Japanology Plus

S10E14 Vacant Homes

In Japan, approximately one out of every seven houses stands unoccupied. This amounts to 8.5 million empty properties, which can pose risks such as increased fire hazards and burglary, as well as adversely affecting nearby property values. However, innovative approaches are being developed to repurpose these spaces. In a certain regional area, vacant homes have been transformed into modern offices and retail shops, leading to a rise in the local population. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, attracting new tenants for storefronts has breathed new life into a shopping district. We explore the reasons behind Japan's surplus of vacant homes and highlight some inventive solutions.