A housing complex once vacant, also known as the "Ruins in the Sky," is now flooded with people hoping to move in. We interviewed the reason for the popularity of this property, whose application deadline is the end of this month. ■ Reconstruction is difficult because heavy machinery cannot pass through The house is unpopular and dilapidated. The walls are peeling off, and it is not in a condition for people to live there. People are gathering in such ruins one after another. What on earth is going on? Participant from Tokyo, in his 50s: "I thought I would start a business around Yokosuka." Participant from Tokyo, in his 20s: "I imagine using it as a second home." On top of a small hill in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, with a panoramic view of the sea. The 22 neatly lined single-story houses are former public housing. The road to Tsukimidai Housing is narrow and winding. About 10 minutes by car from the nearest station, when you reach the top of the loop-shaped slope called "Nono-ji Bridge," you will suddenly find yourself in a different world. It was built as a municipal housing complex in 1960, but the last tenants left five years ago, leaving it vacant. The roads are narrow and heavy machinery cannot pass through, so it cannot be rebuilt, and local residents have commented, "I've always thought it was a huge ruin," and "Ruins in the sky." The windows of the 64-year-old one-story building, which still retains the Showa era charm, are broken and the walls are peeling off. A visitor said, "I'm scared the floor will collapse." But now, a change is happening. ■Renovating... Turning the Showa era housing complex into a tourist spot The city and a local real estate agent worked together to renovate the vacant house and advertised it as a rental property for both residential and commercial use, and the place was flooded with applicants. Approximately 100 people visited the tour last month. Participant from Tokyo, in his 40s: "It's exciting to feel like a man's secret base," "It's a great place for people who want to try something new." Applications began last summer, and 40% of the applications have already been filled. What is it that draws them in? Ms. Mieko Watanabe (42), owner of Kokokashiten, says, "The appeal is being able to do the interior renovations with my own hands. The rent is cheaper than in the city." Watanabe sells baked goods online. "I want to have my own shop soon." It was her dream to have her own shop, but the rent has skyrocketed, making her hesitant. "I started looking for properties mainly in Yokohama and Kanagawa Prefecture, but the minimum rent is often 140,000 to 150,000 yen, or even 200,000 to 300,000 yen. The ingredients for sweets have also gone up in price. The rent in Tsukimidai is good value, so I'll try to keep it down." The rent is 80,000 yen per month. The property she will be moving into is a 2DK with an area of ​​just under 40 square meters, and Watanabe's eyes sparkle as she says she wants to open a cafe in an old-style house. Watanabe: "It has a unique atmosphere, and I think it's great that you can only get in an old house. When I was looking at properties, I saw the Tsukimidai viewing platform, and although there is a slope from the station, the rent is low, and I think it will be a place people will want to go out of their way to visit. I want to do my best." Watanabe is not the only one who wants to open a shop while living there. Others are looking to start a secondhand clothing store, a private library, or a ramen shop. The developer is also planning to set up a plaza with a dog run and sauna facilities in the common areas, and is enthusiastic about turning the Showa-era housing complex into a tourist destination. Enjoy Works Takasai Yuki: "All the houses are vacant, so we can build this place together from scratch. Many people are very attracted to the idea of ​​building a town." (From "Good! Morning" broadcast on January 15, 2025) [TV Asahi News] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp