#Japan #Kanagawa #Empty Houses #Family Organizing #Kondo Noriko

Japan's Pioneering Project Against Empty Houses

In Japan, a significant social issue has emerged regarding the growing number of empty houses, estimated to be around 9 million nationwide. A considerable portion of these vacant homes arises from a lack of attention to parents' houses, often left unattended as families grapple with the emotional weight of downsizing and sorting through belongings after an elderly parent's passing.

To address this troubling trend, renowned housing advisor Noriko Kondo, who boasts over 40 years of experience, has launched an innovative project. This initiative, marked as Japan's first of its kind, encourages families to tackle the organization of their parents' homes collaboratively, with the accompaniment of experts and documentation through publishing and video content. This holistic approach aims to prevent houses from becoming empty by transforming the process from a personal burden to a collective societal responsibility.

The Root Causes of the Empty House Crisis

The issue is often rooted in specific circumstances faced by many families:

• - The death of a parent leading to overwhelming uncertainty about the contents of the home.
• - An excessive accumulation of belongings that creates a barrier to beginning the sorting process.
• - A lack of discussion among family members about future plans, leading to prolonged inaction and eventual neglect of the property.

Such situations are conducive to abandonment, further triggering the empty house problem. The Kondo project offers a structured solution by involving families in direct action supported by professional organizers.

A Comprehensive Support System

The project is designed to foster a supportive network for families. As Noriko Kondo embarks on this initiative, she emphasizes her commitment to teaching and sharing her expertise through practical engagement rather than theoretical discussions. The project will actively develop a framework to involve families in this process by conducting workshops and seminars with local communities, with the aim of raising awareness about the empty house issue. By encouraging open conversations concerning the organization and future of a family home, the project seeks to create a culture where organizing is a shared family responsibility.

In addition, Kondo has initiated a crowdfunding campaign through RADYFOR. This initiative not only seeks financial support to sustain the project but also invites families to participate in unique experiences such as firsthand organization courses and opportunities to appear in collaborative publications and media recordings.

Unique Rewards and Community Engagement

The crowdfunding campaign offers intriguing rewards, including:

• - Hands-on experience in organizing a parent’s house.
• - Opportunities for families to feature in creative projects that document their journey, promoting visibility and awareness of the importance of sorting through and caring for family homes.

These rewards aim to provide a valuable experience while simultaneously contributing to the prevention of empty houses in Japan. By fostering deeper connections and dialogues among families, the project aspires to reshape how society approaches the challenge of empty homes.

Support and Affirmation from Experts

The initiative has received backing from the Home & Life Association, of which Noriko Kondo serves as the representative director. This association has dedicated over four decades to enhancing living standards through solutions to daily life challenges, focusing on organization, storage, and housing proposals. In light of Japan's aging population, they are intensifying their efforts to address issues related to empty houses.

This project is particularly significant as families consider the future of their loved ones' homes, inviting them to reflect on their roles and responsibilities in this vital conversation.

Getting Involved

As the project gears up, Kondo welcomes inquiries for interviews, collaborations, and support. This initiative aims to create a new trajectory for addressing empty houses before they become a reality, and the first community family organizing experience is scheduled to take place in Kanagawa in August.

For those interested in lending their support or seeking more information, please reach out to:
Noriko Kondo, Home & Life Association
Email: info@kondonoriko.com
Phone: 080-3018-6168
Available weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Together, let’s take action before it’s too late and preserve our communities from the empty house epidemic.