The number of vacant houses in Japan has reached a record high of nine million, due in part to the country’s declining population. These abandoned houses, known as “akiya,” are not only found in rural areas but are increasingly appearing in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. The government is struggling to deal with this issue, as it exacerbates the challenges posed by an aging population and a low birth rate. Approximately 14% of all residential properties in Japan are vacant, which includes second homes and those left empty for various reasons.
Many akiya are inherited through generations, but with fewer heirs to pass them onto and a younger generation moving to cities, these houses are often left abandoned. Some properties are in administrative limbo, complicating efforts to revitalize rural communities and attract new residents or investors. Additionally, Japan’s tax policies can make it more cost-effective for owners to retain a vacant home rather than demolishing it for redevelopment. Many of these houses are located in areas disconnected from public transport or essential services, making them less desirable for potential buyers.
Despite trending videos showcasing foreigners purchasing cheap Japanese houses for renovation, the reality is that the administrative process and language barriers make it challenging for non-Japanese speakers. Japan’s population has been in decline for years, with the birth rate falling to a record low and the number of children under the age of 15 decreasing for the 43rd consecutive year. The country’s population decline exacerbates the issue of too many homes and too few people, further complicating the efforts to address the vacant house problem.
The presence of vacant houses poses various challenges, such as impeding reconstruction efforts after natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. These abandoned properties can block evacuation routes and complicate clean-up efforts due to unclear ownership. In areas with high concentrations of akiya, development and real estate value can be negatively impacted, as the stagnant properties deter buyers and hamper large-scale projects. A professor at Tokyo City University has developed an AI program to predict areas at risk for akiya, but he notes that the issue is not unique to Japan and has been observed in other countries.
Japan’s cultural attitudes towards homes, which prioritize newer structures over historical buildings, contribute to the proliferation of vacant houses. The country’s architectural history and cultural norms result in a lack of appreciation for living in older homes, unlike in Western countries where historical buildings are highly valued. Overall, the combination of demographic challenges, administrative hurdles, and cultural preferences in Japan exacerbates the issue of vacant houses, posing significant obstacles for the government and communities seeking to address this problem.
