This place has now 90 lakh vacant homes, the reason is...
Traditionally, these abandoned houses were mainly found in rural areas. However, the trend is now spreading to major cities
Japan is experiencing a significant issue with vacant houses, reaching a record number of nine million, surpassing the population of New York City. This increase in empty homes is closely tied to Japan's declining population.
Traditionally, these abandoned houses, known as "akiya," were mainly found in rural areas. However, the trend is now spreading to major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. This situation presents a serious challenge for the Japanese government, which is already dealing with an ageing population and a low birth rate.
It is believed that the abundance of empty homes is not due to overbuilding. Instead, it reflects Japan's shrinking population, with not enough people to occupy the existing houses.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 14% of Japan's residential properties are vacant. This includes not just second homes but also properties left unoccupied for various reasons, like owners moving abroad temporarily for work.
Not all of these houses are in disrepair, but the increasing number of traditional akiya creates several problems.
Akiya are often inherited through generations. However, Japan's falling fertility rate means many homes are left without heirs or are inherited by younger generations who have moved to cities and see little value in rural properties.