1990s steel-frame house in Yamagata

From the listing

This is Hongokai in Shinjo City. The name "Hongokai" carries meaning, written as "sea and meeting book," it reflects the area's history where rivers once flowed like today's expressways. Even the morning drama "Oshin" featured characters traveling down the Mogami River to apprentice in Sakata. This is where the Mogami and Nitta rivers meet, considered the great root where waters converge with the sea, like a highway junction. It is also the site where the famous poet Matsuo Bashō boarded a boat to compose his renowned haiku, "Gathering the rains of May, the Mogami River flows swift." / This house is rare for rural Japan in being steel frame construction. The first floor previously operated as a grocery store. The owner has maintained it with great care. Both the first and second floors span approximately 200 sq. meters, remarkably spacious. The first floor features a large open space with three rooms and refrigerated storage beyond. The second floor has nine rooms. / For example, a company executive could use it as employee housing; an artist could establish a studio. Operating as shared housing is possible. Establishing a specialty shop could be interesting too. The possibilities for using this vast space are exciting. / Even without collecting May rains, customers seem likely to gather at this shop-residence. / Remarks: Located at 170 Ōaza Hongokai, Shinjo City / Special notes: Ghost structure registry remains (demolition registration necessary). Rain leak was noted years ago but was repaired by the tenant; roof condition cannot be fully confirmed.