Shu Matsuo Post 

I help people buy and sell homes in Japan

I’m Shu, TED speaker, educator, real estate investor, founder of Post FI, co-founder of AkiyaHub.

Checkout the links below to learn more about how I can help YOU turn your Japanese real estate dreams into reality, or subscribe to watch the real-life stories of hundreds of others who I have helped already.


Shu Matsuo Post

Trading hotel bookings for a home base in Japan. 🗝️🇯🇵

Derek and Kris built a deep connection to Japan over years of visits, ultimately choosing a family home in Narita while living in Hawaii. Now that the keys are in hand and Derek is actually living in the space, we're taking you inside to find out if the house matched their expectations.

Catch the new episode to see the full property!
https://youtu.be/mcjd8k5W6RM

15 hours ago | [YT] | 82

Shu Matsuo Post

When you buy a home in Japan, unpacking is only the beginning, your next milestone is mastering the local waste system! ♻️🇯🇵
Unlike in many countries where trash is simply a municipal service, Japan’s strict garbage sorting is built around shared community responsibility and limited landfill space.
Learn all about it here:
akiyahub.com/application/articles/trash-collection…

Which aspect of Japan's local trash system would be the biggest adjustment for you as a new homeowner?

1 day ago | [YT] | 18

Shu Matsuo Post

Thinking about moving to Chikusa Ward in Nagoya, but not sure which neighborhood fits your lifestyle? 🗾

Homebuyers face a major choice between the flat, active western station hubs and the quieter, hilly residential pockets to the east.

Discover how steep slopes, night life, and station routes completely change daily life in this diverse district: akiyahub.com/articles/local-area-guide-chikusa-nag…

2 days ago | [YT] | 85

Shu Matsuo Post

When buying an akiya, a cheap listing price is only the beginning! 🏚️💵

Instead of budgeting for cosmetic upgrades first, successful buyers separate their renovation plans into three distinct budgets: "Must fix," "Should fix," and "Want fix."

Read more about it here: akiyahub.com/application/articles/akiya-renovation…

3 days ago | [YT] | 55

Shu Matsuo Post

Getting rid of bulky waste in Japan is NOT as simple as throwing it away. 🇯🇵🚚

I rented a kei truck to tackle the remaining belongings left outside the property, but between municipal rules and a rejected washing machine, it took two separate facilities and a full week's delay just to clear the driveway.

Watch us clear the final obstacle before the big studio reveal, and see how much the whole mess actually cost! New episode out now!
https://youtu.be/xVoYmH4sXwA

4 days ago | [YT] | 77

Shu Matsuo Post

Dreaming of living near the beach without giving up direct access to Tokyo? 🌊🚆

Located just one hour south of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kamakura offers a unique lifestyle where coastal recreation, wooded hills, and centuries of samurai history meet daily life.

Discover how terrain, transit, and location shape daily life in this coastal city: akiyahub.com/application/articles/local-area-guide…

5 days ago | [YT] | 106

Shu Matsuo Post

Arriving at your new home in Japan after a long trip only to find the lights, water, or gas off? 🚰💡

Don't panic, a vacant house often just has its main controls switched off or valves closed! Here is your quick, step-by-step guide to doing a calm first-day utility check before you start troubleshooting.

Check it out here: akiyahub.com/application/articles/turn-on-utilitie…

6 days ago | [YT] | 38

Shu Matsuo Post

Hikes, hot springs, and river views just 2 hours from central Tokyo. Welcome to Okutama. 🥾♨️

I’m taking you on a tour of three distinct properties in Tokyo's countryside, ranging from a move-in-ready option that still needs a few projects to two budget alternatives. We’re diving into the real math behind these asking prices and how to navigate the local buying process if you want to find a spot that fits your goals.

New episode out now! Would you ever trade city life for the mountains of Okutama?
https://youtu.be/ny0u69YEkuU

1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 29

Shu Matsuo Post

A ¥0 property price isn't a total cost, it's just the starting point! 🏠⚠️ 

Beyond the initial ¥0 price tag, taking ownership of a free Japanese akiya involves unexpected transfer taxes, cleanup expenses, and hidden structural repairs.

Read all about it here: akiyahub.com/application/articles/0-yen-akiya-japa…

When evaluating a "free" ¥0 home in Japan, which unexpected cost would concern you the most?

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

Shu Matsuo Post

Thinking about living in a major Japanese city with lower purchase costs than Tokyo, but wondering how to handle northern winters? ❄️🏢 

In Sapporo, choosing between a downtown condominium and a suburban detached home completely changes your cold-weather daily routine!

Learn how your property choice determines your cold-weather routine: akiyahub.com/application/articles/local-area-guide…

1 week ago | [YT] | 8