The Global Story
The Global Story
Why are there millions of empty homes in Japan?
Up next
October 21, 2024
26 minutes
Available for over a year
Abandoned houses – or “akiyas” – have become a symbol of the crisis facing Japan’s population. But a wave of young foreign bargain hunters has started snapping up some of these abandoned homes, inspired by viral DIY videos and social media influencers.
Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Shaimaa Khalil, who has been to meet some of the people bringing akiyas back to life.
Producers: Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Alice Aylett Roberts
Sound engineer: Mike Regaard
Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas
Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson