I Moved To An Abandoned House Near Mount Fuji, Japan To Start A Business | Pause With Purpose

Key Concepts

• Akiya: Old, abandoned Japanese houses.
• Car Camping Business: Renting cars equipped for camping.
• Smart Home Automation: Controlling home systems remotely.
• Inbound Tourism: Increase in foreign tourists to Japan.
• ROI: Return on Investment.

I. Acquiring and Renovating an Akiya

• The narrator, a 46-year-old Singaporean, purchased an akiya in Japan in April of the previous year.
• Inspired by DIY akiya renovations on YouTube, he saw it as a personal challenge.
• The property has a land size of 480 m square.
• Initial renovation involved extensive trash removal, which took 1.5 months due to strict Japanese recycling rules and sorting requirements. The narrator described a 1cm thick layer of dirt, making it one of the worst cleaning jobs he had undertaken.
• The aka has a more modern build compared to others. Pillar rests on a concrete foundation.
• The narrator intends to strengthen the roof with a metal bar.
• The narrator has installed a portable air conditioning unit in his workspace/bedroom and uses a leg to turn it off at night before falling asleep.
• Experienced an earthquake upon arrival and prepared a 3-day to 1-week supply kit for emergencies.
• Most items in the house are imported from Singapore.
• The narrator intends to use the house for his office space.

II. Business Venture: Car Camping Rental

• The narrator's original plan was to start a business in Japan to finance his life there.
• He recognized the growing camping trend and decided on a car rental business catering to campers.
• He bought cars that could mount rooftop tents or be converted into light camper vans.
• The narrator aims to increase his car fleet to at least 10 by the next year.
• Requires vehicle inspection and certification for rental car business.
• The business is targeted towards campers, couples, and small families visiting the Mount Fuji area.
• Provides winter electric blankets and winter electric bathing.

III. Challenges and Support System

• Language barrier is a significant challenge for the narrator.
• He is reliant on help from property agent Ashawasan who has good network around the community.
• Dr. Kawato, a PhD holder and lawyer, helped him with administrative tasks, visa processes, and even trash removal.
• Neighbors have been very helpful and supportive.

IV. Integration and Lifestyle

• The narrator's wife supports his venture and entrepreneurial spirit. She takes care of affairs in Singapore.
• The couple had considered relocating long-term, drawn to Japan's safety, security, stability, and cold weather.
• The narrator maintains friendships through camping groups.
• The business must sustain itself, with potential plans for his wife to join him and rent out the house later.
• He engages in individual activities like going to the gym and trekking when his wife is not around.
• The narrator has smart home automation for his wife and cats.
• He feeds community cats and is a pet lover himself.

V. Automating the Akiya

• The narrator is installing smart home systems, including cameras and motion sensor lights.
• He uses Wi-Fi controllers to manage appliances remotely, even from Singapore.
• He installed two heaters before winter.
• His father taught him DIY and technical skills.

VI. Encounters with Wildlife

• Experienced hitting a deer while driving on the main road.
• Met Noawa, a local hunter, who introduced him to the region's wildlife.
• Observed monkeys and deer in their natural habitat.

VII. Business Development and Future Plans

• Plans to engage social media influencers and participate in local car rental events.
• Hopes the business will pick up before Christmas and aims to cover ROI within six months.
• Considering converting the akiya into an Airbnb, limited to 180 days per year.
• Hired Kota, a university student majoring in international business and tourism, to help with bookkeeping and customer service.
• He is working with Kota to handle customers, emphasizing the importance of interacting with people from different countries in English.
• The narrator needs to improve the quiet business through marketing efforts.
• Expresses gratitude towards Jizawa for his support during the business setup.
• The narrator intends to bring Jizawa to Singapore for local cuisine and experiences.

VIII. Remote Work and Education

• Received a remote job offer in Singapore, focused on monitoring systems.
• He decided to be based in Singapore.
• He applied for a bachelor's degree in workplace safety and health at SUSS.

IX. Conclusion

The narrator is pursuing an ambitious venture in Japan, balancing the challenges of renovating an akiya, establishing a car camping rental business, and integrating into a new culture. While language barriers and business uncertainties exist, he has a strong support network, a resourceful mindset, and a long-term vision for his life in Japan, whether the business succeeds or the house remains as a holiday home. The narrator is not lonely and makes time to adjust to local customs and environment.