They knew they wanted to live a simple, rural life but still have access to modern amenities. Ideally, they'd also be in an area with a nice climate where they could grow as much of their own food as ...

Akane Tanaka Schneider walks with her dogs at a park in Ome city, Tokyo. Image: AFP The insularity of rural Japan was stifling for 37-year-old Akane Tanaka Schneider, who grew up in Niigata and now ...