Akiya Doers and Dreamers Series: Kurt Bell (@softypapa) on Retirement Planning, Pet Relocation, and Finding Home in Japan.

In the inaugural episode of 2025, Kurt Bell, aka @softypapa, shares his journey of retiring and buying a house in Japan. The discussion covers his transition back to Japan, overcoming the challenges of moving pets, and ultimately securing a home in Shizuoka Prefecture, thanks to AkiyaMart. Kurt also delves into the importance of due diligence in both retiring and purchasing property in Japan. He highlights his extensive research and practical considerations, offering invaluable insights for those looking to follow a similar path. 00:00 Introduction to Buying a House in Japan 00:26 Meet Kurt Bell: A Journey to Japan 01:15 Kurt's Background and Family Story 02:40 The Decision to Move Back to Japan 04:29 Challenges and Considerations in Buying Property 09:29 The Dream of Owning a Traditional Japanese House 11:32 The Reality Check: House Inspections and Costs 17:12 The Final Decision: Choosing the Right Home 22:22 The Process of Moving Pets to Japan 28:22 Challenges of Moving to Japan 28:46 Choosing the Right Pet Shipper 29:54 The Emotional Journey of Pet Relocation 30:27 House Hunting in Japan 33:12 Finding the Perfect Home 41:10 Navigating Financial and Legal Aspects 47:05 Final Thoughts and Advice