Skip to main content

Lund University Publications

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

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

Olsson, Julia LU orcid (2024) In Asia in Focus 10. p.80-87
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... (More)
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. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Depopulation, Kochi prefecture, Urban-rural, Rurality
in
Asia in Focus
volume
10
pages
80 - 87
publisher
Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS)
ISSN
2446-0001
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
2e128da1-d68d-4718-85a0-1502e352b7e8
alternative location
https://journals.lub.lu.se/asiainfocus/article/view/25725
date added to LUP
2024-10-23 11:51:31
date last changed
2025-04-04 14:09:57
@article{2e128da1-d68d-4718-85a0-1502e352b7e8,
  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.}},
  author       = {{Olsson, Julia}},
  issn         = {{2446-0001}},
  keywords     = {{Depopulation; Kochi prefecture; Urban-rural; Rurality}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  pages        = {{80--87}},
  publisher    = {{Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS)}},
  series       = {{Asia in Focus}},
  title        = {{The Akiya Phenomenon, Revitalisation, and Resistance : Investigating Vacant Houses as a Tool for Repopulation in Rural Japan}},
  url          = {{https://journals.lub.lu.se/asiainfocus/article/view/25725}},
  volume       = {{10}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}