On this episode of I Dream of Akiya, hosts Ryo and Kai sit down with their friend and business partner Sean to revisit their very first Airbnb project—an old home in Tamagawa, Ota Ward, Tokyo. They share stories of the design process, the local permitting hurdles, and the unique requirement of hosting a neighborhood meeting to gain approval.

Sean also gives a peek into the Seoul rental market, where tenants often pay two years of rent upfront and landlords are more commercially minded—making lease arbitrage deals for Airbnb more straightforward than in Japan. Together, they contrast the two real estate ecosystems and reflect on what it takes to creatively navigate Japan’s tight housing norms.

Whether you're curious about Tokyo Airbnb strategy, local real estate permitting, or how Korea compares, this episode offers both insights and laughs from on-the-ground operators.