National City Partners with Non-Profit to Tackle Vacant Houses

Agreement to Tackle Vacant Homes in National City

National City has recently established a partnership with the Non-Profit Organization, Akiya and Akichi Management Center, to combat the growing issue of vacant homes in the area. Under the leadership of Shinichi Ueda, the center aims to provide citizens with the necessary resources and consultations to address the challenges associated with vacant properties.

Purpose of the Agreement

The collaboration is designed to mitigate the emergence of vacant houses through effective management practices, as well as to promote their utilization. It focuses on creating a structured approach to handling vacant homes effectively and efficiently. The center will offer the following services:
1. Establishment of a consultation window for proper management and utilization.
2. Consulting services tailored to the needs of the citizens.
3. Collaboration with experts and businesses across various fields.
4. Proposals for financial assessments related to management and effective utilization.
5. Implementation of management strategies along with follow-up support.
6. Matching interested parties with vacant homes.
7. Reporting on the status of the initiatives.
8. Promotional activities to raise awareness.
9. Other necessary tasks to fulfill the agreement’s objectives.

Comments from Mayor Shinya Hamazaki

Mayor Hamazaki acknowledged the increasing aging population in National City and the subsequent need for improved strategies to combat vacant houses. The establishment of consultation services and seminars aims to provide citizens with comprehensive information and guidance regarding vacant property issues. He emphasized the importance of enhancing awareness and establishing stronger collaborative relationships with experts in the field to promote effective property management.

Insights from Shinichi Ueda, Director of the Management Center

Shinichi Ueda pointed out that the causes of properties becoming vacant are varied and complex. He stressed that collaboration between governmental bodies and private entities is crucial in addressing these underlying issues. The center, in cooperation with city officials and various experts, will offer one-stop consultation services and seminars aimed at resolving the problem of vacant homes in National City.

About the Akiya and Akichi Management Center

Founded in July 2013, the Akiya and Akichi Management Center is dedicated to solving the issues related to vacant properties through a comprehensive consultation framework. The center has, to date, handled over 13,000 inquiries regarding vacant homes, affirming its role as a critical player in addressing this increasingly recognized social challenge.

Currently, the center operates in collaboration with various partners in 578 municipalities to provide essential services for managing vacant properties. Starting in April 2024, they will manage the Tokyo One-Stop Consultation Center for vacant houses, under the business commission from the Tokyo metropolitan government.

The management framework at the center is designed to create a supportive environment for individuals seeking assistance. Their professional team collaborates with real estate companies, demolition contractors, remodeling firms, judicial scriveners, and tax consultants to ensure a comprehensive response to inquiries—eliminating stress and mistrust in the consultation process.

Additionally, the center actively conducts outreach programs, including seminars on effective management and utilization of vacant properties, while providing free consultations on inheritance, sales, rentals, and property management.

For those interested, the Akiya and Akichi Management Center is located at:

- Consultation Center: 9th Floor, BABA Building, 3-8-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Headquarters: 2-1-12 Nishitokorozawa, Tokorozawa-shi, Saitama 359-1144

For more information, visit their website at akiya-akichi.or.jp or call 0120-336-366.