This as-told-to essay draws from a discussion with Andrew Koller, 31, a freelance camera operator who acquired a home in Yamagata, Japan, during March. Based in Edmonton, Canada, Koller has updated the property and intends to use it as a vacation spot. The account has been adjusted for brevity and clarity.

Similar to many in his generation, Koller encountered Japanese pop culture early through shows such as Naruto, Pokemon, and Dragon Ball Z, and that curiosity persisted over the years.

By 2020, with extra time available during the global slowdown, he began studying Japanese through regular sessions with a tutor, a habit he has kept since.

In 2023 he took his initial journey to Japan and, like many visitors, returned with a strong appreciation for the country that he wanted to deepen beyond casual tourism.

Seeking a more genuine tie to local life, he considered purchasing a home outside major tourist hubs where he could spend extended periods, participate in community activities, and restore an overlooked building.

Online recommendations soon highlighted others pursuing comparable projects, which convinced him the approach was feasible given his interest in basic DIY work and a small workshop at home.

At this stage he also aimed to follow through on one of his longstanding ideas rather than letting it remain unrealized.

The Japanese property he purchased cost far less than comparable homes in Canada

Koller has held an interest in real estate from an early age. While buying a first home is possible, acquiring additional properties such as rentals proves much harder in Canada due to sharp price increases, particularly in Alberta.

He and his partner already own their residence and a rental unit near a university area. He bought the rental at age 20 with parental support on the mortgage and covered costs by renting rooms during college.

The two Canadian properties hold similar values, with the main home near 600000 CAD and the rental having risen from its original 500000 CAD purchase price a decade ago.

For the Japan house he paid 15000 CAD including purchase price and roughly 3000 CAD in closing costs.

He envisions spending significant time there, traveling several times yearly to enjoy nearby ski areas where he snowboards, noting that the overall expense can compare favorably to trips within Alberta.

He plans to offer short-term rentals yet does not expect substantial earnings

Koller viewed properties during an October 2025 trip, submitted an offer in November that was accepted, took possession in March 2026, and spent the following month beginning renovations.

He chose to preserve traditional elements such as tatami rooms from the 1960s or 1970s construction rather than overhaul the space in a Western style.

The renovation work is now nearly complete, with costs slightly exceeding the purchase price at around 18000 CAD thanks to hands-on effort.

Future plans include limited short-term rentals mainly to offset upkeep rather than generate profit, given strong competition from established affordable hotels.

He stresses that the property should not be viewed as a financial asset that appreciates, since values outside major cities tend to decline over time, and instead sees it as a means for cultural engagement and recreation.