Japan Tackles Growing Crisis of Vacant Homes Nationwide

Japan faces a significant challenge with its growing number of vacant homes, prompting officials and families to seek effective solutions. In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, local authorities have begun addressing the issue by inspecting properties that have fallen into disrepair. One such house, nearly obscured by overgrown vines, is officially classified as a dangerous vacant property. With a collapsed roof and a narrow, rusted entrance, it exemplifies the risks associated with neglect.

Officials warn that these abandoned structures can attract pests, pose safety hazards, and even become sites for criminal activity. “Do not go in too far. It could collapse,” cautions Taeko Chiba, the chief officer for vacant houses in Setagaya. The conditions inside are grim; a foul odour permeates when windows are opened, reminiscent of mould—a typical characteristic of vacant homes.

Despite a formal demolition order, some owners refuse to comply, complicating the removal process. The narrow access points often prevent heavy machinery from entering, resulting in high demolition costs for local governments, which then recover expenses from the property owners. Additionally, owners face steep financial penalties, including the loss of tax benefits and increased property taxes that can be up to six times higher than normal rates.

The problem is widespread, with over nine million vacant homes across Japan, equating to one in seven properties. Setagaya, the most populous ward in Tokyo with around 510,000 households, has the highest number of vacant homes in the country, estimated at approximately 58,000. The presence of vacant properties has significant impacts on surrounding areas, with one vacant house potentially reducing nearby property values by about three per cent.

To combat this trend, Setagaya has established a dedicated department for vacant houses and partnered with the Vacant House Utilisation Co., headed by Takamitsu Wada. Together, they launched the Setagaya Vacant House Navi, a free consultation service aimed at connecting residents with experts to navigate the complexities of property management. “The key is to act before a home becomes vacant,” Wada explains. Emotional attachments often hinder families from making necessary decisions, leaving properties abandoned for years.

One such case is that of Mr. Ogawa, whose mother’s home in Setagaya has stood empty for four years. Built 65 years ago, the two-storey house holds cherished memories 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, acknowledging that “you cannot take it with you to the next world.”

Another resident, a 78-year-old man who travelled from Oita, shared his experience of a family home in Setagaya that has remained vacant for 17 years. “My mother truly loved this house. That is why it took so long before it could be dealt with,” he says. The surrounding area also suffers, as heirs often live abroad, complicating property management.

In rural Kawanehon, Shizuoka, the situation presents different challenges. With a population just over 5,000, one in four houses sits empty. The town established a Vacant House Bank to list properties available for sale or renovation, yet interest remains low. One two-storey house listed for 2.6 million yen (approximately $24,000) has seen no potential buyers after three years. “Large, traditional houses are especially costly to restore,” explains property assessor Atsushi Kuroda. His colleague, Yuji Ishikawa, notes that renovation costs often exceed the property’s market value, with only four out of every hundred assessed properties being sold.

To encourage sales, the town now offers subsidies of up to 2 million yen and plans to convert some vacant homes into rental properties for new residents. “We cannot clear all the vacant homes ourselves,” admits town official Hajime Ogasawara. “But we can create a movement.”

Meanwhile, in Taketa City, Oita, historic homes also stand empty. Shoji Manabe inherited a house built by his grandfather, but it has remained unused for nearly a decade. “Destroying it is painful. I cannot bear it,” he states. He ultimately decided to sell the property to Albalink, a company that specializes in difficult-to-sell properties, for the nominal price of 10 yen. Renovation is expected to exceed 15 million yen, but Manabe believes that maintaining the 110-year-old home holds value beyond money.

The project aims to transform the house into guest accommodation with the help of experts like architect Hiroki Suzuki. “Can it make money, bring excitement, and create something new?” Wada questions, highlighting the broader objective of revitalizing these spaces.

As Chiba continues her inspections in Tokyo, her department has produced a home closure guidebook to assist residents in navigating the process of dealing with vacant properties. “The essence of the problem is that people simply do not know who to consult,” Wada explains. Abandoned homes represent more than just physical structures; they are steeped in family history, memories, and identity. “Selling or tearing down a home full of memories is not easy,” the narrator observes.

Japan’s vacant house crisis reflects deep-seated societal issues, yet across the nation, a quiet movement is emerging. Through collaboration, awareness, and innovative solutions, communities are beginning to address the problem, one home at a time.