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The number of vacant homes has doubled in 20 years, and Japan is seeking solutions to deal with the growing problem of akias and revitalize abandoned communities.
Imagine a country with enough abandoned houses to house tens of millions of people. This is the case in Japan with its empty houses, where the problem of abandoned houses — called Akias — is growing at an alarming rate. Today, there are more than 9 million empty properties spread across Japan, double the number of vacant homes two decades ago. How did this happen? And what is being done to change the situation of abandoned homes in Japan?
Population decline and its consequences
The main reason for the increase in abandoned houses in Japan is population decline. Over the past 15 years, Japan’s population has been steadily declining. With one of the lowest birth rates in the world and an aging society, the number of people per family has also been falling. This phenomenon creates a surplus of housing, especially in rural areas, where many families do not leave behind heirs interested in keeping their properties.
Additionally, Japan is a historically conservative society when it comes to immigration. This means that even with a large number of available homes, the country does not have a growing population that could fill those homes. In 2023, former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida went so far as to declare that the declining birth rate threatens to turn Japan into a dysfunctional society.
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Old houses and real estate depreciation in Japan
Another big reason for the increase in abandoned homes in Japan is the way real estate loses value over time. Unlike many global metropolises, where older properties are valued for their historic character, homes in Japan depreciate every year. This is partly due to the requirements imposed on them for earthquake resistance, a critical factor in a country subject to constant seismic activity.
Furthermore, renovating old houses in Japan is an expensive and bureaucratic process. Real estate legislation requires complex permits and specialized labor that is currently scarce in the market. As a result, many homeowners prefer to abandon their homes rather than invest in renovations.
Akias on TikTok: the new trend of abandoned houses
In recent years, abandoned houses in Japan have gained a new kind of attention. A viral wave on TikTok has shown foreigners renovating these residences, transforming them into cozy and characterful homes. One of the most famous examples is that of Swedish Anton, who renovated a Akiya in Tokyo and attracted millions of followers on social media.
This phenomenon has sparked interest from people all over the world, especially those who dream of owning their own home but are having difficulty purchasing property in their home countries. Japan, with its stability and infrastructure, is an attractive destination for those seeking a different opportunity. However, this trend is still limited to a few hundred homes, having little impact on the huge stock of Akias spread across the country.
What is the government doing to solve the problem?
Aware of the challenge represented by the large number of abandoned houses, the government The Japanese have adopted measures to encourage the reuse of these properties. Among the actions are:
- Grants for young families: Couples who agree to move to the countryside can receive financial incentives;
- Ease of purchasing Akias: In some regions, houses are sold for symbolic values or even donated;
- Promotion of immigration: Although still in its infancy, there are efforts to attract foreign workers to occupy these residences.
Despite these initiatives, the problem is far from being solved. Population decline continues, and many Japanese still prefer to build new homes rather than renovate old ones.
A problem with a solution?
Abandoned houses in Japan are a reflection of the social and economic changes the country is facing. While initiatives like Akias’s renovations are gaining popularity on social media, they are still insufficient to address the scale of the problem.
What does the future hold for these homes and their new owners? Only time will tell. For now, Japan continues to find creative solutions to balance tradition, modernity and the complexities of real estate in a changing society.
