Japan’s Growing Ghost Towns: The Rise of Akiya Abandoned Homes
Part of the reason for the more than 9 million ‘akiya’ homes—13.8% of all residential properties in Japan—that remain empty after owners pass away is population decline, according to a recent study. But other families argue about what to do with the property or are just unable to finance the expensive demolition. There are boarded windows, fading paint, and a …