Japan's empty old rural houses attracting overseas buyers

Foreign ownership of abandoned homes may change local attitudes

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Lee Xian Jie, right, chats with locals at his restaurant next to the house he is renovating in Wakayama prefecture. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)

AKITOSHI KONDO, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Foreigners are increasingly buying abandoned homes in Japan, especially old country houses featuring tatami mats and stylish alcoves, driven in part by a high regard for traditional Japanese culture and the weak yen.

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