Japanese firms use satellite imagery and AI to identify abandoned homes

Japanese companies are increasingly turning to satellite imagery and artificial intelligence systems to identify abandoned residential properties as the nation confronts a mounting crisis of vacant homes. Multiple firms are utilizing advanced technology originally developed for space exploration to locate neglected properties that can be purchased, renovated, and returned to the housing market or repurposed for alternative uses.

AI Technology and Application

Tokyo-based startup Where Inc. has pioneered a service that employs artificial intelligence trained on thousands of satellite images to detect signs of property abandonment. The system specifically analyzes roof conditions, identifying characteristics such as rust, discoloration, and structural deterioration that indicate long-term neglect. Properties flagged as potentially abandoned are then highlighted on digital maps for further investigation by real estate professionals.

Case Study and Market Dynamics

Kotaro Yasue, a rental property operator in Gifu prefecture, recently utilized the service to identify a two-story wooden house that had been neglected for over a decade. After locating the property through the AI system, Yasue contacted the owner via real estate records and purchased the abandoned home for just one yen. This transaction exemplifies how the technology enables entrepreneurs to identify undervalued properties whose owners often lack clear disposal strategies for their neglected assets.

Broader Context and Technology Origins

Japan's abandoned property problem has reached significant proportions, with official government data documenting approximately 9 million vacant homes nationwide in 2023. The AI technology powering this identification system originated from an affiliate of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, where it was initially developed for analyzing lunar crater formations. Since its commercial launch in 2024, Where Inc. has attracted approximately 50 corporate clients seeking to identify unused land for purposes including parking facilities and solar energy installations.