Supporting Empty House Management: New Developments in Sagamihara City

The Non-Profit Organization (NPO) Akiya and Akiuchi Management Center, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has been designated as an 'Empty House Management Support Organization' by Sagamihara City in Kanagawa Prefecture. This designation aligns with the special measures law for promoting empty house management and showcases a significant step forward in tackling the challenges posed by vacant properties.

Having collaborated with the city under an agreement focused on empty house measures, the Center is set to enhance its efforts through strengthened collaboration. This will encompass a comprehensive strategy, from preventing the emergence of empty houses to management and utilization.

Overview of the Empty House Management Support Organization

Here are some key aspects of the organization's activities:

1. Service Offerings

- Information and Consultation: Providing owners of empty houses with essential information and responding to their inquiries.
- Management and Utilization: Undertaking projects and administrative tasks associated with the management and utilization of empty houses, based on entrusted work.
- Awareness Promotion: Engaging in initiatives to promote awareness and knowledge related to the management and utilization of empty houses.

2. Designation Period

The official designation period runs from January 30, 2026, to March 31, 2028, allowing ample time for the organization to implement its strategies effectively.

About the Non-Profit Akiya and Akiuchi Management Center

Founded in July 2013, the Akiya and Akiuchi Management Center is a comprehensive consultation window aimed at solving various issues concerning empty houses. With a mission to eliminate the societal issue of abandoned properties, the Center has handled over 13,000 inquiries regarding empty houses to date.

The organization collaborates with partners across the nation to provide management services in 699 municipalities (as of February 2026), along with consultation services. As of April 2024, the Center will begin operations as the 'Tokyo Empty House One-Stop Consultation Desk,' in collaboration with 23 municipalities.

Comprehensive Support and Collaboration

The Center prides itself on a team of specialists knowledgeable about empty house issues. This team works directly with real estate companies, demolition contractors, renovation firms, judicial scriveners, tax accountants, and other professionals to ensure a one-stop approach, thereby minimizing clients' burdens, uncertainties, and feelings of distrust during consultations.

In addition to one-on-one consultations, the Center organizes seminars and events focused on the prevention, effective use, and proper management of empty houses. These engagements provide community members with valuable information regarding inheritance, sales, rentals, and management, thus contributing to broader public awareness.

In conclusion, the designation of the NPO Akiya and Akiuchi Management Center as an Empty House Management Support Organization by Sagamihara City marks a pivotal development in the effort to manage and repurpose vacant properties. This initiative exemplifies how proactive approaches and collaborative efforts can lead to tangible improvements in community welfare concerning empty houses.

Contact Information

- Organization Name: NPO Akiya and Akiuchi Management Center
- Consultation Center Address: 9th Floor BABA Building, 3-8-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
- Head Office Address: 2-1-12 Nishi-Tokorozawa, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture 359-1144, Daini Hokuto Building
- Director: Shinichi Ueda
- Website: akiya-akichi.or.jp
- Phone Number: 0120-336-366