The Empty Houses of Japan: A Symptom of a Broader Social Disease The staggering figure of nine million empty homes in Japan is more than just a demographic anomaly; it's a window into the country's aging population, shrinking rural communities, and complex inheritance laws.
For decades, experts have warned about the dangers of Japan's vacant housing stock, but the latest numbers from the 2023 housing survey only underscore the severity of the problem.
One reason for this phenomenon is the peculiarities of Japan's property tax system. Land with a residential building receives significant tax reductions, making it economically unviable to demolish old homes.