I live in the inaka, but like doing DIY projects, since there’s nothing else really to do in the Inaka. I’m American. As much as I like doing it – it’s like learning everything all over again. There’s different products, different materials, etc. Also, the translation apps don’t translate the specific nuances between product A and B. So, I’ve definitely used the wrong product more than once.
I’ve gotten more comfortable importing products from USA when I can’t find a Japan equivalent.
Even sometimes I am surprised that I CAN find something in Japan that I really never thought I would find – like a specific wood or whatever. Sometimes, I even find better products!
I live in a “tiny home” of 60 sqm that is mostly off grid except for bath water supply. It’s a fully solar powered smart home. I’ve been working on the house for a year and I’m about 2 weeks from finishing every last project.
I have found some great local craftsman that help on projects when I need it.
I thought I’d share some videos of some projects that are near completion.
Garden walkthrough – basically done minus some final plantings and lights. People always say the garden is beautiful but everyone else around here just has concrete land everywhere. So, they probably think I’m crazy.
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N6mEu0ZwW0jfntWJe7zB5O0o\_8dlDN3G/view?usp=drive\_link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N6mEu0ZwW0jfntWJe7zB5O0o_8dlDN3G/view?usp=drive_link)
Sauna build – heater isn’t mounted yet and the deck isn’t built yet but all this will get finished this week. I’ve been doing hot yoga for a decade or more and hot yoga isn’t really a thing for men in the Inaka. So, sauna is my backup plan.
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N–vz1-sYK1f\_byktTOft\_AGIoAASraV/view?usp=drive\_link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N–vz1-sYK1f_byktTOft_AGIoAASraV/view?usp=drive_link)
Links are safe
Next project is converting a Toyota Hiace into an off-grid 4×4 camper van.
by fireinsaigon