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Upon the conclusion of his five-year employment contract, Lawrence Covian expressed little desire to return to the United States. Covian and his spouse, Chiyoko, relocated to Japan from North Carolina in July 2017, drawn by his position with the US government. Initially, they considered returning home; however, as they acclimated to their new environment, they found themselves reluctant to leave.
“After being here for five years, I felt comfortable and enjoyed it, so we decided to stay here one way or another,” Covian shared.
To remain in Japan, he opted to continue his work with the US government as a contractor. Meanwhile, the couple, who met in California and have been married for over three decades, began to contemplate making a long-term commitment to their life in Japan.
As an enthusiast of older homes, Covian developed an interest in acquiring and refurbishing one of Japan’s numerous abandoned houses, referred to as akiya, which number around 8.5 million, predominantly in rural areas.
“I have always appreciated how older houses offer more space and character, but the appealing prices also influenced our decision,” he explained.
Choosing an akiya over a new house
Covian’s experience is not unique; many are being attracted to the abundance of these vacant homes in Japan’s countryside. The country’s declining population, coupled with urban migration, has led to millions of unoccupied residences in rural locales, contributing to a ghost town phenomenon.
These abandoned homes, often priced affordably, have begun attracting foreign buyers, who see them as a chance to own property without the hefty financial burden typical in their home countries.
Having been initially assigned to Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture, Covian wished to stay in the area due to its convenience to his workplace. Iwakuni lies approximately 20 miles from Hiroshima and about 400 miles from Tokyo. Covian fondly recalled discovering the quaint town of Miwa during a biking excursion, charmed by its stunning mountain scenery and rice paddies.
To search for akiya, he utilized an akiya bank, a database provided by local municipalities, showcasing abandoned or vacant homes.
“A property caught my eye through a small local real estate agent, so we reached out via their website,” Covian recalled. The experience of viewing the akiya was jarring, given the property’s dilapidated state, which had been unoccupied for five years, filled with abandoned furniture and an overgrown yard.
“While my wife and I were thrilled, we also felt hesitant because of the condition, and I lacked contacts for carpentry work,” he acknowledged.
However, a fortuitous meeting with a local café owner led them to a carpentry business operator who would assist them in their renovation efforts.
After assessing the akiya alongside the carpenter, the couple decided to purchase the property for 5 million Japanese yen (approximately $35,000) and proceeded with renovations. They secured a discount of one million yen from the listed price on the condition that they would clear out the remaining items themselves.
“I agreed to handle it. There were beds, clothes, cooking utensils, and personal belongings left over,” Covian said. “I bought a small truck for $1,200, and we removed everything ourselves.”
Blending Japanese and Western design influences
The couple’s property comprises a two-story main house, a guest house, a garage, a storage building, and about three-quarters of an acre of land—located around a 40-minute drive from his workplace.
The main house’s renovations feature a harmonious mix of traditional Japanese and Western design elements. Covian preserved the tatami room and the engawa, the hallway that aligns along the windows, while introducing modern conveniences like a pantry and laundry room, typically absent in traditional Japanese homes.
Moreover, Covian eliminated small ledges, except for the entrance step, making the home less cumbersome. “I wanted a Roomba to navigate the entire house without impediment,” he explained. “This consideration stemmed from my desire to prepare for the possibility of needing mobility aids in the future.”
Covian estimates that the total renovation cost reached around $230,000, a figure he recognizes as higher than many might anticipate, yet he harbors no regrets.
“We did opt for several enhancements that weren’t strictly necessary, so we could have saved money if we chose to,” he noted. “Yet, my wife and I wished for our living space to reflect our vision of beauty and comfort.”
Although the expenditure could have purchased a brand-new property, it was never their aspiration.
“I don’t want one of those new houses. They’re standard, plastic, and lack character,” Covian expressed. Ultimately, the renovated akiya has become a cherished home that the couple takes pride in; Covian has even established a YouTube channel to document their experience with the akiya and their life in Japan.
“In the past, we moved frequently, leaving our walls unpainted and our photos unframed,” he reminisced. “Now, I can finally call this place mine. It’s our home.”
Life in the Japanese countryside
Before relocating to Japan, Covian had visited his mother-in-law a handful of times, but those brief trips left little opportunity for him to explore the countryside in depth. Now, even after living in Japan for seven years, he continues to navigate daily adjustments.
Though he has taken regular Japanese classes, he finds that he still faces obstacles in communication.
“I manage just fine in day-to-day life, but when I find myself needing medical assistance, I struggle with the terminology,” he admitted. “In situations like that, I rely heavily on my wife, and I foresee this dynamic continuing for years.”
Nonetheless, he revels in the tranquility of rural life. “As I drive through the mountains, I find peace. I often joke with my wife that I could spend my time there alone and remain entirely content. I prefer the countryside to busy urban centers like Tokyo, which overwhelm me,” he expressed. The slower pace and natural surroundings have contributed positively to his mental and physical well-being, contrasting sharply with the “constant rat race” typical in the US.
“While we appreciate life’s comforts, the pressures of American society often compel you to pursue material gains — flashy cars, the latest gadgets — creating an endless cycle of work without fulfillment,” Covian reflected. As he continues his work in Japan, he dreams of traveling across the country in a campervan once he retires.
“I want to avoid a future filled with regrets, especially as I grow older and face potential health challenges,” he concluded.
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