#Japan #Miyakojima #Vacant House Center #Shinichi Ueda

Miyakojima City Receives Support for Vacant House Management

Miyakojima City has officially designated the Non-Profit Organization Akiya & Akichi Management Center as a "Vacant House Management Support Corporation" as of November 4, 2025. This acknowledgment comes as part of efforts to combat the growing issue of vacant homes caused by population decline and aging residents.

Background of the Designation

The number of vacant homes in Miyakojima City has reached a concerning total of 813, according to a city survey conducted in 2024. The situation has necessitated the implementation of a special measure law that was enacted in December 2023, specifically aimed at addressing vacant house issues in local communities. The designation allows the Non-Profit Organization to operate with a public stance, thus enhancing collaboration with municipalities to effectively tackle the challenges associated with vacant properties.

Key Initiatives by the Akiya & Akichi Management Center

In collaboration with Miyakojima City, the center plans to implement the following initiatives:

1. Enhanced Consultation Services: Strengthening the operation of consultation windows for vacant house owners and potential users.
2. Site Surveys and Maintenance: Conducting on-site inspections and ongoing management of vacant properties.
3. Utilization Proposals: Proposing multiple potential uses for vacant homes based on owners’ preferences and environmental assessments, along with market feasibility.
4. One-Stop Support: Establishing a comprehensive support system involving real estate agents, demolition companies, renovation contractors, and legal and tax advisors to facilitate issue resolution collectively.
5. Information Dissemination: Organizing seminars and events focused on promoting effective utilization and management of vacant houses, alongside public awareness campaigns.

Future Prospects

The previous year's vacant housing survey indicated that 74 properties were available for immediate use without any significant management issues, while an additional 319 homes could be made usable with minor repairs. Approximately 40% of vacant homes can be potentially utilized with appropriate restoration efforts. The city plans to prioritize engagement with these owners to explore their intentions and secure the necessary agreements for utilization.

The Non-Profit Organization aims to further promote the appropriate management of vacant houses in Miyakojima City, addressing housing shortages and regional challenges while fostering initiatives that encourage migration and settlement in the area.

About the Akiya & Akichi Management Center

Founded in 2013, the Non-Profit Organization Akiya & Akichi Management Center serves as a comprehensive consultation service dedicated to addressing vacant house issues. With a mission to eradicate the social problem of abandoned properties, the center has handled over 13,000 inquiries regarding vacant houses to date.

Collaborating with over 643 municipalities nationwide (as of October 2025), the center provides management services alongside its consultation operations. In April 2024, the organization began operating the "Tokyo Empty House One-Stop Consultation Center," working with 23 municipalities in the Tokyo area.

With trained professionals knowledgeable about vacant home issues, the center has established a system for seamless service that minimizes stress and concerns for those seeking assistance. Additionally, it provides free consultations on inheritance, sales, rentals, and management of properties.

The organization's office, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, serves both as a consultation center and allows citizens to access necessary resources:

• - Office Address: 9F BABA Building, 3-8-4 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, 160-0023
• - Headquarters: 2-1-12 Nishi Tokorozawa, Tokorozawa City, Saitama, 359-1144

• - Representative Director: Shinichi Ueda
• - Established: July 2013
• - Website: Akiya & Akichi Management Center
• - Contact Number: 0120-336-366

Through education and outreach initiatives along with professional consultations, the Akiya & Akichi Management Center is dedicated to mitigating issues associated with vacant properties and ensuring effective management and utilization.