Why are there millions of empty homes in Japan? episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 21, 2024 · 26 MIN

Why are there millions of empty homes in Japan?

from The Global Story · host BBC World Service

Abandoned houses – or “akiyas” – have become a symbol of the crisis facing Japan’s population. But a wave of young foreign bargain hunters has started snapping up some of these abandoned homes, inspired by viral DIY videos and social media influencers. Lucy Hockings speaks to the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Shaimaa Khalil, who has been to meet some of the people bringing akiyas back to life.Producers: Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Alice Aylett Roberts Sound engineer: Mike RegaardAssistant editor: Sergi Forcada FreixasSenior news editor: Sara Wadeson

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Oct 21, 2024

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Why are there millions of empty homes in Japan?

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