Some local governments in Japan are offering free or heavily discounted homes to attract new residents, but it is not a blanket policy across the country. The term "akiya" refers to vacant or abandoned houses in Japan, and there are estimated to be around 8 million of them throughout the country. Many of the homes being offered are located in rural areas that have experienced significant population decline, but living in a rural area also comes with challenges such as limited job opportunities and difficulty accessing healthcare and other services. Ultimately, addressing Japan's population decline will require a multifaceted approach that involves both local and national efforts.