I’m Lencho, an American military retiree, and my wife Coco is Japanese. We live together in rural Japan.
Our journey began when we bought an akiya vacant house in the Japanese countryside and renovated it with a local carpenter. That experience became the foundation for our life in Japan.
Today, this channel documents real life after work in Japan — akiya house renovation, living in the Japanese countryside, camper van travel across Japan, and how we were able to retire early overseas by choosing a simpler, lower-cost life in rural Japan.
This is not theory or hype. It’s real life in Japan — the work, the challenges, and the freedom that comes with building a life on your own terms.
If you’re interested in akiya houses, countryside living, vanlife Japan, or retiring early in Japan as a foreigner, welcome.
E-mail Contact: cocolenchojapan@gmail.com
Follow us on Social Media:
Instagram: @cocolenchojapan
Facebook: Coco Lencho Japan
COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Hey folks! for the few members I had I decided to stop "Members Only" membership. I appreciate your support, I just decided it is not the way I to go with my channel. Thanks for your support and understanding.
2 months ago | [YT] | 22
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
My apologies I posted a video of Wade's house construction but video was poor quality and did not catch it until afterwards. Reposting soon! Hope you enjoy it once it is uploaded properly. Thanks for the understanding.
5 months ago | [YT] | 24
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
We had the chance to meet Lari & Jean Pelo Mundo, an amazing Brazilian couple traveling the world by bicycle! 🚴♀️🌎 They stopped by and spent a few great days with us here in Japan on their way to Korea. We first met in Hokkaido while we were traveling in our camper van, and their story is inspiring — they left Brazil over two years ago and have crossed dozens of countries on two wheels. I’m working on a video interview about their incredible journey, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out their channel @LarieJeanpelomundo , follow their adventure, and support their amazing journey!
9 months ago | [YT] | 14
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
🚨 We need your help 🚨
@bentonhomestead
Our friends Dani and Evan Benton (Benton Homestead on Ōmishima) are facing a huge challenge. They invested their life savings into rescuing two abandoned homes (akiya), creating a beautiful guesthouse, starting a homestead, and giving back to the community—rescuing stray animals, teaching English, and helping elderly neighbors.
But new changes to Japan’s Business Manager Visa now require ¥30 million capital and a full-time hire. Even though they started before the change, their future in Japan is now at risk.
👉 Please check out a GoFundMe this channel setup and consider supporting or sharing:
gofund.me/becdddb2
🌐 More about them: Benton Homestead Blog
bentonhomestead.com/
🎥 YouTube Channel
www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUx...
☕ Buy Me a Coffee
buymeacoffee.com/bentonhomestead
Every bit of support counts to keep their dream—and their community work—alive. 🙏
#akiya #abandonedhousejapan #JapanLife #expatsinjapan #vanlifejapan #ruraljapan #BentonHomestead #communitysupport #homesteadjapan
10 months ago | [YT] | 14
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Hi folks. I received a very generous Super Thanks but can't figure out from who. So to the generous viewer thank you very much! Additionally, I don't know if it was intended for @rupert-japan based off a video I posted. I mentioned in the video that you are welcome to subscribe to his upcoming channel and donate to support his lifestyle in rural Japan. If this was the intent please let me know! You can view more about his lifestyle at the video below and I am working on a second video where we spend the day with the villagers. It was a great time!
https://youtu.be/BFW_5LjLhz0?si=CXBc4...
I am also working on our Japanese garden at our house in rural Japan. Can't wait to see it complete. Please follow along.
Thanks for watching!
1 year ago | [YT] | 23
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Still working on the one year review and Akiya renovation journey. I have also been struggling with my behind the scenes and raw videos for members only. Just posted a members only raw video of a really cool matsuri (Japanese Festival) in rural Japan. For an impromptu video I think it was rather cool to see rural Japan life and not the tourist traps such as Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo. Also, now that we have a camper van and will do more road trips, for members I would offer the "perk" of asking for me to go to a certain place or event. I can't promise when or if I can do it, but I will certainly try my best. It will be cool to go to a certain place per your request and give you a shoutout! I will also extend this offer to those who wish to buy me a coffee. Links below! Thanks for your support.
Become a member:
youtube.com/channel/UCKyYYQp1L5t4GTOTfs780SA/join
You can support our channel by buying me a coffee at:
buymeacoffee.com/cocolenchjapan
1 year ago | [YT] | 23
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Can't believe it has been almost a year since we completed the renovation of our former Akiya (Vacant House) in the countryside of Japan. I am working on a one year review video. I hope you all enjoy and learn from our process. In the meanwhile, please enjoy these beautiful pictures around our house in the countryside. Thanks!
2 years ago | [YT] | 41
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
I feel so fortunate living in the countryside of Japan. We purchased an Akiya in August 2022. We performed an extensive renovation and continue working on the grounds. I must admit we are very proud of all the accomplishments thus far. Please consider following our journey if you interested in living in Japan as a foreigner. Thanks!
2 years ago | [YT] | 48
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Awesome time at the Japan Camping Car Show 2024 in Chiba. Way too many to see in one day. Stay tuned for the video!
2 years ago | [YT] | 26
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COCO LENCHO JAPAN
Hello everyone! I finally got around to finishing a video covering the cost of our Akiya renovation in the countryside of Japan. I tried covering other areas such as how I found it, financing, lessons learned. Hopefully it is beneficial and thanks for watching!
2 years ago | [YT] | 20
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