Akiya Gathering vol.1
An event for foreigners to learn about and discuss Japan’s vacant houses @Kagurazaka, Tokyo
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Event Overview
▼ Description
Curious about Japan’s akiya (vacant houses) but not sure where to start?
Join us for an open discussion with experts who have been revitalizing vacant homes in Japan.
Makigumi Inc., an enterprise based in Ishinomaki (Miyagi, Tohoku), has been actively transforming vacant houses into guest houses, shared houses and community hubs. At this event, Makigumi will share real examples and practical insights into how akiya can be reused and reimagined.
Whether you’re simply curious or already considering buying a property in Japan, everyone interested in akiya is welcome!
Let’s casually talk about how to find, renovate, and make use of Japan’s vacant homes together — in a gallery space that was itself renovated from a vacant property, “Kagurazaka WM,” in Tokyo. （Light snacks and drinks will be provided.）
▼ Date & Time
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
19:00–21:00
▼ Admission
Free of charge
▼ Capacity
Approximately 10 participants
▼ How to Apply
Please complete your registration through this Peatix event page.
▼ Venue
Gallery W (WM)
134 Yaraicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0805
2-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station (Tokyo Metro Line, Exit 2)
Who Should Join
・Foreigners interested in Japan’s vacant houses (akiya)
・Foreigners thinking about purchasing property in Japan
・Foreigners interested in community-based living and creative reuse of akiya
・Foreigners curious about operating guesthouses in Japan
・Foreigners interested in the Japanese countryside
・Foreigners who want to know more about Tohoku and Ishinomaki
Speaker
Kyoko Watanabe – CEO of Makigumi Inc.
While studying in graduate school, Kyoko experienced the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and began on-site support activities in Ishinomaki with her university colleagues. She later relocated to Ishinomaki permanently and founded Makigumi Inc. in 2015, transforming vacant houses into shared homes for young people.
Her work focuses on revitalizing Ishinomaki’s city and creating new mechanisms to make use of aging local real estate.
She also serves as a board member of ISHINOMAKI2.0, was a lecturer at Tohoku University of Art & Design (2016–2019), and received the The City Planning Institute of Japan — Planning and Design Award for the “COMICHI Ishinomaki” project.
In 2019, she was also the winner of the Grand Prize for Women Entrepreneurs in the 7th DBJ Women’s New Business Plan Competition (Development Bank of Japan).
【Makigumi Website】
How to Apply
To participate, please register through the event page
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Update (Added Later):
A detailed post-event report for Akiya Gathering vol.1 has now been published.
Please find the full report at the link below: