Jeff Layfield once planned to retire in the U.S. after leaving Hawaii. Instead, he and his wife now live in a two-story home overlooking the sea in rural Japan, where they purchased the property for about $25,000.
The decision to leave Hawaii
Before retiring, the couple lived in an upstairs apartment at Layfield’s parents’ home on Oahu. He worked in data management for the Marine Corps, while his wife, Mamiko, worked in retail. Trips to Mamiko’s hometown of Nara often included visits to other parts of Japan, which sparked their interest in moving there someday.
In 2018, they traveled to Asuka, a rural town that served as Japan’s capital long ago. The area made a strong impression. “I told Mamiko, this is where we’re going to retire,” Layfield, now 67, said. The thought stayed with them, but their life in Hawaii continued unchanged—until 2022.
A series of events that changed everything
Within months, Layfield received a skin cancer diagnosis, survived a minor shark attack while surfing, and lost his stepfather. His employer also ended remote work policies, requiring him to return to the office. “The universe was talking to me,” he said. “It showed me how short life can be.”
The next day, he called his boss and retired. The couple began searching for a place to settle in Japan, favoring the Seto Inland Sea for its mild climate and lower risk of natural disasters. They explored akiya banks—online listings of vacant, affordable homes—and found one that stood out.
The house itself wasn’t what drew them in at first. It was the bright green bridge visible through one of its windows. The bridge connected to Suo-Oshima, an island with deep ties to Hawaii. In the late 1800s, many of its residents emigrated there, creating an unexpected link for the Layfields.
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Finding a new home—and a new life
They visited the island, about an hour and a half from Hiroshima, and stopped by the town office. Employees wore aloha shirts, and the space was decorated with Hawaiian-themed items. “I immediately fell in love with this place,” Layfield said. The town arranged tours, and every interaction confirmed their choice.
The couple purchased the 30-year-old seaside home for 4 million yen (about $25,000) and moved in August 2022. The house required no major repairs. Both upstairs bedrooms face the sea, offering sunset views. “I wanted to live by water since I’d spent most of my life near the ocean,” Layfield said. “I expected a lake or river, but we ended up with the sea.”
Adjusting to life on Suo-Oshima came naturally. There are plenty of restaurants and shops a short drive away, and the couple has become active in the local community, joining neighborhood cleanups and other events. “In Hawaii, I could never ever afford to buy a home, especially one with a view of the sea. In most places in the US, we’d have to live in a very rural area for me to be able to afford a home,” Layfield said. The lower cost of living has also helped stretch the couple’s retirement savings. In a typical month, the couple spends less than 200,000 Japanese yen, according to a spending breakdown they shared with Business Insider.
The move didn’t mean cutting ties with Hawaii completely. Some neighbors have family there and visit often. Mamiko’s mother occasionally stays with them, while Layfield’s mother, a hula instructor, comes to teach workshops. “When she does, Jeff and I help with translation,” Mamiko said.
Layfield now spends his days gardening, cycling along coastal roads, and picnicking by the beach. “I don’t feel stress anymore,” he said. “This is the happiest I’ve ever been.”
At the end of 2025, Japan had 4.12 million foreign residents, including nearly 70,000 Americans. Some were attracted by safety and culture, while others saw potential in restoring vacant homes. For the Layfields, the decision was about more than affordability—it offered a slower, more connected way of living.
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