About Maigo Mika

I’m a Japan-based YouTuber living in rural Japan.

I am a Canadian YouTuber currently living in an akiya house, one of Japan’s many abandoned or vacant homes. I create videos sharing glimpses into our everyday life in the “inaka” countryside, share renovation updates on our old Japanese house, gardening, and other updates of what makes life so wonderful here.

Our Story

In 2021, my husband Jesse got a job in a blacksmith shop on the beautiful island of Shikoku, so we moved from our modern apartment in the rural part of Oita Prefecture to an even more remote old house in Kochi Prefecture. We’re renting this charming old house from our landlady, who raised her two boys here.

Our house was brought to this location over 80 years ago, so it’s hard to determine its true age. I love sharing snippets of our daily life in the Japanese countryside, including the delicious recipes I’ve learned from our friendly neighbours, the wonderful sense of community in our rural area, our adventures in gardening, and all the DIY projects that keep our old house cozy and functional.

We’ve Been Featured In…

Since starting our countryside journey on YouTube, our story has been shared and featured in various media outlets, including:

We are Kochi-ke: Jesse and Mika (& Pan), Visit Kochi

18 Ways to Live in Japan, TVB Broadcasting

Renting akiya: A Backdoor into Japan’s abandoned homes, The Japan Times

Our Japan Timeline

2018

Moved to Japan

We moved from Canada to Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, where we worked as English teachers.

2021

Moved to Shikoku

We moved to the rural countryside of Kochi and settled in our rented akiya house.

2023

Started and Posted my First YouTube Video

With my first video, I also got my very first viral video about moving into our akiya house. Right now, it has 3.4 million views (and counting).

Currently

YouTube and Patreon

I regularly post on my YouTube channel and my Patreon, where I post ad-free videos, no voice-over videos, and Q&A sessions about life in the countryside.

90K+

Instagram Followers

150K +

YouTube Subscribers

Best Author Awards 2012

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World’s #1 Best-selling Book

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NYT Best-selling Author 2014

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Best Author Awards 2012

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Can’t find your answer?

Check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for more about me.