Leveraging Nascent Infrastructure to Build the Future

At Akiyaz, we believe the future belongs to those willing to challenge the ordinary. Founded by Matt Ketchum, a serial entrepreneur dedicated to audacious projects that defy conventional boundaries, Akiyaz is the realization of a lifelong pursuit: to forge extraordinary outcomes in places overlooked, undervalued, or misunderstood.

Matt’s work lives at the intersection of real estate, digital transformation, and cultural revitalization. With a career rooted in building ventures that operate outside the realm of standard practice, his mission with Akiyaz is clear: revitalize spaces, energize communities, and create sustainable pathways for growth where others see only obstacles.

Matt Ketchum is a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span real estate, digital media, hospitality, and cultural programming. Driven by an unshakable belief in transformational possibility, Matt has built a career by going where others hesitate by embracing the uncertain, the unconventional, and the untested.

With Akiyaz, he combines sharp business acumen with an explorer’s mindset, forging connections between opportunity and impact in Japan’s most promising, yet underappreciated spaces. His work is guided by the simple but powerful idea: with courage, creativity, and the right collaborators, even the most unlikely visions can take root and thrive.

Akiyaz offers a suite of services designed to unlock the full potential of Japan’s underutilized regions. Our Digital Infrastructure Advisory helps municipalities and stakeholders understand where connectivity gaps exist—and how to close them. We map broadband coverage, assess cellular reliability, and recommend strategic upgrades that lay the foundation for sustainable growth. When paired with our Municipal Market Audits, which provide data-driven insights into vacancy trends, public assets, and investment pathways, local governments are better equipped to make decisions that create real, lasting impact.

We also offer Property Brokerage support, connecting clients with vetted brokers across Japan to source residential, commercial, and vacant property (akiya) opportunities that align with their goals. Whether you’re looking to launch a rural business, invest in lifestyle real estate, or acquire a second home, our network and on-the-ground knowledge ensure a smooth, informed process from start to finish. Together, these services empower both individuals and municipalities to build not just property portfolios—but future-ready communities.

At Akiyaz, we work with a trusted network of independent real estate brokers across Japan to ensure each client receives localized, expert guidance tailored to their goals. From luxury urban properties to rural akiya listings, our partnerships allow us to match clients with brokers who understand the specific dynamics of the region—and who bring deep knowledge of the local market, regulations, and cultural nuances.

Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model, we believe in strategic alignment. That means introducing you to the right broker for your needs, whether you’re a foreign investor, a creative entrepreneur, or someone seeking a sustainable lifestyle shift. Each broker we collaborate with shares our commitment to transparency, long-term value, and building trust through results—not just transactions.