900,000 Vacant Houses: The State of Abandoned Homes in Kanto, Japan

Overview of the Rising Number of Vacant Houses in Japan: A Focus on the Kanto Region

Introduction

The issue of vacant houses in Japan has reached unprecedented levels, with the number of such properties now standing at approximately 9 million nationwide. This represents 13.8% of the total housing stock. This phenomenon, driven by factors such as population decline and aging demographics, has been highlighted in a recent survey by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. This article delves into the specifics of this issue, particularly focusing on the situation in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama.

The National Landscape of Vacant Houses

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications conducts a comprehensive "Housing and Land Survey" every five years to assess the status of housing across the country. According to the latest survey results, as of October 1, 2023, the number of vacant houses nationwide has risen to 9 million. This marks an increase of 510,000 from the previous survey, setting a new record high. Over the past three decades, the number of vacant houses has doubled, and the proportion of vacant houses within the total housing stock has reached 13.8%, the highest ever recorded.

Among the prefectures, Tokyo has the highest number of vacant houses at 898,000, followed by Osaka with 703,000, and Kanagawa with 466,000. Notably, 40 out of the 47 prefectures have seen an increase in the number of vacant houses compared to the previous survey. The proportion of vacant houses is particularly high in Wakayama and Tokushima, both at 21.2%, followed by Yamanashi at 20.5%, and Kagoshima at 20.4%.

Factors Contributing to the Increase in Vacant Houses

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications attributes the rise in vacant houses to several factors:

1. Population Decline and Aging: As Japan's population decreases and ages, more houses become vacant, especially as elderly residents pass away without heirs or their heirs live far away.

2. Lack of Purpose: An increasing number of vacant houses have no intended use, leading to their abandonment.

3. Inheritance Issues: Many vacant houses remain unused because the heirs are either non-existent or live too far away to manage the properties.

Impact of Abandoned Houses

The proliferation of abandoned houses poses various challenges:

• Structural Risks: Unattended houses can deteriorate and pose a risk of collapse.

• Safety and Aesthetics: Abandoned properties can lead to a decline in neighborhood safety and aesthetics, affecting local communities' quality of life.

Situation in the Kanto Region

The Kanto region, comprising Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma, presents a mixed picture concerning vacant houses.

Number of Vacant Houses in Kanto:

• Tokyo: 898,000 (previous survey: 810,000)

• Kanagawa: 466,000 (previous survey: 485,000)

• Chiba: 393,000 (previous survey: 383,000)

• Saitama: 333,000 (previous survey: 346,000)

• Ibaraki: 197,000 (unchanged from the previous survey)

• Tochigi: 164,000 (previous survey: 161,000)

• Gunma: 161,000 (previous survey: 158,000)

Proportion of Vacant Houses in the Total Housing Stock:

• Tokyo: 11.0% (previous survey: 10.6%)

• Kanagawa: 9.8% (previous survey: 10.8%)

• Chiba: 12.3% (previous survey: 12.6%)

• Saitama: 9.4% (previous survey: 10.2%)

• Ibaraki: 14.1% (previous survey: 14.8%)

• Tochigi: 16.9% (previous survey: 17.3%)

• Gunma: 16.7% (unchanged from the previous survey)

Addressing the Challenges of Vacant Houses

Efforts to address the challenges posed by vacant houses include:

• Government Initiatives: Various local governments have implemented measures to either repurpose or demolish abandoned houses.

• Community Involvement: Community groups are increasingly involved in finding solutions to manage vacant properties effectively.

• Policy Reforms: Policy reforms aimed at facilitating the sale or lease of vacant houses are under consideration to reduce the number of abandoned properties.

Conclusion

The issue of vacant houses in Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, is a growing concern that requires concerted efforts from both the government and communities. As the number of vacant houses continues to rise, innovative solutions and proactive measures are crucial to mitigating the associated risks and leveraging these properties for beneficial uses.