About | akiyafor

Why We Started Akiyafor

Akiyafor was created to tackle Japan’s growing vacant home crisis and oﬀer a unique opportunity for those who love Japan.

In 2023, over 9 million akiya (vacant homes) were recorded—an unprecedented ﬁgure. We regularly hear from many homeowners who are eager to give away their properties, sometimes for free.This is happening in Japan due to challenges like population decline, urban migration, inheritance complications, and a cultural preference for new homes.

Although akiya in Japan may be aﬀordable, each property comes with its own unique set of challenges. Having the know-how to manage and maintain them while considering the local community is crucial.

As Japan continues to captivate international travelers, more people are seeking authentic ways to experience the country. Akiyafor connects these individuals with suitable properties, helping them realize their dream home while revitalizing rural communities together.

Whether you’re looking for a second home, a vacation rental, or a creative space, Akiyafor makes it easy to turn Japan’s hidden gems into your next adventure.

Why We Started Akiyafor

Akiyafor was created to tackle Japan’s growing vacant home crisis and oﬀer a unique opportunity for those who love Japan.

In 2023, over 9 million akiya (vacant homes) were recorded—an unprecedented ﬁgure. We regularly hear from many homeowners who are eager to give away their properties, sometimes for free.This is happening in Japan due to challenges like population decline, urban migration, inheritance complications, and a cultural preference for new homes.

Although akiya in Japan may be aﬀordable, each property comes with its own unique set of challenges. Having the know-how to manage and maintain them while considering the local community is crucial.

As Japan continues to captivate international travelers, more people are seeking authentic ways to experience the country. Akiyafor connects these individuals with suitable properties, helping them realize their dream home while revitalizing rural communities together.

Whether you’re looking for a second home, a vacation rental, or a creative space, Akiyafor makes it easy to turn Japan’s hidden gems into your next adventure.

About the Managing Company

Akiyafor is operated by Makigumi Inc., a real estate company that specializes in the renovation and activation of low-value vacant homes. Based in Ishinomaki, Miyagi, our team of licensed real estate agents, architects, and design experts has a proven track record in managing rental properties, enhancing the value of older homes, and even converting them to vacation rentals.

Our Achievements:

– Successfully managed over 30 diﬀerent akiya rental properties (including ones we own)
– Supported the operation of over 10 guesthouses that were previously akiya
– Renovated over 50 diﬀerent akiya properties

Our Qualifications

Makigumi holds two oﬃcial licenses: a Real Estate Transaction License (宅地建物取引業免許) from the Miyagi Prefecture Governor, allowing us to operate as a real estate agent nationwide, and a Residential Accommodation Management License (住宅宿泊管理業) from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, enabling us to manage vacation rentals for property owners.

Our Mission

Makigumi’s mission is to transform akiya into creative spaces that revitalize properties and their surrounding communities. We specialize in renovating low-value, nearly unsellable homes, breathing new life into them while fostering connections among residents. By creating inviting environments, we empower creative individuals to build new businesses and lead fulﬁlling lives, ultimately contributing to the future of local economies.

About Company

Company Name

makigumi, Inc.

Date of Establishment

March 2015

Address

Kankeimaru Bldg. 2F, Chuo 2-3-14, Ishinomaki, Miyagi, Japan 986-0822

Company Website

https://makigumi.org/

Roopt Sharehouse Website

https://roopt.jp/

Licenses and Registration Info

宅地建物取引業免許　宮城県知事（1）第6907号
住宅宿泊管理業　国土交通大臣（01）第F02088号

About the Founder: Kyoko Watanabe

In 2011, while pursuing graduate studies, Kyoko Watanabe relocated to Ishinomaki to support recovery efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She initiated a project to renovate damaged vacant homes for young newcomers to use and, in March 2015, established Makigumi to promote the liquidity of local real estate.

Kyoko received the Planning and Design Award from the Japan Planning Association in 2016 for her work on the COMICHI Ishinomaki project and the Female Entrepreneur Award at the 7th DBJ Women’s New Business Plan Competition in 2019.