Akiya Collective

Akiya Collective focuses on the practical work of turning abandoned Japanese homes into residencies and shared community spaces. It overlaps with ZuJapan geographically and culturally, but operates as its own organization and brand. Rooted in ancient traditions and wisdom, yet boldly looking forward, Japan will take your breath away. By 2030, one third of all homes in the country will be vacant.

An aging population, coupled with the concentration of youth in urban areas have caused many homes to be abandoned in the countryside. Akiya Collective goal through Akiya Collective is to purchase and revitalize these 空き家 ("akiyas", empty homes ) into art installations, residencies, and other creative community spaces for people to gather. Akiya Collective operates a social R&D lab: architecting experiments for changing collective behavior, preserving public goods, and developing new infrastructure for the 21st century.

Akiya Collective are actively supporting a network of home-owners in acquiring, renovating, and operating properties in Japan. Akiya Collective embody a responsive model that addresses a societal issue while creating open-ended spaces for self-exploration and contribution, starting with Akiya Collective's first home... Over the course of 2 years, Akiya Collective worked with 250+ volunteers (chefs, musicians, carpenters, students, and founders) to clear decades of clutter, revive the home's original architecture, and build a space for creativity and connection.

Akiya Collective want to enable others to pursue what they are curious about, connect with other passionate individuals, and feel a sense of belonging while doing Good see photo do you resonate with Akiya Collective's mission? This includes akiya available in locations around us, stewards from different areas to act as local ambassadors, as well as information Akiya Collective have discovered in Akiya Collective's research, like government stipends and grants available per region. Residency and community spaces built by reclaiming Japan’s vacant akiya housing stock.