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Airbnb Japan and Saga City's Innovative Partnership for Vacant Homes

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing vacant homes, Airbnb Japan has officially signed a partnership agreement with Saga City, marking a significant step in addressing the region's housing challenges. This collaboration focuses on creating a model for "vacant home sharing," which aims to introduce new value into the urban landscape of Saga City, located in Saga Prefecture, Japan.

Addressing the Vacant Home Crisis

Japan is currently facing a staggering issue with nearly 9 million vacant homes across the nation. In just ten years, it is projected that one in three homes could become vacant. The abandonment of these properties not only poses risks of deterioration and collapse but also adversely affects the local living environment. Therefore, proper management and utilization of these homes have become a pressing social issue.

The partnership between Airbnb Japan and Saga City aims to expand possibilities beyond mere residency. By supporting comprehensive community building and innovative usage of vacant homes, the initiative aspires to transform these properties into valuable resources within the community.

Details of the Collaboration

Under this partnership, Airbnb Japan and Saga City will develop a framework to utilize vacant homes creatively. This vision includes a variety of uses beyond traditional living spaces, thereby generating diverse values and enhancing the appeal of the community. They intend to execute this by establishing model cases for repurposing these homes, involving renovations, and operational strategies.

The goal is to cultivate a so-called "Sharing City" that embodies the essence of Saga, leveraging the full potential of these vacant homes for the benefit of local residents and the community.

Planned Activities

• - Year One (2025): The first year will focus on conducting surveys of vacant homes and creating models for their utilization. Additionally, a seminar will be held to share insights about vacant home sharing, along with partnerships with organizations supporting renovation efforts.
• - Year Two (2026): Concrete support will be provided to individuals interested in utilizing vacant homes, facilitating community partnerships.
• - Post-Year Three (2027): A system will be established enabling private entities to collaborate directly on the utilization of vacant homes, thereby fostering independent initiatives across the community.

Upcoming Seminars

1. August 3: "SAGA Vacant Home Sharing Conference" - Targeting local businesses, property owners, and students, this event will discuss vacant home sharing initiatives and share successful case studies from other regions.
2. October: A tour of vacant homes and a workshop on utilization models, engaging local businesses and students in discussions.
3. February Next Year: "Airbnb School in SAGA" - a comprehensive educational program designed to equip participants with knowledge about successful and unsuccessful cases of vacant home utilization, including tours of vacant houses in Saga City.

About Saga City

Saga City is renowned for hosting the largest hot air balloon festival in Asia, the Saga International Balloon Festival. The city envisions itself as a place where everyone looks up, much like the balloons that grace its skies. Amidst significant change, Saga City aims to evolve continuously by exploring new technologies while cherishing traditional values.

About Airbnb

Founded in 2007, Airbnb began with two hosts welcoming three guests in their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts worldwide. The platform facilitates over 2 billion guest arrivals, fostering connections between travelers and local communities by offering unique accommodations and experiences.

This partnership between Airbnb Japan and Saga City illustrates a proactive approach to urban renewal, turning challenges into opportunities through collaboration and community engagement. As they pioneer the concept of vacant home sharing, both entities are committed to creating a sustainable future for Saga City and its residents.