Combating Renovation Fraud: HouScape Partners with JRD for Disaster Recovery Awareness

HouScape and the Japan Disaster Resilience Association: A New Partnership Against Renovation Fraud

In a significant move to tackle the alarming rise in renovation fraud cases, HouScape, the operator of the informative media platform "Yane Pro," has formed a partnership with the Japan Disaster Resilience Association (JRD). This collaboration aims to enhance recovery support during disasters and improve the response against fraudulent activities.

Founded in the bustling city of Tokyo, HouScape is dedicated to providing construction contractors with comprehensive support services and informative content to combat scams. JRD, headquartered in Chuo City, Tokyo, focuses on swift and adequate recovery measures for disaster-affected homes and has established partnerships with various stakeholders, including insurance companies and local governments. Currently, JRD has more than 2,500 registered contractors working towards these goals.

The Growing Threat of Renovation Scams

A recent report from the National Consumer Affairs Center reveals a worrying trend: complaints related to inspection fraud soared from 7,435 cases in 2022 to 12,550 cases in 2023, while inquiries about renovation-related door-to-door sales also increased significantly. In a country that places high value on rebuilding after disasters, such scams can lead to devastating financial consequences for victims. One of the most striking incidents involved the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January 2024, wherein victims were charged exorbitantly, such as ￥120,000 for a blue tarp installation.

Public organizations, including the Consumer Affairs Agency, have been proactive in warning consumers about deceitful practices, particularly those that mislead with promises such as "fire insurance at no cost." The National Consumer Affairs Center has also launched hotlines focused on the Noto disaster, highlighting increased inquiries related to roofing work and repairs.

Strengthening Consultation Pathways

Efforts to streamline consultation channels have seen advancements, with the establishment of the "Smile Dial" hotline, unifying national-level housing consultation services to better guide citizens to correct information and resources. This development is crucial in enhancing the outreach and responsiveness of services available to disaster victims.

Both HouScape and JRD firmly believe that a robust framework of accurate information dissemination, proper referral recommendations, and timely updates during emergencies can prevent fraud and expedite recovery efforts. The partnership is built on the premise of integrating these elements seamlessly.

A Collaborative Approach to Information Sharing

The partnership between HouScape and JRD follows HouScape's feature on TV Tokyo on July 18, 2025, in the program "Gaia's Dawn: Remodeling Without Regret." The segment spotlighted the critical need for precise information sharing during disasters and emphasized the importance of initial response protocols. This collaboration will extend their ongoing efforts to provide accurate data and support in both normal and emergency situations.

The Road Ahead: Plans and Initiatives

As part of their collaboration, several initiatives are in the pipeline:
1. Enhanced Information Dissemination: Leveraging JRD’s expertise, HouScape will amplify its communication strategies through "Yane Pro" to deliver crucial disaster preparedness information continuously.
2. Integrated Disaster Support Systems: The incorporation of a dedicated disaster response section within "Yane Pro" will offer guidance on public resources, trustworthy contractors, and essential alerts.
3. Field Assessment and Emergency Response: The partnership will facilitate the connection of relevant inquiries from "Yane Pro" to JRD, ensuring that data pertaining to emergency construction will be systematically collected and shared for better response and recovery.

Statements from Leadership

Mr. Tsuyoshi Takagi, the Chairman of JRD, expressed his ambition for the partnership, emphasizing how collaboration with HouScape will enhance the speed of aid and the quality of onsite responses for disaster victims. With a network exceeding 2,500 registered contractors, JRD aims to consistently provide a seamless recovery experience.

Likewise, HouScape’s CEO, Takane Akinori, highlighted the urgent need to unravel fraudulent practices that flourish amid chaos, stating, "We aim to ensure that disaster victims can effortlessly access correct information and reliable service providers." By knitting public information, localized experts, and initial response records into a coherent framework, they aspire to make fraud prevention and prompt recovery the standard practice.

Conclusion

The partnership marks a pivotal step towards a concerted effort in safeguarding against renovation fraud while ensuring swift and effective recovery in the aftermath of disasters. Both HouScape and JRD are committed to fostering a resilient environment where accurate information flows freely and victims receive the support they deserve.

JRD and HouScape Overview

Japan Disaster Resilience Association (JRD)

- Headquarters: Chuo City, Tokyo
- Established: September 1, 2020
- Focus: Recovery support for disaster-affected properties, counteracting fraudulent activities, local cooperative agreements.
- JRD Official Website

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