Paper short abstract:

This study looks at the potential of vacant housing in Japan as a resource for community-driven development. Findings suggest that vacant housing has the potentital to first, be a source of affordable real estate; and second be a tool for preserving and promoting local identity and sense of place.

Paper long abstract:

Japan finds itself in the wake of an impending demographic crisis. Dwelling abandonment is arguably the most evident symptom of this decline. Very high vacant housing (akiya) rates result in large part from the decline of rural population, and are maintained by real-estate market and legal circumstances that are particular to Japan.

Perhaps the most viable option for peripheral regions is to explore and capitalize on tangible and intangible assets specific to the locality. Rural regions should concentrate on life beyond growth and shift their focus from deficits to opportunities, meaning that, this vacant building stock could in fact be seen as a local resource. This study investigated this potential of turning vacant housing from a symbol of social and economic deterioration, to a resource for community-driven development and revitalization.

The study aimed to devise basic prioritization criteria for evaluating the qualities of vacant structures. The goal was to attempt to provide local communities and authorities with tools to assess their surroundings, and empower them to manage it, and plan development.

A case study methodology focusing on the island of Honjima located in Japan`s Seto Inland Sea, whose communities are amongst the most affected by rapid demographic decline, was employed.

The findings showed that when attempting to assess vacant dwelling stocks the criteria can be divided into tangible and intangible considerations. Those two main categories reflect the dual character of akiya when regarded as local assets. On one hand as physical infrastructure, it could provide affordable real estate for potential migrants and communities in need of public facilities; while on the other it could be a tool for preserving, reinforcing and promoting local identity and sense of place.

Finally, the investigation on Honjima underlined the importance of understanding the local heritage, and social particularities in order to attempt locality-centered development.