To buy a dream home is an aim shared by many, and in this respect Satoshi and Yumiko Takano were no different from millions the world over.
In November, after a decade of marriage, the happy couple from Saitama Prefecture finally realized that ambition when they moved from a rented 2LDK apartment into a home of their very own.
"We wanted a place with a garden for our daughter," said 42-year-old Satoshi with a smile as he looked at 15-month-old Masaki, who his wife held in her arms. "So it was when Yumiko became pregnant that we decided to take this step."