Why Are Millions of Houses Empty in Japan?

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1. 01Why Are Millions of Houses Empty in Japan?

   Good afternoon, everyone. When people think of Japan, they often imagine crowded cities. But there is another side to the story: millions of empty houses. Today, I'd like to look at the numbers and ask why this is happening.

2. 02What Is an Akiya?

   In Japanese, an empty house is called an akiya. Many of them are old family homes in the countryside, but you can find them in cities, too.

3. 03The Numbers

   According to the government's 2023 Housing and Land Survey, there are about nine million empty homes in Japan. That is thirteen point eight percent of all homes, and it is a record high.

   Sources: Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2023 Housing and Land Survey; Statistics Bureau of Japan, 2018 Housing and Land Survey

4. 04Cause 1: An Aging Society

   One major cause is Japan's aging society. When older owners pass away, their children often live far away in big cities, so nobody moves into the house.

5. 05Cause 2: Costs and Culture

   Another cause is cost. Old houses often need expensive repairs, and tearing them down also costs money. On top of that, many buyers in Japan prefer brand-new houses.

6. 06Why It Matters

   This matters because empty houses can become dangerous. Roofs can fall in during storms, and neighborhoods with many empty homes can feel lonely and unsafe.

7. 07A Second Life for Old Houses

   The good news is that some akiya are getting a second life. My uncle bought an old house through his town's akiya bank, a website that lists empty homes, and turned it into a small café.

8. 08Conclusion

   To sum up, Japan's empty houses are a growing problem, but they are also an opportunity. With creative ideas, old homes can bring life back to quiet towns. Thank you.