Moving from California to Rural Japan: A Gambler’s Journey

This account is based on a conversation with Keito Swan, a professional gambler, who relocated from Modesto, California, to the rural landscape of Hokkaido, Japan. The narrative has been adjusted for clarity and brevity.

A Personal Journey

Keito Swan, 37, was born in Japan and lived there until the age of 7, when his father’s naval career led to multiple relocations. After spending much of his life in Seattle and years in California, Swan frequently visited Japan for snowboarding each winter. Initially, he hesitated to purchase property in Japan, viewing it as an unnecessary liability for someone not residing there full-time.

After traveling for two years, including a drive along the Pan-American Highway, Swan reevaluated his connection to the U.S. He considered buying property in Argentina but found Japan more viable due to his citizenship, language skills, and cultural familiarity.

Choosing Japan

Swan cited the cost of living and quality of life as motivating factors for his move. A single individual without children, he found it difficult to sustain a satisfactory lifestyle in the U.S. due to financial constraints. Approximately a year and a half ago, Swan acquired a property in Hokkaido for $115,000, investing an additional $65,000 in renovations through a family friend’s construction company.

The location is rural, surrounded by rice fields and mountains, yet it offers proximity to amenities. Swan describes the region as ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, despite its harsh winters with extreme cold and heavy snowfall. He believes his lifestyle in Japan offers more enjoyment compared to his life in Modesto, California.

Cost of Living

In Sausalito, California, Swan previously paid $3,200 monthly for an in-law suite. In Japan, his living expenses are significantly lower, even when winter utility costs rise due to heating needs. Swan spends roughly $60 monthly on electricity, $35 on property taxes, and $30 on comprehensive health insurance.

Dining at local bars involves homemade meals, costing about 1,200 Yen or $8 per meal. His non-winter monthly expenses are a little over $1,000.

Investment Reflections

Swan warns against purchasing property in rural Japan as a financial investment. While Japanese craftsmanship is notable, houses are not generally seen as investment opportunities; instead, the land is the valuable asset.

He advises potential buyers to be cautious, especially if they lack language skills, citizenship, or resources. While he supports taking risks to pursue personal dreams, Swan emphasizes that Japan’s market dynamics may not align with everyone’s goals.