This Japanese Man Bought 200 Abandoned Homes in Japan—Now He Makes Rs 7 Crore a Year!

People with a strong financial mindset believe they control their own future. Successful investors often find hidden value in things others overlook. One such person is a Japanese man who turned old, abandoned houses into a profitable rental business.

This is the story of 38-year-old Hayato Kawamura from Osaka. He bought 200 neglected homes and turned them into rental properties, earning 140 million yen (Rs 7.7 crore). His unique approach to real estate, combined with years of experience and dedication, has made him a well-known figure in the industry.

Since childhood, Kawamura was fascinated by houses. He enjoyed looking at different homes from a mountaintop deck. His interest grew into a passion during his student years. Even though he couldn’t afford a house then, he would take his girlfriend to visit properties on their dates. He spent all his free time learning about real estate.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), after graduating, he worked at a property rental company. However, when his boss was demoted after a disagreement with upper management, Kawamura realized the risks of working for someone else. He also felt that his hard work was not reflected in his salary.

“I realized promotions were not about ability, but about whether your superior liked you. I wanted an income that would let me live without depending on a paycheck,” he said.

He began saving money to become a landlord. At 23, Kawamura bought a flat at an auction for 1.7 million yen (Rs 9.3 lakh). He rented it out for six years, making 340,000 yen (Rs 1.87 lakh) per year. Later, he sold it for 4.3 million yen (Rs 23.7 lakh).

After this, he focused on buying rundown homes in remote areas, priced under 1 million yen (Rs 5.5 lakh). He saw these houses as a great investment—by making small repairs, he could rent them out at a profit. He even bought unusual properties, including houses with leaking roofs or ones filled with dead stray animals.

In 2018, Kawamura quit his job and started his own real estate company, Merryhome. Over the years, he has purchased 200 old houses and earned more than 140 million yen in rental income.

“I never expected to get rich overnight. Real estate investment is a long-term game that requires patience and careful planning,” he said.