Local governments have done something in that regard in recent times, but nowhere near enough. Many small towns will give houses basically for free in exchange

Local governments have done something in that regard in recent times, but nowhere near enough. Many small towns will give houses basically for free in exchange for people moving in and fixing them to stay long term : https://www.rethinktokyo.com/free-houses-japan-countryside https://www.rethinktokyo.com/free-houses-japan-countryside