About
I help foreign buyers find, check, and buy houses in rural Japan.
I’m Matthew (Matt) Ketchum. I run Akiyaz on my own from Yugawara, Kanagawa. When you work with Akiyaz, you work with me, the same person who researches the houses, walks the properties, and answers your emails.
Why I started Akiyaz
Japan is full of empty houses and old kominka, and many of them are worth saving. I started by travelling the countryside: visiting village offices, talking to owners and local tradespeople, and walking properties that most buyers never hear about. I also saw how often foreign buyers fall in love with a cheap listing, only to discover later that the road is too narrow to rebuild, the land is farmland, or the renovation costs three times the price. Akiyaz exists to help you find a good house and avoid those surprises.
What I do
- Help you plan a realistic search and budget
- Find and shortlist properties, and check them before you commit
- Prepare you for viewings and attend with you
- Explain the buying process, interpret, and keep things on track
- Help you set up the house after purchase
What I don’t do, and who does
I’m not a licensed real estate broker (宅地建物取引業者). Offers, negotiation, the Important Matters Explanation, contracts, and settlement are handled by a licensed real estate broker partner (宅建業者), or another broker you choose.
I’m not a lawyer, judicial scrivener, tax accountant, or architect. Registration is handled by a 司法書士. Legal, tax, survey, inspection, and construction work go to licensed professionals I can refer you to.
My fees are for my advisory work only. They don’t depend on whether you buy, and I don’t take a share of any broker’s commission.
How I work
Honest over exciting
I’d rather show you five properties that could really work than fifty that won’t. If a house isn’t right, I’ll say so.
Place matters
Climate, access, snow, community, and local services matter as much as the building itself.
Beyond the purchase
I can stay involved after you get the keys, with setup, contractors, and local introductions.
Preservation through use
Many beautiful old houses are disappearing. Finding owners who will care for them is the best way to keep them.
Want to talk it through?
A video call. The fee is shown and paid when you book. Cancel 48 or more hours ahead for a full refund.