For Those Relocating to Japan Ahken-Homes and Lifestyles in Higashikawa,Hokkaido
Welcome to the website of Ahken, a residential construction company.
We provide services for overseas clients who are interested in living in Higashikawa, a popular area in Hokkaido, Japan, known for its rich natural environment and for enjoying scenery, food, and outdoor activities. Our services include assistance with finding land, building a home, and realizing the lifestyle our clients envision.
Source: Higashikawa Town Official Promotional Video
Hokkaido is known as a popular destination for relocation, and among its communities, Higashikawa Town stands out as a place where the population has been growing due to an increasing number of new residents, creating a vibrant and active community.
The town is popular for its rich natural environment, high-quality water, agriculture, comprehensive support programs for families and people relocating to the area, and its convenient access to Asahikawa Airport.
Source: https://higashikawa-jls.com/
The opening of Japan’s first publicly operated Japanese-language school has led to many foreign residents settling in Higashikawa. As a result, foreign-language signage is common throughout the town, and information websites are available to provide support for employment and daily life so that foreign residents can live with confidence.
Higashikawa’s population declined to 6,973 in 1993, but as of 2025, it has increased to 8,712 due in part to the growing number of people relocating to the town.
Ahken is a residential construction company based in Higashikawa, Hokkaido. One of its characteristics is that many of its clients are people relocating from outside the region, including Tokyo and overseas.
A famous Tokyo bistro has relocated to Higashikawa Town
Ken Sano previously operated the popular bistro PERICAN in Hiroo, Tokyo. He later relocated to Higashikawa, Hokkaido with his family and opened Higashikawa PERICAN, an auberge offering accommodation, in April 2024. The auberge is located at Nishi 8-go Kita 26 in Higashikawa Town.
An auberge is a restaurant that also provides lodging. Focusing on Hokkaido-produced wines, which have been gaining international recognition with the establishment of new wineries, the owner opened an auberge where guests can enjoy Hokkaido wines and cuisine while viewing the rural landscape of Higashikawa, and stay overnight.
Taking early retirement to fulfill my dream of running a pension in Higashikawa Town
The owner, Mr. Watari, took early retirement from a pharmaceutical company at the age of 55 in order to pursue his dream of relocating to Hokkaido and opening an accommodation. He moved from Osaka to Higashikawa with his wife, who is originally from Nara. After finding Ahｋen, a residential construction company with strong capabilities not only in homebuilding but also in providing guidance on relocation and accommodation management, he completed his private residence in 2023 and realized his long-held goal of opening the accommodation in 2024.
About Ahken
Ahken Co., Ltd. is a residential construction company founded by Tatsuhito Fujiwara, who began his career as a carpenter before gaining experience as a designer and in residential sales, and later becoming independent.
Together with designer Takahiro Ota, the company focuses on creating well-designed homes with planning based on each client’s lifestyle, while making use of locally sourced Hokkaido timber, such as white birch. Archen works closely with clients, including those relocating to the area, to help realize the kind of living environment and lifestyle they hope to achieve.
At times, we cut down trees in the mountains together with our clients, transport the wood, and use it for features such as a counter in a shop.
We sometimes raise a toast together, enjoying the process alongside owners who are taking on challenges such as relocation or starting a new business.
Yusuke Nakamura, who is responsible for design coordination and construction management, studied abroad in Minnesota, USA during high school and later in Sydney while attending Kyoto University. He is in charge of meetings with clients relocating from overseas as well as with architects and designers from abroad.
Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
Meetings can also be held online via Zoom or similar platforms.
For inquiries, please contact us at:https://www.ahken.jp/contact/