House Hunters International Season 20 Episode 10 New Home in Okinawa, Japan
- December 12, 2010
- 21 min
In season 20 episode 10 of House Hunters International, the focus is on a couple who are planning to make a big move from their current home in South Carolina to the gorgeous island of Okinawa in Japan. The couple, Samantha and Brian, have plenty of reasons for wanting to move overseas, and they are excited to begin the home search process.
The episode begins with Samantha and Brian arriving in Okinawa, where they meet their real estate agent, Kenichi. With over a decade of experience in the local real estate market, Kenichi is the perfect guide for the couple as they begin their search. Samantha and Brian know they want a home that is close to the beach, but they are open to other factors as well, such as proximity to Brian's new military base, safety, and school districts.
As they begin touring homes, Samantha and Brian quickly realize that they will need to be flexible with their expectations. The housing market in Okinawa is unique, with many homes being smaller than what the couple is used to in the United States. Additionally, the cultural differences in building styles and amenities can take some getting used to. Despite this, Samantha and Brian are determined to find a home that checks all the boxes on their wish list.
Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the different options that Samantha and Brian are considering, as well as the factors that are driving their decisions. For example, they tour a beautiful home that is just minutes from the beach, but the bedrooms are very small and would not accommodate their children comfortably. On the other hand, they visit a larger home that has plenty of space for their family, but it is located farther from the beach than they would like.
One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the way that the couple navigates the cultural differences between the United States and Japan. For example, they note that many of the homes in Okinawa have tatami rooms, which are traditional Japanese rooms with woven straw mats on the floors. While these rooms can be beautiful, they can also be somewhat challenging to furnish and heat during the winter months. Similarly, they are used to having large yards and outdoor space, but many of the homes in Okinawa have smaller yards that require a different approach to landscaping and outdoor living.
Ultimately, Samantha and Brian do find a home that they love, and viewers get to see the emotional moment when they make the final decision. The episode ends with a glimpse of the couple settling into their new home and beginning to explore all that Okinawa has to offer.
Overall, this episode of House Hunters International shows the exciting and sometimes challenging process of moving abroad and searching for a new home in a foreign country. It offers a peek into the unique real estate market in Okinawa, as well as the cultural differences that can make the search for a new home even more interesting. If you love real estate shows or just want to see more of the world, this episode is sure to be a fascinating watch.