麻豆社

Abandoned houses 鈥� or 鈥渁kiyas鈥� 鈥� have become a symbol of the crisis facing Japan鈥檚 population. But a wave of young foreign bargain hunters has started snapping up some of these abandoned homes, inspired by viral DIY videos and social media influencers.

Lucy Hockings speaks to the 麻豆社鈥檚 Tokyo correspondent Shaimaa Khalil, who has been to meet some of the people bringing akiyas back to life.

Producers: Peter Goffin, Alix Pickles and Alice Aylett Roberts

Sound engineer: Mike Regaard

Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas

Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson