This time, we had the opportunity to interview a resident of a share house located in Kariya city, Aichi Prefecture, which lies between Tokyo and Osaka. Aichi is situated in the heart of Japan and offers a unique blend of history, culture, urban life, and natural beauty. We’re excited to hear about their experiences and the stories that have emerged from living in Aichi!

Thank you for joining us today! Let’s start with an introduction.
Nice to meet you! My name is Felix, but you can call me Feli. I’m from Berlin, the capital of Germany. I currently work remotely as a software developer for a company in Berlin.
I’ve been living at Appartement Aichi for almost six months now, and my total time living in Japan is about four years.
What inspired you to come to Japan?
It all started when a Japanese housemate I had in Australia encouraged me to visit Japan. I first came for a short trip and was captivated by the historical buildings and the rich culture. That’s when I decided I wanted to stay long-term and came back again.

Why did you choose Aichi, when so many people head to Tokyo?

That’s because all my Japanese friends live in Aichi. Plus, compared to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, I prefer the more relaxed atmosphere of Aichi.
Who would you recommend Aichi to?
Aichi is perfect for people who want to experience local Japan while keeping their expenses low. The cost of living is generally affordable, and there are lots of local festivals to enjoy. In summer, for example, there are fireworks and traditional floats almost every week, which makes it so much fun!

Your Japanese is excellent! How did you study it?

I studied at Yamasa Language School in Okazaki, Aichi. I went there for about two years.
What’s the key to improving Japanese, in your opinion?

Never give up! (laughs) Also, make it a point to talk with Japanese people as much as possible!
How did you make friends with Japanese people?

I made friends while working part-time jobs.
What kind of part-time jobs did you do in Japan?

I worked on decorating traditional floats with gold leaf.

Do you have any memorable moments from the house?

I have so many unforgettable memories of spending time with people in the house. For example, we went to the Tanabata Festival in Anjo, went out together, played board games, and enjoyed delicious meals together.

How do you like the room facilities?

It’s perfect because the kitchen, toilet, and shower are all included in the room.
Can we take a look at your room? (laughs)

Of course! I enjoy playing the guitar and composing songs as a hobby, so you’ll see my gear!

What are your plans next?
Due to visa requirements, I’ll have to go back to Germany for a while, but I’ll return to Japan as soon as I can!
Will you be coming back to Aichi again?
YES！！
Finally, do you have a message for those considering moving into Appartement Aichi?
To everyone thinking about joining Appartement Aichi, I believe a sharehouse isn’t just about sharing a space, but about sharing stories with other people.
People here come from all over the world and have such diverse experiences. Even a small conversation can teach you a lot.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today! It’s been a pleasure talking with you.

Hearing Felix’s story, I was once again reminded of the charm of experiencing the “local” side of Aichi Prefecture. From its historical culture and traditions to summer festivals, the experiences unique to Aichi are something you can’t find in Tokyo or other major cities. As someone who was born and raised in Aichi but has also lived in Tokyo, I can confidently say that Aichi is a quiet, comfortable place to live, with a perfect balance of urban life and nature.

Another great advantage of Aichi is its convenient access to nearby tourist destinations like Gifu, Mie, Kyoto, and Osaka. For those who want to explore various parts of Japan or get a deeper understanding of its local charm, Aichi is truly the perfect place!

As Felix said, a share house is not just a place to share living space—it’s a place to share stories and build connections with others. Through these interactions, you’re bound to discover new things and learn more about the world. I hope this interview has inspired you to consider experiencing the unique charm of Aichi and the enriching lifestyle of living in a share house!

（Interviewer,Writer / Yuri）