video had encouraged me.

I think you're thorough and a good story teller. Will watch more of your vlogs. Liked & subbed 👍

I really like the kind of contend you create.

I liked first part was deep and meaningful

you are so brave! We trying do it too

love this

Your content is simply wonderful! You are a sensei!

Thank you.

I love the house and your story.

High five!🙌 Well said💕

❤❤ ireached this far. i love the content

Really like this kind of content. Very inspirational. But be honest. As soon as the elderly part of the village passes away, there won't be many villagers left. So in the not so far future you'll become a citizen of a mostly vacant/abandoned village like the other tens of thousends across Japan.

Well, I will watch it again, no problem

I made it this far, not looking for a house in japan just now, I have found a place with this kind of culture of my own, I love hearing about your adventures tho. I am gonna need to know where that red waterproof outfits from?

First ✨✨✨✨ thanks for sharing with us

I want to give you a 🙌 for the insightful video

Made it this far 🌊