Immediately post-war, the government was preoccupied with getting people home and fed. That accomplished, in the 50s and 60s, they turned their attention to housing, with Kumamoto Prefecture building massive amounts of 4-5 story ferro-concrete complexes known as “熊本県営住宅,” or Kumamoto Prefecture subsidized housing" (or, if you’re British, Council estates), of which 8,528 units still exist.
You’ve probably seen some: invariably white or some shade that once was white, each building numbered or lettered, with steep stairwells, no elevators, no modern conveniences such as A/C or water heaters (unless self-installed), and invariably in a state of dank deterioration, and you’ve likely thought, “Thank God I don’t live there!” Turns out you’re not alone: Kumanichi reports that vacancies in these buildings has skyrocketed 85% over the past six years, topping 10% last year, and shows no signs of slowing.
This puts the prefecture in a conundrum: Those who remain tend to be elderly, for whom the housing is unsuitable unless living on the ground floor, and the poor who cannot afford anything else. Replacement would necessitate relocation of current residents and likely result in vastly more expensive rents as the housing stock for the poor in Kumamoto City rapidly shrinks.
Any reader who has experience with this housing or has ideas for solutions are encouraged to comment below. - William
