Akiyaz on NOS: Truth Behind Cheap Japanese Houses Revealed

May 18, 2025 | Media, Property | 0 comments

Written by Matt Ketchum

Matt Ketchum is CEO of Akiyaz, business advisor at MKUltraman, curator at Kaala Music, and an active guitarist, where he forges unlikely paths between rural real estate, underground sound, and visionary strategy.

Our Appearance on the NOS Japan Segment

Earlier this month, Akiyaz was featured on a widely viewed NOS Japan segment, where we addressed global curiosity around cheap Japanese houses. Titled “Het geheim achter spotgoedkope huizen in Japan: ‘Het is clickbait'”, the piece shed light on what is true, what is exaggerated, and what is completely misunderstood about akiya properties and rural Japanese real estate.

Matt Ketchum of Akiyaz and Anoma van der Veere of The Netherlands' NOS broadcasting inspecting the roof of an akiya in Kanagawa, Japan

We walked the NOS crew through a few actual listings. Some looked promising at a glance. Others had structural issues that made them much less of a bargain than the headlines would have you believe.

What the Headlines Get Wrong About Cheap Japanese Houses

The idea of buying a house in Japan for the price of a used car is compelling. But as we explained in the NOS Japan segment, most of these so-called deals come with major caveats. The catch isn’t just about location or age — it’s about legality, infrastructure, and renovation costs that can sometimes double the initial purchase price.

Too many international stories glamorize cheap Japanese houses without revealing the hard realities:

  • Some homes are structurally unsound or inaccessible
  • Many are legally classified as non-rebuildable
  • Communities may be reluctant to welcome buyers who don’t plan to stay

That’s why we always tell clients: treat akiya properties as opportunities, not shortcuts.

Akiyaz’s Approach to Akiya Properties

We founded Akiyaz to help people navigate the complex ecosystem of akiya properties with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re dreaming of a countryside retreat, looking for a guesthouse project, or building a remote creative studio, it all starts with facts.

On the NOS Japan segment, we walked viewers through what to look for when buying. It’s not just about aesthetics. Structural soundness, water access, road rights, and legal zoning can make or break the deal. Our job is to surface that information before you waste time or money.

Unlike the clickbait articles that suggest all cheap Japanese houses are golden opportunities, we help you understand the risks, rewards, and realities.

Why Media Coverage Like the NOS Japan Segment Matters

It’s easy to dismiss TV segments as surface-level, but this one gave us space to speak honestly. Dutch viewers saw what we see: akiya properties with potential, not guarantees.

We don’t sugarcoat it. We show the cracks, the mold, the zoning complications — and then we show what’s possible when you approach these homes seriously. The NOS Japan segment helps set the tone for a more thoughtful, global conversation about rural Japan’s future.

Ready to Unlock True Value?

Don’t let hidden challenges derail your akiya dreams. Partner with Akiyaz for expert Japanese Real Estate Services tailored to Vacant Japanese Houses.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation and turn your Bargain Japanese Properties into thriving assets.

Explore More Insights

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MediaAkiyaz on NOS: Truth Behind Cheap Japanese Houses Revealed