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Episode details

World Service,21 Oct 2024,26 mins

Why are there millions of empty homes in Japan?

The Global Story

Available for over a year

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 Regaard Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson

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