Japan recorded unclaimed inheritances of 129 billion yen in 2024, against the backdrop of an aging population and social isolation.

In 2024, Japan reported a record sum of 129 billion yen (approximately 833 million dollars) in unclaimed inheritances, a consequence of the accelerated aging of the population and the increasing number of people without heirs. This phenomenon is fueled by demographic decline and social isolation, resulting in abandoned assets and vacant homes. Japan's population has been steadily decreasing since 2009, and an increasing number of deaths are being recorded among the elderly, many of whom are unmarried and without close relatives.

The number of deaths significantly increased in 2022, reaching 1.6 million last year, and the low rate of will-making contributes to this problem. Abandoned houses, known as 'akiya', are a visible sign of this crisis, with approximately nine million such unoccupied homes. Additionally, declining marriage rates and weakening family ties contribute to the lack of heirs. Experts emphasize the importance for elderly individuals without family to express their wishes in advance, to avoid issues related to succession.