Report reveals that 90 lakh homes in Japan are vacant – but why? | World News

The number of vacant houses in Japan has reached a staggering nine million, surpassing the population of New York City. This rise in empty homes is attributed to Japan’s declining population, with experts pointing to a significant 14% of all residential properties in the country being vacant.

Known as “Akiya,” these abandoned houses were traditionally found in rural areas but are now increasingly prevalent in major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. Jeffrey Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, explained that this phenomenon is a direct result of Japan’s population decline rather than an oversupply of housing.

Japan’s aging population and low birth rate have contributed to the issue, with many Akiya owners lacking heirs to inherit their properties. Additionally, properties are often left vacant by owners working overseas or for other reasons.

Despite the surplus of empty homes, selling them can be a challenge due to factors such as lack of access to public services and transportation. Foreigners looking to purchase Akiyas may also face difficulties navigating the complex administrative processes and language barriers.

Hall emphasized that buying these abandoned houses is not as simple as it may seem, especially for non-Japanese speakers. He noted that potential buyers should not expect to acquire these properties at a bargain price due to the challenges involved in the process.