The couple explains, 'We knew that Japan had an issue with akiya, and because we really love the Japanese lifestyle, the people, the culture, and the old traditional houses, we thought, why not? Everyone else seemed to be following their dreams. Why can't we?' This encapsulates their desire to integrate into Japan and embrace a lifestyle they have long admired.
Deborah's journey began when she studied Japanese at university in the '90s and moved to Tokyo for five years, where she worked as an English teacher. Her enduring passion for Japan included practicing karate for three decades.
During the pandemic, the Brawns discovered the concept of akiya and the Japanese government incentives that made rural property ownership more feasible, as they aimed to restore neglected homes and revitalize local communities.
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