What is the Problem of Homelessness in Japan? Conceptualisation, Research, and Policy Response

Abstract

The definition of homelessness and the policies responding to it differ from society to society, as does understanding a state of being "homeless", all of which are socially constructed. Because in Japan today homelessness is perceived only as a situation of sleeping on the street, the prevalence is perceived as low. However, this definition is narrow compared to what, for example, FEANTSA has proposed in Europe. Therefore, Japanese policy and policy makers need to shift to be congruent with international standards. To begin this shift we need to understand how the "narrow" perception of homelessness in Japan has been constructed. Therefore, in this paper a historical review is provided starting on the premise of the "loss of home" of Japanese society after World War II, the rapid increase of "visible homelessness" since the 1990s, the enactment of formal homelessness law, and rising "visible homelessness". More recently there is also expanded interest in "invisible homelessness" due to current homelessness research. The issue of lack of a public housing allowance and limited public housing is explored connected to an absence of housing policy. Finally, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased anxiety about the loss of homes and there is a need to shift homelessness measures into housing policy.