US Army Vet ABANDONS America for Japan – You Won’t Believe Why!

In 2017, Lawrence Covian, a 53-year-old US Army veteran, and his wife Chiyoko, made a life-changing decision that would take them far from their home in North Carolina to the tranquil countryside of Japan. Initially relocating due to Lawrence’s job with the US government, the couple planned to return to the United States after his contract ended. But as they settled into their new surroundings, they realized they had found something worth staying for.

After five years in Japan, the couple decided they were not going back. Lawrence explains, “After being here for five years, I was comfortable and liked it here, and we decided we were going to stay here one way or another.” To secure their stay, Lawrence continued working as a contractor for the US government while the couple began searching for a more permanent home.

The idea of buying an old, abandoned house, known as an akiya, intrigued Lawrence. With a passion for older homes, he appreciated their space, character, and, importantly, their affordability. Japan’s countryside is dotted with millions of these vacant houses, a result of the country’s declining population and urban migration. For Lawrence, this presented a unique opportunity.

While living in Iwakuni, a city in Yamaguchi prefecture, the couple often ventured out to explore the nearby town of Miwa. Nestled among the mountains and rice fields, Miwa captured their hearts, making it the perfect place to begin their search. Through an akiya bank—a database of abandoned homes—they found what would become their future home.

Their first encounter with the akiya was daunting. The house had been abandoned for about five years, and it showed. The yard was overgrown, and inside, furniture and personal items were left behind, adding to the overwhelming task of renovation. However, a stroke of luck came their way when they met a local café owner who introduced them to a skilled carpenter.

After assessing the property with the carpenter, Lawrence and Chiyoko decided to purchase the house for 5 million yen, roughly $35,000. They were even offered a discount if they agreed to clear out the house themselves—a challenge they accepted. Lawrence recalls, “I told them, ‘OK, I’ll take care of it.’ There were beds, sheets, clothes, pots, pans, and a lot of personal stuff, unfortunately, left behind.”

The renovation was extensive and costly, totaling about $230,000. Despite the high expenses, Lawrence has no regrets. The couple could have opted for a cheaper, modern house, but that was never their dream. “I don’t want one of those new houses. They’re little cookie cutters; everything’s plastic or vinyl. No character,” he says. Instead, they blended traditional Japanese elements with Western comforts, creating a home that is uniquely theirs.

The property now features a two-story main house, a guest house, a garage, a storage building, and three-quarters of an acre of land. Lawrence made thoughtful design choices, such as keeping the traditional tatami room and engawa, while also adding modern conveniences like a pantry and laundry room.

Living in the Japanese countryside has had a profound impact on Lawrence’s well-being. The slower pace of life and connection to nature have provided a stark contrast to the “constant rat race” he experienced in the United States. “When I drive up the mountain, I am at peace. I always joke with my wife that I can spend the whole time up here—just me, myself, and I, outside. And I am perfectly happy,” he shares.

Even though Lawrence continues to work in Japan, he has begun thinking about the future. His dream is to travel across Japan in a campervan when he retires, exploring the country at his own pace. He reflects, “I don’t want to become 60, 70, and become ill, and then have regrets because I didn’t pursue other things I wanted to do.”

For Lawrence and Chiyoko, their abandoned house in Miwa is more than just a place to live. It’s a symbol of their new life, one filled with peace, purpose, and the freedom to create the future they envision.