Part 10/11:
While these efforts show promise, the overall outlook remains grim. Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods continue to threaten cultural heritage sites, with some towns experiencing significant damage to their ancient structures. The fear that natural calamities or continued demographic decline could lead to irreversible loss has prompted discussions about preserving historical sites and integrating them better into tourism strategies.
Projections suggest that by 2038, the number of akiya across Japan could more than double to over 23 million homes. Whether these buildings are revitalized or collapse into ruin will depend heavily on the effectiveness of local initiatives, national policies, and community engagement.