Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Backpacks in Japan
Earthquakes and other natural disasters will occur, but we often feel overwhelmed by the idea of having to organize, not knowing where to start, and we, *ahem*… end up abandoning the idea. Or maybe you bought emergency backpacks for your family years ago without ever using them (thankfully!) and it’s time to get things up-to-date. […]
Top English-Friendly Home Architects in Japan: Bilingual & Foreigner-Friendly Design Firms
Looking for a home architect in Japan? Japan’s architectural scene blends centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge design innovation, producing spaces that are both functional and lovely. But for English-speaking clients, navigating Japan’s architecture and design industry can be challenging without the right language and cultural bridges in place. Fortunately, there are top-tier architecture offices across the […]
Stunning Akiya-Turned-Vacation Home Transformed by Hokkaido-Based Architect
I took a spontaneous trip to Hokkaido this month to mix things up. Summer was getting to be a bit warm, and Hokkaido seems to be an easy escape. My little tour started in Sapporo, then continued up to Ashibetsu, which is a small, depopulated town near Furano (famous for lavender fields and skiing). There, […]
From City Living to Sustainable Building: An Interview on Life, Community, and Eco-Friendly Living in Japan
Building a home from scratch and living an eco-friendly lifestyle may sound like the stuff of fantasy. Well, we met someone who actually did it. Once office workers in Tokyo, Byron Nagy and his wife left the bustle and convenience of the big city to build their own home from the ground up and launch […]
The BIG List of CSA Boxes & Food Delivery in Japan
Vegetable, Produce, Grocery and Food Delivery Boxes Across Japan CSA boxes (when available) are a God-send for inaka newbies for a few reasons: Ordering produce from small, natural farmers makes all the difference. Your patronage means natural farming can exist in Japan. CSA Boxes Offer Some Additional Perks Heirloom varieties, the freshest in-season choices, convenient […]
Where To Buy Home Decor Online In Japan
Bright and minimalist room with natural accents, perfect for a cozy home office or relaxing sitting area.
10 Adorable Retro Home Appliance Brands in Japan
Vintage-look home appliances are a great way to make a dated interior feel intentional.
Stylish Office Chairs for Your Home Workspace in Japan
The best office chairs you can find online from Baum, Rakuten, Amazon, Kagg and more.
Japanese Abandoned House Lux Renovation, Flips, and Investment Rentals
NHK just published a new episode of Japanology Plus with a fresh look at what is happening with some of Japan’s vacant houses. The program tours a few cases where vacant houses are reimagined for investment, flip, and local revitalization potential. Some real estate investors take advantage of the low price for akiyas, renovating and […]
The Natural Warmth of Old Japanese Home Design
My favorite thing about old Japanese home design is it’s impermanence. And yes, many people around the world have a gutteral reaction seeing houses, including beautiful traditional architecture of kominka design, crumble in here in the Japanese Countryside. But in a world where landfills overflow, recycling systems are broken and people sit in offices of […]