#Japan #Hachioji #vacant houses #Crassone

Overview of Collaboration

Crassone, a Nagoya-based company, has recently forged a partnership with Hachioji City to address the increasingly prevalent social issue of vacant houses. This collaboration will result in the establishment of the "Hachioji Vacant House Consultation Center," scheduled to begin operations on August 3, 2023. The center aims to provide comprehensive support—from consultations to on-site investigations—regarding vacant houses, thereby streamlining the initial response from local authorities.

Background of the Agreement

The national increase of vacant houses has become a pressing societal concern in recent years. Crassone operates a matching service that connects over 2,500 specialized contractors with property owners, having facilitated more than 170,000 cases since inception. Additionally, it has been involved in public-private partnership initiatives, receiving recognition from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as part of a model project addressing vacant houses three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.

Hachioji was reported as having the highest number of "detached vacant houses" and "neglected detached vacant houses" in the Tama region, according to a national survey conducted by the government. This issue has become a significant administrative challenge for the city. Following previous agreements focused on promoting the removal of vacant houses, Hachioji City witnessed a rising influx of requests from citizens complaining about the neglect and decay of nearby vacant properties. In response, the city decided to launch a trial of a consultation window in collaboration with specialized businesses, leading to the new agreement with Crassone regarding the management of neglected vacant houses.

Functionality of the Hachioji Vacant House Consultation Center

This initiative is set up to provide a full spectrum of responses concerning neglected vacant houses, from accepting reports and consultations to carrying out on-the-ground investigations. As a specialized contractor, Crassone will be responsible for all these aspects, enhancing the speed and efficiency of initial governmental responses and minimizing the duration to resolve these issues. The first year, 2023, will serve as a trial period to assess the operational effectiveness and public engagement outcomes, with plans to incorporate improvements in subsequent years based on the findings.

Comments from Leadership

Waterfront Department Director of Hachioji City, Taichi Mizukami, expressed optimism regarding the new partnership, highlighting that the rising instances of consultations related to vacant houses require expertise and specialized responses. He anticipates that the knowledge and experience of Crassone as a specialized service provider will enhance support for both property owners and adjacent residents, delivering more tailored and actionable advice. Moreover, he emphasized that the city will continue to focus on essential administrative functions, especially in addressing specific neglected properties, while fostering effective public-private collaboration.

Crassone’s CEO, Teppei Kawaguchi, addressed the broader implications of the vacant house problem, stating it has transcended beyond being a mere concern for individual owners; it is now a societal issue crucial to the overall safety and well-being of communities. He believes that this collaboration will significantly advance the initial governmental response and is committed to utilizing Crassone's accumulated expertise in transforming properties into secure living environments for all citizens.

About Hachioji City

Hachioji City is approximately 40 kilometers west of central Tokyo, with a train ride from Shinjuku taking about 40 minutes. The city's geography is primarily basin-shaped, encircled by hilly regions ranging from 200 to 800 meters above sea level, while extending eastward into the Kanto plain. Established as a core city in April 2015, Hachioji has grown into a leading city in the Tama region, home to around 580,000 residents and hosting 21 universities, thereby developing as a notable academic metropolis.

About Crassone Co., Ltd.

Founded in April 2011, Crassone operates an advanced dismantling construction platform to facilitate efficient connection between contractors and property owners. Headquartered in Central Tower 5F, 11-30 Sakae 2-chome, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Crassone adds value through innovative approaches to the pressing issue of vacant houses, demonstrating strong community involvement and commitment to sustainable urban development.