The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has recently announced the launch of the "Tokyo Senior Housing Certification System", aimed at improving the living conditions and options for active and independent elderly residents. This initiative is part of the broader "2050 Tokyo Strategy" that seeks to secure diverse housing solutions for seniors. With this new certification system and its supporting program, the government intends to foster safer and more engaging living environments that cater to the needs of older adults while encouraging community building.
Overview of the Tokyo Senior Housing Certification System
The certification system is designed to identify and recognize rental housing that meets specific safety and community-oriented criteria. These rental apartment complexes are equipped with features that prioritize resident safety, such as monitoring systems and crime prevention measures. Moreover, they emphasize creating vibrant communities among residents and promoting interaction with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Certification Models
The housing certified under this program will be categorized into three distinct models, depending on their compliance with the established criteria. This tiered approach will ensure that varying degrees of standards are met to serve both residents and developers effectively.
Tokyo Senior Housing Supply Promotion Project
To accelerate the provision of certified housing, the Tokyo government will directly subsidize a portion of the development costs for entities creating these certified residences across the metropolitan area. Special support will prioritize the renovation of existing buildings to convert them into suitable housing for seniors, thereby promoting the reuse of current infrastructure. Additionally, projects that include seismic retrofitting will receive additional funding to enhance safety and sustainability measures.
Subsidy Rates and Maximum Amounts
For detailed information regarding the subsidy rates and maximum amounts available, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the homepage of the Housing Policy Headquarters at the following link:
Tokyo Housing Policy.
Certification Mark Contest
To raise awareness of the "Tokyo Senior Housing", the government is holding a contest for the creation of a certification mark that will indicate a residence's certified status. By leveraging platforms like the Tokyo App, the government aims to involve citizens in the selection process. Tokyo residents can choose which of the proposed designs best represents the essence of "Tokyo Senior Housing".
Voting Period
The voting will commence on August 21, 2023, following the press release, and will continue until September 30, 2023.
How to Vote
Residents can cast their votes in two ways:
1.
Through the Tokyo App: Participate by accessing the survey section.
2.
Via the LoGo Form: Click on the following link to submit your vote:
Vote Here.
With this initiative, Tokyo aims to not only provide better living conditions for its elderly population but also to ensure that such residences foster community interaction and support networks, making a significant stride towards a more inclusive and caring society.