LIFULL and Nasushiobara City Sign Agreement to Utilize Vacant Homes
On March 17, 2026, LIFULL, a social enterprise based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, officially signed a collaborative agreement with Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, aimed at the effective utilization of vacant homes in the area. This initiative is designed to transform vacant properties into community assets, enhancing opportunities for migration and residence in the region while addressing the pervasive issue of empty homes in Japan.
Japan is currently facing a significant crisis with vacant homes, often referred to as 'akiya.' These abandoned properties pose not only a challenge for urban planning but also for community development. In Nasushiobara City, situated in the northern area of Tochigi Prefecture, there is a pressing need for measures to tackle the vacant home problem, encouraging migration and cultivating talent proficient in solving regional issues. LIFULL seeks to shift the perception of vacant houses from being mere liabilities to valuable community assets through its extensive real estate expertise and knowledge in local revitalization. This agreement is a step toward creating a sustainable future for the region’s residents.
The Agreement for the Effective Utilization of Vacant Homes and Similar Properties
March 17, 2026
1. Promote migration and residence.
2. Create a network of individuals contributing to the community.
3. Develop matching functions to efficiently utilize vacant properties and address local issues.
The initiative will focus on several key activities:
It is anticipated that Nasushiobara City, with its advantageous proximity to urban districts, will become a model for similar municipalities grappling with the same issues. By successfully implementing this initiative, LIFULL aims to serve as a pioneer in addressing vacant home challenges in the northern Tochigi region and contribute significantly to the creation of sustainable communities across Japan.
The population decline and vacant home issues faced by Nasushiobara are reflective of challenges seen nationwide. There is an urgent need for effective responses. Through this partnership with Nasushiobara City, we are committed to facilitating migration, fostering talent, and promoting the effective use of vacant homes as part of our local sustainable development strategy. We are driven by a deep resolve to establish structures that can regenerate and revitalize these properties as community assets alongside the city. We firmly believe this initiative will serve as a model case for other municipalities, ultimately contributing to the revitalization efforts of communities across Japan.
LIFULL operates under the motto "Making all LIFE FULL" and aims to tackle societal issues through various business initiatives. The organization focuses on addressing local and individual challenges with a commitment to joyful and secure living. Their services include LIFULL HOME'S for real estate information, LIFULL Care for senior living solutions, and KENBIYA, a platform for real estate investment and property information.
The Background of the Agreement
Japan is currently facing a significant crisis with vacant homes, often referred to as 'akiya.' These abandoned properties pose not only a challenge for urban planning but also for community development. In Nasushiobara City, situated in the northern area of Tochigi Prefecture, there is a pressing need for measures to tackle the vacant home problem, encouraging migration and cultivating talent proficient in solving regional issues. LIFULL seeks to shift the perception of vacant houses from being mere liabilities to valuable community assets through its extensive real estate expertise and knowledge in local revitalization. This agreement is a step toward creating a sustainable future for the region’s residents.
Overview of the Agreement
Name:
The Agreement for the Effective Utilization of Vacant Homes and Similar Properties
Date of Signing:
March 17, 2026
Objectives:
1. Promote migration and residence.
2. Create a network of individuals contributing to the community.
3. Develop matching functions to efficiently utilize vacant properties and address local issues.
The initiative will focus on several key activities:
- - Publicizing and sharing information about vacant properties and their potential uses to improve living conditions.
- - Matching urban companies or individuals interested in utilizing vacant homes with available properties.
- - Disseminating information to support migration and residence.
- - Collaborating on initiatives promoting dual residency.
- - Supporting childcare initiatives.
- - Recruiting and training individuals capable of addressing local issues.
Future Developments: A National Model for Vacant Home Solutions
It is anticipated that Nasushiobara City, with its advantageous proximity to urban districts, will become a model for similar municipalities grappling with the same issues. By successfully implementing this initiative, LIFULL aims to serve as a pioneer in addressing vacant home challenges in the northern Tochigi region and contribute significantly to the creation of sustainable communities across Japan.
Insights from LIFULL's CEO, Yuji Masuda
The population decline and vacant home issues faced by Nasushiobara are reflective of challenges seen nationwide. There is an urgent need for effective responses. Through this partnership with Nasushiobara City, we are committed to facilitating migration, fostering talent, and promoting the effective use of vacant homes as part of our local sustainable development strategy. We are driven by a deep resolve to establish structures that can regenerate and revitalize these properties as community assets alongside the city. We firmly believe this initiative will serve as a model case for other municipalities, ultimately contributing to the revitalization efforts of communities across Japan.
About LIFULL
LIFULL operates under the motto "Making all LIFE FULL" and aims to tackle societal issues through various business initiatives. The organization focuses on addressing local and individual challenges with a commitment to joyful and secure living. Their services include LIFULL HOME'S for real estate information, LIFULL Care for senior living solutions, and KENBIYA, a platform for real estate investment and property information.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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