> > We're wondering if it's possible to offer a furnished house for rental,
> > or if we'd have to clear it out first.

> We are also currently looking into doing this. For a fee,
> the estate agent will do all the dirty work for you.

I thought that might be best, but my wife is nervous. Hearing about others
doing this may make her more comfortable.

> Your wife's fears about yakuza moving in seem rather bizarre

The habit of backing into a parking space always seemed odd to me. (There's
even the new Honda Prius, with an option for automatic back-in parking.) You
generally lose more time backing in than you save when pulling out. My wife
claims that Japanese often back in when parking to avoid backing out of a
space because a Yakuza might be ready to suddenly drive behind you, then
demand money for the accident. That seems even more bizarre.

Ryan and Dave, thanks. I remember both of you from when I used to be a quiet
regular in this group. It's nice to get responses from some of the saner
members.

--Sherrod