Japan is facing a significant problem with a record high of nine million vacant houses

 

Japan is facing a significant problem with a record high of nine million vacant houses, known as "akiya," which is more than enough to house the entire population of New York City. This issue is a symptom of Japan's declining population, with 14% of all residential properties in the country now vacant. The problem is not only limited to rural areas but is also becoming increasingly prevalent in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

The traditional concept of akiya refers to derelict residential homes in rural areas, but the current situation involves a broader range of vacant properties, including second homes and those left empty for various reasons. Many of these houses are passed down through generations, but with Japan's plummeting fertility rate, they are often left with no heir to inherit them. Younger generations are also moving to cities, leaving these properties vacant.

The government is struggling to address this issue, as many owners find it cheaper to retain the property than to demolish it for redevelopment. Additionally, poor record-keeping makes it difficult to identify the owners of these properties, hindering efforts to rejuvenate rural communities. Even if owners want to sell, they may have trouble finding buyers due to the properties' remote locations and lack of access to public transportation, healthcare, and other essential services.

The situation is further complicated by Japan's tax policies, which often make it more cost-effective for owners to retain the property rather than demolish it. Social media has been filled with videos of foreigners buying cheap Japanese houses and renovating them into stylish guesthouses and cafes, but experts warn that this is not a viable solution for most of these properties.

Japan's population has been declining for several years, with a record low of 125.4 million in 2022. The birth rate has also been consistently low, hovering around 1.3, far from the 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. This demographic crisis is expected to continue, with the number of children under 15 dropping for the 43rd straight year to a record low of around 14 million as of April 1.

The issue of vacant houses is not only a problem for the government but also poses safety risks, particularly in the event of natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Akiya can block evacuation routes and hinder post-disaster reconstruction efforts. In some cases, authorities have struggled to decide which damaged properties to clean up due to unclear ownership, presenting an obstacle for reconstruction.

Experts warn that the problem of too many homes and too few people will continue for some time, with vacant houses causing issues in the past, such as after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake that hit the Noto Peninsula in January. The area where the quake struck had a high concentration of akiya, which posed both a danger to residents during the disaster and challenges for post-earthquake reconstruction.

In other rural areas with a high concentration of vacant houses, akiya have stalled development, reducing the value of the area and making it difficult to buy and sell properties. This has led to a decrease in real estate value and a perception that these areas have no value.

To address this issue, experts suggest that the government needs to take a comprehensive approach, including reforming tax policies, improving record-keeping, and providing incentives for owners to sell or demolish their properties. Additionally, there needs to be a shift in cultural values, with a greater emphasis on preserving historical buildings and promoting sustainable development.