Japan Grapples with Abandoned Homes Crisis as Population Declines

Japan is facing a growing crisis of abandoned homes, known as "akiya," with approximately 9 million vacant houses across the country, according to the latest Housing and Land Statistical Survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This staggering figure represents an increase of 510,000 since the last survey five years ago and has doubled over the past three decades.

Why this matters: The abandoned homes crisis in Japan has far-reaching implications for the country's economy, infrastructure, and social fabric, as it affects not only the housing market but also the overall quality of life for its citizens. If left unaddressed, this issue could lead to increased safety risks, urban decay, and a decline in community cohesion.

The more alarming statistic is that 3.85 million of these akiya are "hochi akiya," or abandoned homes, accounting for 5.9% of all housing units in Japan. The number of hochi akiya has increased by 360,000 since the 2018 survey and has more than doubled since 1998.

The main factors contributing to this growing issue are Japan's aging population and declining birthrate, leading to a decrease in housing demand. Additionally, the migration of the population from rural areas to large cities has resulted in many abandoned homes in rural prefectures.

The prefectures with the highest percentage of abandoned homes are Kagoshima (13.6%), Kochi (12.9%), Tokushima (12.2%), Ehime (12.2%), Wakayama (12%), Shimane (11.4%), Yamaguchi (11.1%), and Akita (10%). These figures highlight the severity of the issue in rural areas of Japan.

The increasing number of abandoned homes poses potential safety risks, such as collapsing during natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, or landslides. Furthermore, an estimated 20% of these homes are damaged or decayed, making them uninhabitable without significant restoration work.

The Japanese government has been implementing measures to address the abandoned homes crisis, such as providing subsidies for the demolition of old houses and the renovation of vacant properties. However, the scale of the problem continues to grow, and more comprehensive solutions are needed to tackle this issue effectively.

As Japan's population continues to age and decline, the abandoned homes crisis is expected to worsen in the coming years. The government, local communities, and property owners must work together to find innovative solutions to repurpose or remove these vacant houses, ensuring the safety and well-being of the population while revitalizing affected areas.

Key Takeaways

• Japan has approximately 9 million vacant houses, a 510,000 increase from 5 years ago.
• 3.85 million of these homes are "hochi akiya," or abandoned, accounting for 5.9% of all housing units.
• Aging population and declining birthrate contribute to the issue, with rural areas most affected.
• Abandoned homes pose safety risks, with 20% damaged or decayed, and require innovative solutions.
• The government and communities must work together to repurpose or remove vacant houses to ensure safety and well-being.