Dani Benton highlighted the importance of the startup business visa, stating, "What the startup visa does is it encourages foreign people to move to Japan specifically to start small businesses. You get residency, and you have six months to do things like open your bank account, incorporate your business, and organize your life." Her insight emphasizes how this visa facilitates a smooth transition for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Japan, making the entrepreneurial journey less daunting.
After six years of running an urban farm in New Orleans and 15 months of travel, the couple sought a rural life in Japan. Dani expressed their desire for self-sustainability, saying, "We knew we wanted to live a simple, rural life but still have access to modern amenities. Ideally, we would be in an area with a nice climate where we could grow as much of our own food as possible." Their aim was to replicate their previous homestead lifestyle in a new setting.
Evan Benton, who speaks Japanese, highlighted the advantage of language proficiency, noting it played a significant role in their decision. He said, "It was essential for me to have the language skills to navigate local culture and business interactions effectively, especially in a rural part of Japan like Omishima island where I could more deeply connect with the community." This reflects how language can facilitate better integration into a new environment.
The Bensons took a significant leap of faith by purchasing an abandoned house for $6,500, which allowed them to pursue their dreams. They commented on the unique opportunity offered by Japan's abundance of akiya, noting, "Japan has 8.5 million abandoned houses available, which provides a unique chance to renovate and create something new. This not only fits our budget but also aligns perfectly with our vision of running a homestead." Their venture represents a blend of opportunity and ambition.
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