The Akiya Phenomenon, Revitalisation, and Resistance: Investigating Vacant Houses as a Tool for Repopulation in Rural Japan

Abstract

This essay delves into the akiya (vacant houses) problem in Japan, using the phenomenon as a lens to discuss the larger issue of depopulation and repopulation of regional Japan. It builds on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Kochi Prefecture from February to April, 2023, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with official workers and local residents of depopulated areas. The study finds that there is a tension between the official narrative surrounding the akiya problem and, more broadly, depopulation and the lived reality of local residents, who tend to have a more pessimistic view of repopulation. Locals express concerns about newcomers adapting to their existing way of life and they worry that failure to do so may lead to the breakdown of structures of responsibility and care within their communities. The study underscores the vital importance of including and considering local voices when addressing depopulation issues. This study contributes to the broader discourse on depopulation issues not only in Kochi, but in rural areas across the globe. It argues that depopulation necessitates a holistic approach that balances the efforts to repopulate with the preservation of local identities and values, enabling and respecting quality of life for both local residents and possible migrants.