Listen to “Can Japan’s Akiya Movement Rebuild Rural Communities?”

Written by Kimberly Hughes
Narrated by Chris Egusa

In Japan, an aging population, declining birthrate, and a concentrating of jobs in the major cities, has left rural areas across the Japanese countryside littered with abandoned houses—known as akiya, or “empty homes.” Now, a movement is on the rise to repurpose and enliven them with artistry and craft.

Written by KIMBERLY HUGHES

Introduction by CHRIS EGUSA

Narrated by CHRIS EGUSA

Produced by CHRIS EGUSA

Music by MIKE SNOWDEN / BLUE DOT SESSIONS

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Kimberly Hughes is a freelance translator and writer originally from the southwestern U.S. desert. She has been based in Tokyo since 2001.
Chris Egusa is a freelance audio reporter, producer, and engineer.