#Japan #Tokyo #Empty House #Yuasa Iwao #Wada Takamitsu

Leadership Transition at Empty House Utilization Company

The Empty House Utilization Company has announced a transition in its leadership, effective May 26, 2025. This move signals a shift toward strengthening its management framework and accelerating its mission to address the pressing issue of vacant homes in Japan.

Changes in Leadership Positions

The new appointments are as follows:

• - Iwao Yuasa: Formerly a Director, Iwao will now assume the role of President & CEO.
• - Takamitsu Wada: Previously the President, he will step into the role of Chairman of the Board.
• - Hiroyuki Sakai and Kazumitsu Wada retain their positions as Directors,
• - Tomoharu Ueda will retire from his Directorship,
• - Koki Mizutani continues as an External Director,
• - Two new external Directors, Hitoshi Kasama and Toru Sakurai, have been appointed.
• - Takuji Kurosaka remains the Auditor.

The restructuring comes on the heels of the company's growing prominence in the market, particularly in the realm of vacant house utilization over the last 11 years. The company aims to further solidify its influence and leadership in this critical area as the market begins to regain momentum.

Mission-Driven Leadership

Prior to this transition, Wada Takamitsu led the company, pioneering engaging media initiatives to raise awareness around the vacant house situation. Even as he steps into the role of Chairman, Wada will continue to focus on enhancing the company’s value and creating market opportunities, ensuring that the organization stays true to its core mission: to address the root causes of empty houses and to develop sustainable solutions for the community.

The firm is dedicated to alleviating the growing societal issue of vacant homes, and this new leadership aims to bolster the efforts of all employees toward this goal.

A Vision for the Future

About Iwao Yuasa

Iwao Yuasa brings over 20 years of experience in various startups, engaging in management, sales, marketing, business development, and investment roles. He has played pivotal roles from pre-Series A stages to post-IPO business growth. Yuasa joined the Empty House Utilization Company in February 2024 as COO, where he has been instrumental in steering the company’s strategy and expansion.

New External Directors

Hitoshi Kasama joined Mizuho Bank in April 1988, serving in various high-profile roles, including Executive Officer twice and heading multiple banking departments. He is currently focused on regional development, advocating for collaboration with financial institutions to address local challenges.

Toru Sakurai also initiated his career at Mizuho Bank in 1992 and brings extensive overseas experience to his new role. He has been proactive in understanding and responding to the needs of financial institutions and their clients, ensuring that the bank's offerings remain relevant and impactful.

About the Company

Founded in August 2014, the Empty House Utilization Company, headquartered in Akasaka, Tokyo, is a pioneer in addressing Japan's vacant house challenges. It operates on a foundational mission to not only fix societal problems but also to create a supportive framework for homeowners with idle properties. Their initiatives include the Akikatsu Platform aimed at municipalities and the Akikatsu Counter, offering consultation services for homeowners.

In light of this leadership change, the Empty House Utilization Company is poised to broaden its impact, embodying a commitment to sustainable development and community support, addressing one of the significant social challenges of our time, vacant homes.

For more information about their initiatives, you can visit their official website.