Public financial support for kominka renovation
Not a few people regret the gradual disappearance of kominka , traditional Japanese houses. However, it’s very costly to maintain them and difficult to get public financial support. Even registered cultural properties , after completing complex procedures, the owners can get a pittance for an inspection (not available for renovation) and tax reduction. Most owners/users leverage funding programs for Akiya , vacant houses. Increasing abandoned houses is pressing challenges in Japan. The Vacant Houses Special Measures Act entered into force in 2015, which stipulates the roles of the central, regional (prefectural), and local (municipal) governments. The central government and prefectures are to formulate high-level action plans and to provide information and financial support for municipalities, while municipalities tackle with the issues on the front line by implementing inspection, constructing Akiya database, and taking practical measures for finding new owners and users. Fo...