The number of vacant houses in Japan has increased to a record high of nine million, a result of the country’s declining population. These abandoned homes, known as “akiya,” are not just limited to rural areas but are increasingly found in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. This presents a challenge for the government, which is already facing issues related to an aging population and declining birth rates. Approximately 14% of residential properties in Japan are vacant, including second homes and those left empty for various reasons. The growing number of traditional akiya poses problems for the government and communities, such as hindering attempts to revitalize decaying towns and posing hazards during disasters due to lack of maintenance.
Akiya are often inherited by younger generations who have moved to cities and see little value in returning to rural areas, or are left in limbo due to poor record-keeping by local authorities. This makes it difficult for the government to attract younger people or investors to rural communities. Complicated tax policies often make it cheaper for owners to keep the homes rather than demolish them for redevelopment. Trending videos showing foreigners buying cheap Japanese houses and turning them into guesthouses or cafes have gained popularity on social media, but the process is more complex than it appears. Language barriers and administrative hurdles can make it challenging for foreigners to purchase these homes at low prices.
Japan’s declining population, with a record low birth rate and a shrinking population of children under age 15, exacerbates the issue of too many vacant homes and too few people. The country’s birth rate has remained far below the level needed to maintain a stable population, and projections suggest that this situation will persist. Vacant houses have presented challenges during disasters, such as the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula, where akiya posed dangers to residents and obstacles to post-earthquake reconstruction. In rural areas with a high concentration of vacant houses, development is stalled, leading to a decline in the overall real estate value of the area.
Yuki Akiyama, a professor from Tokyo City University, has developed an AI program to predict areas most vulnerable to akiya, but notes that this issue is not unique to Japan and has been observed in the US and Europe as well. However, Japan’s unique architectural history and cultural preferences make the situation particularly severe. Homes in Japan are not valued for their longevity, and historical buildings are not as desirable compared to newer homes. Akiyama emphasizes that the problem of vacant houses in Japan is a reflection of the country’s population decline and the challenges it poses for urban and rural development. He warns that without effective solutions, the value of these areas will continue to decrease, impacting the real estate market and overall community development.
