Entertainment
Japan Tackles Growing Vacant House Crisis with Innovative Solutions

Japan’s struggle with vacant houses has reached critical levels, prompting local authorities and families to seek effective solutions. In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, a team of officials assessed a property enveloped by overgrown vines. The house’s roof had collapsed, leaving only a narrow passage that barely leads to its rusted entrance. This is one of 13 properties in the ward classified as dangerous vacant homes, which not only attract pests but also pose structural hazards and potentially foster criminal activity.
Taeko Chiba, the chief officer for vacant houses in Setagaya, cautions against entering these dilapidated structures. “Do not go in too far. It could collapse,” she warns, noting the unpleasant odour that wafts from the house, often similar to mould. Despite a formal demolition order, the owner has not complied. The restricted access to the site complicates removal efforts, making it financially burdensome for local authorities. In such instances, the government intervenes, demolishing the structure and recovering the costs from the property owner. Additionally, owners risk losing tax benefits and face increased property taxes, which can be up to six times higher.
The issue of vacant houses is widespread in Japan, with over nine million homes currently unoccupied, equating to one in seven properties. Setagaya, despite being the most populous ward in Tokyo with approximately 510,000 households, has the highest number of vacant homes in the country, totaling around 58,000. The repercussions of this phenomenon extend beyond aesthetics, as just one vacant house can decrease surrounding property values by about three percent. Left unchecked, these properties can significantly undermine entire communities.
To address this growing crisis, Setagaya has established a dedicated department for vacant houses and collaborated with the Vacant House Utilisation Co., led by Takamitsu Wada. Together, they launched the Setagaya Vacant House Navi, a free consultation service designed to connect residents with experts. “The key is to act before a home becomes vacant,” says Wada, emphasizing that emotional ties often prevent families from making timely decisions regarding their properties.
One poignant example is the case of Mr. Ogawa, whose mother’s home in Setagaya has been vacant for four years. Built 65 years ago, the two-storey house is a source of pride for the family. “Having my own home was something I always took pride in,” she reflects. Ultimately, the family decided to demolish the house and sell the land, a decision influenced by the need to divide assets peacefully among heirs.
Another resident, a 78-year-old man from Oita, attended a seminar concerning his family home, which has been vacant for 17 years. “My mother truly loved this house. That is why it took so long before it could be dealt with,” he explains. The situation is further complicated when heirs live abroad or in distant locations, making consensus challenging.
In rural areas, such as Kawanehon in Shizuoka, the vacant house issue takes on a different character. With a population of just over 5,000, one in four houses is unoccupied. The town has initiated a Vacant House Bank to list properties available for sale or renovation, but demand remains limited. A two-storey house listed for 2.6 million yen (approximately $24,000) has attracted little interest after three years on the market. Property assessors, Atsushi Kuroda and Yuji Ishikawa, note that renovation costs often outweigh the value of these large, traditional homes. Out of 100 properties they assess, only four are sold.
To stimulate interest, the town now offers subsidies of up to two million yen and plans to convert some vacant properties into rental homes for new residents. “We cannot clear all the vacant homes ourselves,” says town official Hajime Ogasawara, “but we can create a movement.”
In Taketa City, Oita, century-old homes also stand empty. Shoji Manabe inherited a historic house built by his grandfather, but it has remained unused for nearly a decade. “Destroying it is painful. I cannot bear it,” he admits. Ultimately, he sold the house to Albalink, a company specializing in hard-to-sell properties, for the nominal price of 10 yen. Renovation costs for the home are projected to exceed 15 million yen.
“Maintaining a 110-year-old home carries value beyond money,” Manabe reflects, emphasizing the emotional significance attached to the property. The project aims to transform the house into guest accommodation, with contributions from experts like architect Hiroki Suzuki and social entrepreneur Takamitsu Wada. “Can it make money, bring excitement, and create something new?” Wada poses, highlighting the project’s aspirations.
Back in Tokyo, Chiba continues her efforts to mitigate the vacant house crisis. Her department has produced a comprehensive home closure guidebook to assist residents in navigating the process of managing their properties. “The essence of the problem is that people simply do not know who to consult,” Wada explains.
This challenge transcends physical structures; these homes symbolize family history, memories, and identity. “Selling or tearing down a home full of memories is not easy,” the narrator notes. Yet, inaction often exacerbates the emotional toll. As Japan grapples with the reality of empty houses, a quiet movement emerges across the country, aiming to reclaim homes—one at a time.
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