Tackling the Vacant House Problem in Shiromachi, Miyagi Prefecture

Addressing the Vacant House Challenge

In a significant move to tackle the vacant house problem, Nexwill Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is set to deploy employees to Shiromachi, Miyagi Prefecture, starting July 2026. This initiative leverages the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' program known as the "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur" scheme. The program aims to bring expertise and resources from the private sector to local municipalities to help solve community issues, particularly concerning vacant properties.

Overview of the Initiative

In February 2026, Nexwill entered into a cooperative agreement with Shiromachi to promote measures against vacant houses. This town, located in the northwestern part of Miyagi Prefecture, is facing an alarming increase in its aging population, which has surpassed 35%, compounding the challenges of decreasing residents and worsening domestic vacancy issues. By participating in this program, Nexwill intends to comprehensively address these vacancies, fostering the promotion of market circulation and revitalization of the town.

The formal appointment ceremony for the dispatched employees took place on July 2, 2026, at the Shiromachi Town Hall, attended by Mayor Toshiyasu Hayasaki and Nexwill's representative, Rei Nakanishi.

What Are Regional Revitalization Entrepreneurs?

The "Regional Revitalization Entrepreneur" framework is an initiative led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Under this structure, private-sector employees are temporarily assigned to local governments to tackle regional challenges. Though they remain employees of their original companies, these individuals work within local governments, applying their specialized knowledge and skills toward community revitalization efforts. This partnership allows local authorities to utilize private sector know-how, while companies gain opportunities for social contribution and talent development.

About Nexwill Corporation

Nexwill specializes in the acquisition of properties that are traditionally more challenging to sell, notably vacant houses and properties with complicated ownership statuses. Their unique approach involves addressing the various underlying issues that make these properties difficult to manage or sell. This includes properties tied to multiple ownership due to inheritance, issues with reconstruction due to non-compliance with building regulations, and cases where the ownership has become unclear due to failure to register property transfers.

Nexwill actively participates in collaboration with local governments and sports teams, focusing on a tripartite approach to address the vacant house dilemma and promote regional revitalization. They have forged various cooperative agreements with municipalities aimed at tackling the challenges associated with vacant houses.

The Book: "Understanding Vacant Houses"

Authored by the company's CEO, Tomoyuki Maruoka, this publication dives into the complexities surrounding vacant properties, highlighting various issues from deterioration and sparsity to legal complications. It serves as a guide for understanding current market conditions and outlines case studies from across Japan demonstrating effective utilization strategies facilitated by Nexwill and other entities. With over 1,000 acquisitions to date, this work is a testament to the urgency and importance of confronting the vacant house crisis.

Introducing "Wakegai"

Nexwill’s "Wakegai" project provides a dedicated solution for the acquisition of troublesome vacant houses and properties with complicated ownership. By leveraging legal expertise and specific market knowledge, they aim to restore these properties to a state where they can once again be actively traded in the market.

Connecting Buyers and Sellers

Nexwill has also launched the "URI・KAI" platform to connect sellers and buyers of problematic properties nationwide, facilitating smoother transactions and increasing the chances of vacant homes being revived and reused. Furthermore, the "URI・KAI for INVESTOR" initiative allows access to properties acquired by Nexwill for investors interested in opportunities within the vacant property market.

Conclusion

With a proactive approach to solving the pressing issue of vacant houses, Nexwill Corporation is not only contributing to the revitalization of Shiromachi but also setting a precedent for how companies can engage in meaningful partnerships with local governments. By addressing vacant properties, they are not just transforming buildings; they are revitalizing communities and restoring a sense of home.