National Conference on Vacant Houses
In light of the increasing number of vacant properties in Japan, the National Consortium for Vacant House Measures is organizing its inaugural in-person event, the "Vacant House Measures Conference." This event serves as a platform for local government representatives engaged in vacant house issues to connect with private companies that are working collaboratively to address this pressing challenge. Participants will have the opportunity to collect valuable information about private sector initiatives and engage in networking activities designed to foster partnerships.
Background
The alarming rise in vacant houses has become a significant concern, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reporting that there are approximately 9 million vacant homes in Japan, resulting in a vacancy rate of 13.8%—the highest ever recorded. Calculations by the consortium suggest that the increase in long-term vacant properties from 2018 to 2023 has contributed to a staggering 3.89 trillion yen decline in land value and a deterioration in the quality of life for 7.66 million people. The impact of vacant houses extends beyond mere aesthetics; it affects local economies and community well-being.
Local governments are struggling to manage inquiries from vacant property owners due to resource constraints, including limited staffing and budgetary allocations. Therefore, it's become clear that a collaborative approach involving both public and private sectors is essential in tackling this issue effectively.
Consequently, the upcoming conference will feature keynote speeches from various dignitaries, including seasoned politicians and legal experts, who will share insights into successful public-private partnerships designed to mitigate the vacant house crisis. Following the success of a similar event held in August 2024, this will mark the second meeting focused on this critical issue.
The event will include presentations from private companies offering solutions to vacant house problems, as well as keynote speeches from notable figures. Among them, former State Minister and expert in real estate circulation, Satsuki Katayama, will deliver a keynote address, alongside Taki Takaguchi, the mayor of Daisen Town in Tottori Prefecture, who will discuss the intersection of vacant houses and urban development. Attorney Tatsuya Arai from Arai Law Office will also provide a legal perspective on issues surrounding vacant properties.
Event Details
Date and Time
August 1, 2025 (Friday) 1:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue
8th Floor, LIFULL Headquarters, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
Participation Fee
Free
Target Audience
This event is intended for administrative staff involved in vacant house measures and media representatives interested in the vacant house issue.
Registration Method
To register, please visit the event page found at
this link. Please note there may be some delays in updating event details on the page. The information included in this release is the latest as of July 1.
Organizer
National Consortium for Vacant House Measures
Featured Speakers
- - Satsuki Katayama: A seasoned politician and former State Minister, known for her extensive experience in financial and real estate policy.
- - Taki Takaguchi: Mayor of Daisen Town, who has researched population growth models in rural settings.
- - Tatsuya Arai: A specialized attorney with significant experience in real estate and vacant property legal issues.
Further participation from officials like those from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and various towns illustrates the comprehensive nature of this gathering.
Schedule
Please note that the program details, including the order of presentations, may be subject to changes. There will also be opportunities for media interviews with guest speakers during break times.
Participating Companies
A selection of companies involved includes At Home Co., AlbaLink, Kachitas, Cloudron, and several others focused on real estate solutions.
About the National Consortium for Vacant House Measures
Representative Director: Teppei Kawaguchi, CEO of Classon Co.
Secretariat: AGE Technologies, Classon Co., Rinobank Co.
Website:
National Consortium for Vacant House Measures
Mission: To combat the nationwide issue of increasing vacant houses while embodying ESG management practices and promoting CSR activities.