Exploring the Possibilities of Housing Support Through Cooperation

Introduction

The need for effective housing solutions has never been more pressing in Japan. With approximately 9 million vacant houses and a record-high vacancy rate of 13.8% as per the 2023 Housing and Land Statistics, many communities face challenges in maintaining their living environments. This situation is further compounded by the difficulties faced by economically disadvantaged individuals, single-parent households, the elderly, those with disabilities, and foreign residents in securing appropriate housing in the private rental market.

In response to these pressing issues, the All Japan Labor Bank Association and the Social Solidarity Economy Promotion Forum have announced a public research conference series titled "Exploring the Possibilities of Housing Support Through Cooperation." This series aims to promote collaboration among researchers and practitioners to address the apartment mismatch crisis that many vulnerable groups experience in accessing housing.

Purpose of the Forum

This forum seeks to facilitate the sharing of knowledge regarding housing support in both domestic and international contexts. By collaborating with cooperatives and non-profit organizations (NPOs), the forum aims to create a regional society where everyone can live with peace of mind. The goal is to eliminate the critical mismatches in housing security that currently exist.

Event Details

First Session Overview

- Event Name: Social Solidarity Economy Promotion Forum Continuous Public Research Session Vol.1
- Date and Time: July 11, 2026, from 14:00 to 16:00 (Doors open at 13:30)
- Format: Meiji University Liberty Tower Room 1134, with online participation available
- Target Audience: Individuals and organizations interested in housing support, including cooperatives, research institutions, and NPOs
- Theme: "Exploring Housing Support Possibilities Through Cooperation" – Aiming for a society where everyone can live authentically
- Guest Speaker: Professor Yasushi Unese of the Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology at the University of Tokyo, a sociologist specializing in community and housing studies. His publications include various works on housing and social policy.

Session Content

Professor Unese will share his expertise on community and housing studies, discussing the evolution of housing policies in Japan. He will highlight the current focus on supporting "living" as a concept rather than just providing mere "housing" as a material object. The session will include case studies of housing support initiatives conducted by cooperatives, along with discussions on what housing support entails and the potential roles that cooperatives can play in this context.

Registration Information

Interested participants can register directly via the provided QR code or the participation application form link.

- Application Link: Register Here

Please note that access may be limited when using the Firefox browser, so using Chrome, Edge, or Safari is recommended.

- Registration Deadline: By July 3, 2026

Future Sessions

The second session of this continuous lecture series is tentatively scheduled for August 2, 2026.

We encourage everyone interested in advancing housing support to join us and contribute to the conversations that will shape a more inclusive community.

For more information, you can visit the following websites: