Couple Starts New Life in Rural Japan
A life-changing move from Sweden to Japan.
1Building the Dream Home in Sweden
Sia and Mikael Lilja spent six years building their dream family home in Sweden. In 2020, they bought a piece of land near Malmö and started construction. Their long-term plan was to have children and live close to family. By the end of 2023, they moved in, though some projects, like the upstairs bathroom, were still ongoing.
2A Change of Plans
The couple joined the IVF waiting list in 2021, but the process was delayed due to the pandemic. After tough conversations, they decided against IVF. Their house felt too big for just the two of them and their dog. The life they had planned no longer existed, and they began thinking about a fresh start.
3Asia Trip and the Idea of Japan
In 2019, the couple embarked on a six-month trip across Asia and fell in love with the region. They imagined moving abroad to places like Bali or South Korea, but neither felt right. After listening to a podcast about buying a house in Japan, the idea became increasingly appealing.
4House Hunting in Japan
In November 2025, the couple took a three-week trip to Japan, exploring areas within a 90-minute drive from Kyoto. They decided to sell their Swedish home and buy an akiya (old vacant house) in Japan. In January 2026, they made an offer on a house after a video tour and purchased it for 8 million yen (about $49,000).
5Starting a New Chapter
The couple treated this period as an adult gap year and quit their jobs. In May 2026, they handed over the keys to their Swedish home and flew to Japan. They are waiting for their dog’s vaccination paperwork to be finalized before officially moving. Upon seeing their Japanese house in person, they were pleasantly surprised by its good condition.
6Settling in Japan
Their neighbors in the small village welcomed them and helped with garden maintenance. They spent about a month cleaning the house and buying basic furniture and appliances. They ordered new tatami mats, had the roof inspected, and planned the work they would tackle before returning to Europe.
7Future Plans
The couple aims to officially move to Japan in September 2026. They want to travel around Japan with their dog and renovate the house gradually. Unlike their Swedish home, they don’t want this project to take over their lives. They look forward to exploring many places in Japan.
8The Beginning of a New Chapter
Sia and Mikael Lilja are excited about starting a new life in Japan. Although their plans in Sweden changed, they are building a new life in Japan. They are undergoing both personal and spatial transformation and eagerly anticipate their adventures in Japan.
Original article: Business Insider — Japonya'da Yeni Bir Hayata Başlayan Çiftin Hikayesi