The land ministry is stepping up efforts to support municipalities and nonprofit organizations in effectively utilizing empty plots of land in residential areas. Starting from fiscal year 2025, the ministry will provide subsidies to cover the costs of converting vacant lots into spaces such as public parks, evacuation areas, farms, and green spaces.
With an increase in unused land due to depopulation, neglected lots can have a negative impact on safety and the environment. To address this issue, the ministry will expand existing subsidy programs to assist in tackling the problem of land with unknown owners.
The central government will cover half of the project costs for municipalities, while NPOs designated by municipalities will receive financial support from both the national and local governments. Subsidies will also cover the demolition of empty houses and unifying neighboring empty plots.
One successful example of utilizing empty land is seen in Kobe, where vacant lots were transformed into temporary evacuation areas and spaces for community activities. Councils comprised of local members manage these spaces, which also relieve landowners of fixed asset tax burdens.