As Japan faces rapid population aging, more families are in a bind over what to do with vacant homes left behind when elderly parents die or move to nursing homes. In this context, the term 'jikka-jimai'—meaning to personally tidy up and settle the family's old house—has drawn growing interest.
For many middle-aged people, their frail or deceased parents have left a house full of memories but also decades of accumulated belongings. Deciding whether to keep or sell, how to clear things out, and covering the costs becomes a heavy burden—especially when children live far away or lack the time and means to return home to handle it.
The attention on 'jikka-jimai' reflects a social reality: the number of empty homes in Japan—known as akiya—has been steadily rising year by year, causing environmental, safety, and urban planning problems. Local governments in many areas have had to introduce rules and incentives, or even mandates, for owners to deal with abandoned properties.
According to experts, the 'jikka-jimai' process usually begins with sorting through belongings, picking what to keep, and then hiring cleanup services or arranging bulky waste disposal. For severely deteriorated houses, repair or demolition costs can run into tens of millions of yen, leaving many families torn between keeping the house or handing it over to local authorities or investors.
Many service companies in Japan have quickly tapped into this need, offering all-inclusive packages ranging from legal advice and asset sorting to cleanup and real estate transaction management. Nonprofit organizations have also stepped in to support families facing financial difficulties.
The story of 'jikka-jimai' is not just about physical tasks but also emotional ones. For many, the old house is not only an asset but also a keepsake of childhood memories and their parents' presence. Having to make a final decision about the place they grew up leaves many people conflicted, prompting them to seek support from psychologists or those with practical experience.
Social experts believe the 'jikka-jimai' trend will continue to grow as the population aging deepens. They hope that clearer and more transparent information about the process, costs, and legal options will help families navigate this challenging task more smoothly.
