Record High 143,000 Vacant Houses in Mie: Renovation Subsidies Increased

It was revealed in a Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications survey that last year, the number of vacant houses in the prefecture reached a record high of 143,000 units, equating to one in every six houses being uninhabited.

Aging vacant houses pose a high risk of collapse, potentially impacting resident evacuation and firefighting efforts during disasters. Since April, the prefecture has increased subsidies for house renovations, and towns and cities are also promoting reuse and demolition.

A Wooden House Vacant for Six Years in Tsu City's Misugi Town

In a village nestled among verdant mountains, a wooden house stands. Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, butterflies of blue and orange flutter about, and the chirping of Japanese bush warblers resonates.

In late May, a male doctor (70), the owner, visited this house in Misugi Town (formerly Misugi Village). The house has been vacant since his mother's death six years ago. “My grandfather built it in the early Showa period, and I spent my childhood here. Every scratch on a pillar has a memory,” he said.

He travels more than an hour from his home in the city center about twice a month to clean the house. Suffering from a heart condition, he said, “It has become difficult to maintain both houses.” In January, he registered the house with Tsu City's "Vacant House Bank" for sale or rent. So far, there have been several inquiries. “It's hard to let go, but I hope someone who can enjoy the rural landscape will take it over.”

The owner of the vacant house also owns surrounding fields and plans to transfer some to new residents. The city has been operating the Vacant House Bank since the fiscal year 2017, with around 30 transactions annually. There are multiple vacant houses around the man’s ancestral home. “I hope more people move here and revitalize Misugi,” he expressed.

Increase of 2.4 Times in 30 Years

According to statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the prefecture, the total number of houses in the prefecture was 870,000 in 2023, with 143,000 vacant, making up 16.4%. This is about 2.4 times the 59,800 vacant houses 30 years ago. Aging and the deaths of residents or their movement into welfare facilities are seen as the main causes.

The southern part of the prefecture, where aging is particularly notable, tends to have a higher number of vacant houses. In 2018, the vacant house rate in the northern Mie region, including Yokkaichi and Kuwana, was about 11%, while it was over 28% in the eastern Kishu area, including Owase and Kumano, more than double.

The increase in vacant houses is a problem because it could exacerbate damage during major disasters like the Nankai Trough earthquake.

Subsidies of up to 500,000 Yen

The prefecture provides a subsidy of up to 125,000 yen through towns and cities for homeowners who demolish their vacant houses. If the owner is unknown and the town or city demolishes the house, the prefecture covers 250,000 yen.

Since April this year, the maximum amount of subsidies for people moving into vacant houses has been raised. Previously, the maximum subsidy for renovations for residential purposes was 250,000 yen, but for newcomers from outside the prefecture or for converting into stores, it has been increased to 500,000 yen. The prefecture aims to curb population decline and increase convenience by boosting local shops and services.

A Common Issue Nationwide, Worst on Record

The problem of increasing vacant houses is common nationwide. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, there were about 9 million vacant houses across Japan in 2023, with a vacancy rate of 13.8%, both the worst on record.

Wakayama and Tokushima Prefectures had the highest vacancy rates at 21.2% each, with Mie Prefecture at 16.4%, ranking 18th nationwide.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has created a special website for vacant house measures, introducing the risks of leaving houses vacant. If not managed properly, reductions in property taxes and other measures may not be available. “Consult with your municipal office or experts in real estate and inheritance early,” they advise.

Postscript: Coexistence with Nature, Hopes for Migration

Each time I visit the southern part of the prefecture for reporting, I am surprised by the noticeable number of vacant houses. Even in the bustling tourist area of Ise-Shima, abandoned stores and houses stand out.

For a Tokyo-born reporter with a hobby of fishing, Mie offers a fulfilling private life amid rich nature. However, the threshold for deciding to move and live in these areas can be high for those accustomed to urban convenience. The prefecture's initiatives to promote migration and the reuse of vacant houses are steps toward revitalizing these rural areas. The hope is that more people will find value in the rural lifestyle, leading to a vibrant community once again.