[mitthrowaway2]

To expand on this, housing in first-tier cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka is quite expensive (although not bonkers like it's gotten in Canada/Australia/etc). Housing in smaller second- and third-tier cities is very affordable, while still maintaining access to good hospitals, public transit, jobs, and so on. Rural housing is practically free aside from the cost of renovation.

[bryanlarsen]

Housing everywhere in Japan is basically free aside from the cost of renovation + the cost of the land. Houses are considered to be disposable there, you're expected to tear it down and build a new one when you buy one, so they are priced accordingly.

The difference is that land in Tokyo etc is expensive.

[huytersd]

But why would you? It seems like most young people with no money could just stay for free.

[mitthrowaway2]

Old houses in rural areas often need a lot of care due to their age and condition. They may have sat empty for several years and suffered damage from a lack of maintenance.

Also if they're cheap postwar construction, they may not be very earthquake safe. If they're older traditional architecture, they're probably ok but still probably need a lot of TLC.

[chaostheory]

Because it’s the (outdated) law due to earthquakes. Building and materials have gotten much better since the original laws were passed.

[huytersd]

Are you required by law to build a new house? What if the house was just built a year ago.