What to do after buying a house and before starting renovations

In this article, although I am not directly discussing renovations, I want to highlight an important step that often gets overlooked.

If you've managed to buy your dream home at a surprisingly low price, you're likely eager to start renovating right away. However, it's crucial not to rush into construction. Before you begin any renovations, it's essential to properly acknowledge and communicate with your neighbors, especially in rural areas of Japan. Failure to do so can lead to significant problems down the line.

In Japan, it's a polite tradition to introduce yourself to neighbors when you move into a new home or plan big construction work. Unfortunately, in cities, these customs are fading, and some newcomers skip greeting neighbors in rural areas, leading to more conflicts.

So, who should you greet and how?

1. Neighboring Houses: It's important to greet both neighbors on either side of your house and the three houses across the street. Don't forget to greet any house behind yours.

2. Greeting Etiquette: When greeting, it's customary to bring a small gift. It doesn't have to be expensive; something like a towel or baked goods is common. You might also consider giving a local specialty from your home country.

3. What to Say: Keep your greeting brief and include a self-introduction, mentioning that you're the new homeowner. It's also essential to apologize in advance for any inconvenience your upcoming construction work might cause. Ask if there are specific days or times when construction noise or dust would be a problem.

4. Community Involvement: In rural areas, it's wise to greet everyone in the village, and sometimes it's a good idea to introduce yourself to the community leader or someone respected in the area. This initial greeting can shape how you're perceived in the community and can make a big difference in your relationships with your neighbors.

By following these customs and showing respect for your new community, you can start off on the right foot and build positive relationships with your neighbors.

Another important aspect to consider in Japan is the tendency for some individuals to ask intrusive questions about personal matters. This is especially common among men and elderly people, who may behave rudely toward women and young people. Examples include asking single women about marriage plans, questioning childless individuals about having children, and expecting young people and women to perform chores.

When encountering such situations, you or your partner may feel uncomfortable or upset. However, it's essential to handle these interactions carefully. Expressing anger can sometimes lead to further trouble. In many cases, these individuals are unaware that their questions are disrespectful or intrusive. Even when you explain this to them, they may not fully understand.

It's important to navigate these situations with patience and diplomacy. You can politely deflect or change the subject when faced with intrusive questions. Setting boundaries firmly but politely can help manage these interactions without causing unnecessary conflict.

It's understandable that some people may find the process of buying and living in a house in Japan daunting, especially when considering the challenges of living in a tightly-knit community, particularly in rural areas. Immigrants who dream of rural living might feel disheartened by the gap between their ideal vision and the reality they encounter.

As mentioned in "Part 1: Japan's Vacant Housing Problem" one reason houses are sold at unusually low prices is because some areas have strict rules and a closed environment, which can make it hard for outsiders to adjust. For example, I once considered buying a charming old house in a rural area. However, upon further inquiry about the neighborhood, I learned about a range of community obligations, such as weekly patrols to keep boars out of the village, regular cleaning duties at the community center, monthly village clean-ups, and obligatory participation in village meetings. What caught me off guard was the village's rule that every household must send at least one person for the monthly village cleaning, with no exceptions tolerated.

The image depicts a wire netting barrier erected to deter boars from entering the fields and village. Adjacent to the netting lies a boar skull, presumably from a boar that attempted to breach the barrier. Boars are known to forcefully pry open wire nets to gain entry, underscoring the necessity of rotating fence patrols as a crucial role in rural areas.

These requirements may seem burdensome to newcomers, and the strict adherence to community rules can be a deterrent. In my case, hearing about the mandatory participation in village activities made me reconsider buying the house. For some, the level of commitment required by these communities may outweigh the appeal of living in a rural area.

It's important to highlight the negative aspects for advice, but it's crucial to recognize that not all areas in Japan pose such challenges. While some communities may have strict rules and closed environments, others are more welcoming and accommodating.

Before making a decision to buy a house, I strongly recommend thorough research, visiting the area in person, and speaking with locals to get a better understanding of the community dynamics. Don't solely rely on the allure of a cheap property.

It's worth noting that even in communities initially closed to outsiders, attitudes can change dramatically once you're accepted as a member. By taking the first step to greet people and understand the community, you can pave the way for acceptance and support. Building relationships and integrating into the community is key to a positive living experience in any area of Japan.

For those considering a move to rural Japan, there's often a dream of contributing to community revitalization or implementing community design ideas they've learned. However, there are significant challenges ahead.

According to the Population Strategy Council, a group of Japanese experts, 40% of Japan's municipalities may see their young female population drop to less than half in the next 30 years, potentially leading to their disappearance due to rapid population decline. In response to this crisis, many local governments are offering subsidies to counteract the decline.

The photo captures a haunting scene from a vanished village. Several houses lie engulfed by the encroaching forest, with bamboo piercing through the roofs of collapsed buildings. This poignant image serves as a stark reminder of the slow reclaiming of human settlements by nature. With Japan facing rapid population decline, such scenes may become more commonplace in the coming decades, echoing the fate of other rural areas across the country.

While many rural residents claim to seek immigrants who can breathe new life into their communities, the reality is often different. Many feel overwhelmed by the demands for change and are sometimes unappreciative of efforts to revitalize their communities that don't align with their expectations.

I've observed numerous instances where migrants attempting to revitalize their communities end up facing hostility from the locals. Often, these migrants unintentionally alienate the local population.

One common mistake is for migrants to immediately propose their ideal revitalization plans or offer advice from a superior perspective. From the locals' point of view, these plans and advice can feel like unwelcome impositions that disregard their own opinions and experiences.

To successfully immigrate or revitalize a community, it's crucial to first build trust with the residents around you. Taking the time to listen to their concerns, understanding their perspectives, and involving them in the decision-making process can go a long way in fostering positive relationships and achieving mutual goals.