Would you abandon your house? Yes, we do in Japan. The emerging “Akiya” issues.

I recently roamed Japan’s cities and countryside, surprised by the scattered Akiya. Each told a tale — silent yet profound — of lives lived and memories abandoned. The phenomenon of abandoned houses known as “Akiya” (meaning vacant or abandoned house) has spread across Japan, raising concerns about the safety and hygiene of the community. In this article, I will examine the reasons for the increase in abandoned properties, the problems that Akiya owners face, government intervention, and reforms driven by locals and foreigners.

The Growing Issue of Akiya:

The phenomenon of abandoned houses, called Akiya, is not limited to rural areas but also applies to large cities like Tokyo. The number of akiyas continues to increase throughout Japan, causing much distress to local communities. Many of these homes remain empty as elderly parents move into retirement homes and children, who often live in the city, refuse to claim or keep the family home. In Japanese language, real estate is 不動産 (read as fudosan), which means un-moving estate. However, a new term, 負動産 (also read as fudosan), has emerged, replacing the “Fu” at the beginning with another word meaning negative or burden.

Understanding the specifics of the real estate market in Japan is important in explaining why some Akiya owners are hesitant to sell their properties. In Japan, the value of houses typically depreciates over time due to wear and tear…