May 10, 2026
Akahata ‘current’ column (excerpts)
Urban redevelopment has been tearing down neighborhoods, replacing them with high-rise apartment buildings one after another. Wealthy buyers are purchasing these properties and reselling them to generate capital gains. This trend is fueling a surge in housing prices and having a significant impact on rents in Tokyo.
The government in March removed the “minimum living floor space standards” from the Basic Plan for Housing. These standards had been established as an indicator “essential for a healthy and culturally fulfilling life” based on Article 25 of the Constitution which states, “All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living. In all spheres of life, the State shall use its endeavors for the promotion and extension of social welfare and security, and of public health.”
About ten years ago, only 13% of rental properties occupied by households receiving public assistance met these minimum standards (25 square meters for single-person households, 30 for two, 40 for three, and 50 for four). However, because the government reduced the housing allowance for households on public assistance, these households have been forced into even more substandard living conditions.
Now, the government has abolished the minimum living floor space standards, claiming that they are no longer necessary due to the diversification of lifestyles. This is likely to further exacerbate what is termed “housing poverty”.
“Housing is a human right.” The government should guarantee this right in accordance with Article 25 of the Constitution.
Urban redevelopment has been tearing down neighborhoods, replacing them with high-rise apartment buildings one after another. Wealthy buyers are purchasing these properties and reselling them to generate capital gains. This trend is fueling a surge in housing prices and having a significant impact on rents in Tokyo.
The government in March removed the “minimum living floor space standards” from the Basic Plan for Housing. These standards had been established as an indicator “essential for a healthy and culturally fulfilling life” based on Article 25 of the Constitution which states, “All people shall have the right to maintain the minimum standards of wholesome and cultured living. In all spheres of life, the State shall use its endeavors for the promotion and extension of social welfare and security, and of public health.”
About ten years ago, only 13% of rental properties occupied by households receiving public assistance met these minimum standards (25 square meters for single-person households, 30 for two, 40 for three, and 50 for four). However, because the government reduced the housing allowance for households on public assistance, these households have been forced into even more substandard living conditions.
Now, the government has abolished the minimum living floor space standards, claiming that they are no longer necessary due to the diversification of lifestyles. This is likely to further exacerbate what is termed “housing poverty”.
“Housing is a human right.” The government should guarantee this right in accordance with Article 25 of the Constitution.
