The accommodation rental platform sees an opportunity in the Land of the Rising Sun, encouraging owners of abandoned houses to renovate them to attract tourists looking for an authentic experience.
The aging of the Japanese population has been known for a long time. One of the consequences of this phenomenon is the abandonment of millions of homes following the death of their owners or migration to urban areas.
Among these unoccupied housing units called akiya There are Kominka, traditional rural wooden houses which are part of Japan’s architectural heritage. Airbnb sees this as a boon for developing its business in this country. The company wants to encourage the owners of these vacant homes to renovate them to offer them for rental on its platform. Airbnb hopes to attract travelers who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture.
8.4 million abandoned homes in Japan in 2018
According to figures from the Nomura Research Institute cited in an article in World, 8.4 million abandoned homes were recorded in 2018. This figure could double over the next two decades, the study predicts. In addition to the cultural loss represented by the disappearance of these traditional habitats, there is also a security and health risk for these living spaces which become unsanitary and dangerous.
“ The number of akiyas is increasing and is expected to increase further. Many of them are too good to pass up. There are also safety risks if not maintained », argues Yasuyuki Tanabe, director of Airbnb in Japan. His idea is to partner with businesses and local governments to encourage homeowners to invest in renovation.
Tourism restarts in Japan
“ This can be a good source of income once people retire, as our lives get longer. If owners of unused assets renovate them and convert them into housing, that would be a solution », Estimates Yasuyuki Tanabe. Airbnb has already donated 150 million yen (around 930,000 euros at current prices) to the Japan Kominka Association, which works to preserve these traditional houses.
After the sudden halt caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism is starting to pick up in Japan. According to the Japanese National Tourism Office, 2.52 million travelers visited the country in October, surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
Source : Nikkei Asia, The world
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