About this episode
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