WHY are there no old houses in Japan?

 There is a belief in Japan that a house begins to lose its value from the day it is built and within 10 years, its value is halved. After 25 years, it is considered too old to live in and has no value. As a result, houses are regularly demolished and replaced with new ones, including landmarks and important shrines.

This belief in Japan has led to a lack of examples of old architecture in the country, as most buildings are modern. The constant rebuilding of structures, however, also reflects the country's appreciation for maintaining high standards of living and aesthetics. Many Japanese people also believe in the concept of "ma," or the beauty of emptiness, which values space and simplicity over clutter and excess.

While the practice of regularly demolishing and rebuilding structures may seem wasteful, it is a reflection of Japan's emphasis on renewal and progress. It also reflects the country's vulnerability to natural disasters such as earthquakes, which require structures to be built to the latest seismic standards. Overall, the belief in Japan that a house loses value over time has contributed to the country's unique approach to architecture and design.