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Hello, I'm Machiko Doi, a freelance writer who writes about housing and living in Japan.


I live in an 80-year-old house that I inherited from my grandparents along with my two shelter cats and daughter.


We live a relaxed life while repairing the house.


I like to cook vegetables from the garden and fresh fish caught by my father, and enjoy them with cold beer on a hot day or hot sake on a cold day.

In Japan, humidity levels are high from May to October, with the rainy season being an especially challenging time for indoor …

2025-05-12

To create a comfortable space, it’s important to choose lighting that suits the room’s purpose and vibe.  For instance, warm lighting …

2025-02-21

Everyone wants to minimize issues in their rental housing as much as possible. However, even with a peaceful, everyday life, it’s …

2024-12-30

Many have questions like, “What will happen to my resident tax if I move?” or “When will I start paying resident …

2024-12-20

In recent years, an increasing number of rental properties have begun offering free internet access, making it an attractive option for …

2024-11-29

Many people are concerned and asking, “Is it true that moving-out fees can reach as high as 2 million yen?” and …

2024-11-22

Many people worry about the initial costs of moving, especially when they turn out to be higher than anticipated. If you’re …

2024-11-15

Tatami, a flooring material well-suited to Japan’s climate and natural environment, is a unique aspect of Japanese culture. Tatami consists of …

2024-10-23

Many people are concerned about the documents they need for a rental contract and whether they should prepare anything in advance. …

2024-10-23

If you notice signs that your bathtub drain might be clogged, water draining slowly, or backing up while you shower, it’s …

2024-10-21

Japan experiences frequent earthquakes, accounting for over 20% of the world’s earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or higher. This high …

2024-10-14

Some people may be wondering, “Do I still need to use a rental guarantor company even if I have a joint …

2024-09-11

“I’m thinking of moving, but I’m worried about how much the repair costs will be.”  “If it’s due to deterioration over …

2024-08-29

When moving out of a rental property, some may be unsure about when and to whom they should communicate. Moving out …

2024-07-30

“What to do if I move to a stigmatized property…?”  “How can I find out if it’s a stigmatized property?”  Some …

2024-06-25

One of the main concerns of moving somewhere new is how much it will cost to move out. Many worry that …

2024-06-04

When looking for an apartment, many people prefer corner units. Corner units are popular because they have more windows than middle …

2024-05-29

The purpose of a property viewing is to determine whether an apartment you’re curious about is truly a good fit for …

2024-05-27
Machiko Doi |