March 25, 2013 — Low prices, open spaces and fresh air make property in rural Japan irresistible for many foreign buyers.
If you are thinking of purchasing a home in rural japan, either as a residence or a weekend getaway, spend a couple of hours reading a blog called Spike Japan.
Comprising well-written essays with photos, the blog does an outstanding job of capturing the human dimension of Japan’s abandoned towns and shrinking cities. It also addresses the demographic and economic realities of these places.
The author—a Western resident of Japan—has a clear-eyed affection for the country. He stopped writing new essays in 2013, but says he will maintain the old posts.
Highly recommended.