Roger OngDigital nomads! Imagine if you could work anywhere you want in Japan, moving houses as you please. All the houses are well-renovated, with gas, electricity and wifi available. And all of these would come at only a low monthly fee. Sorry for the sales pitch opening, but ADDress does put such attractive propositions in one’s head.
ADDress is a service that grants anyone, not just digital nomads, access to accommodation in various areas in Japan. Think Airbnb, where you have unlimited access to a variety of places to stay in Japan, but only at a fixed monthly price of 40,000 yen. An additional 20,000 yen would extend the membership to your partner.
ADDress using a Sharing Economy to solve local issues
Sure, ADDress puts out an attractive proposition, like so many other accommodation booking platforms. But it is the reason why ADDress exists that appeals to our “social good” side.
本日北鎌倉の物件ツアーを開催しました！
とても駅から徒歩10分、新築のように綺麗な一軒家でした！！#ADDress #多拠点コリビング #北鎌倉https://t.co/lKoyggXqrG pic.twitter.com/McaLc5Zyed— ADDress / 全国住み放題 (@ADDaddress) March 17, 2019
ADDress is a business built on the idea of creating a new lifestyles and work styles. It is also one of the initiatives started by the Koyu Foundation in Shintomi town. In fact, one of ADDress’ main goals is to expand existing initiatives such as co-working, circular economy and access to public areas.
This is especially important for Shintomi town, because of the construction of the Olympic Football Stadium due 2020. There will not be enough accommodation for the estimated influx of inbound tourists. ADDress wishes to meet that upcoming need.
Tackling Japan’s vacant housing problem at the same time
According to Japan Policy Forum, there are between 8-9 million empty houses. 8-9 million. That’s enough to give one house to each person living in New York City.
This crux of this problem comes from the migration of younger population to major urban cities. This subsequently leads to the abandonment or empty houses in the local areas. Home owners therefore find it problematic to find anyone to rent their houses to.
ADDress solves the needs of these owners. By creating a sharing system through a subscription, these empty houses are available for members to use. The houses are move-in ready, complete with utilities and amenities. Furthermore, to promote a “new work style”, members will have unlimited access to any listed homes for a flat fee of 40,000 yen. A win-win-win situation for homeowners, digital nomads and Japan’s Housing Bureau.
Beneficial repercussions in regional revitalization and community building
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Monthly fair “Koyu Asaichi” as a platform to encourage interaction between residents.
We can also expect that the invitation of members to various local regions would bring a positive impact to revitalization of various regions. In fact, the Koyu Foundation holds monthly meetings on every third Sunday to promote interact between ADDress users and the town citizens. This writer isn’t sure about “new work styles”, but does know that it is community building done right.
[Website] ADDress Homepage
