World

Japan Giving away free Homes in Rural Towns

Published

8 years ago

December 24, 2018

Japan Giving away free Homes in Rural Towns

Tokyo – There are around 8.2 Million houses in Japan that are vacant today, cursed by some Japanese superstitions. To fill them out, Japan is giving them away free of cost, or at highly discounted prices to the Japanese citizens. And all this forms a part of “Akiya” scheme.

Even though these free houses might sound like a scam to many. But there are way too many houses as compared to people present in Japan. As a result, they are getting free houses now.

As per the National Institute of Population and Social Security, the population of Japan is going to fall drastically over the next many years. And this means very less people would need houses then. Most of the younger generation is moving to city and leaving rural households behind, to earn a livelihood. This has resulted in a lot of abandoned houses in rural areas, which are also called “ghost” houses by many.

Hence, giving those houses for free is a way of survival for the Japanese government. The local govt. is also trying to help implement the scheme by offering subsidies to renovate those properties.

According to the scheme, the houses would be handed over to those people only who are under 43 years of age, and have younger children going to schools. Also, they should agree to stay in those towns permanently. When these conditions will be met, people can take those houses for free.

Since many mishappenings occurred in those houses, it led to their abandonment. But the price for new houses are way beyond the reach of many. And that makes an akiya home, the only possibility for most of the Japanese people.

World

Swiss International University Makes Global Impact with Top 500 Times Higher Education Ranking

Published

4 weeks ago

June 24, 2026

Jenny Jackson

Swiss International University (SIU) got a real kind of milestone , when it landed inside the worlds top 500 universities in the newest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. Which is kind of huge because it is SIU’s first time appearing in those widely respected rankings, and it also shows how its influence keeps growing in international higher education.

SIU was competing with nearly 2,000 universities from different parts of the world, and that first debut basically underlines its dedication to academic quality, sustainability and a real societal footprint. Overall it seems like the result mirrors SIU’s own plan for delivering solid education , while also aligning with bigger global development objectives.

Now, the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings look at universities through what they do for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , or SDGs. So the assessment is about universities creating verifiable positive change through education, research, community activities, plus governance— not just statements.

One of SIU’s strongest areas was the recognition tied to SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. In that section, SIU placed roughly within the top 100 to 200 universities worldwide, and that points to its focus on advancing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and those institutional values that actually stick.

This recognition shows SIU keeps working hard to get students ready, with the know-how , the ability to act and those ethical foundations, so they can face tangled global problems. And you know, by supporting responsible leadership and pushing for good social results, the university keeps building up its part in shaping the next generation of professionals and people who make real decisions

Key Highlights of SIU’s Achievement

• Ranked Among the World’s Top 500 Universities

In its first-ever participation in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, SIU managed to land a spot among the top 500 universities worldwide.

• Outstanding Performance in SDG 16

SIU reached a ranking in the top 100 to 200 range, across the globe, for its work related to Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

• Strengthening Global Academic Presence

This win also reinforces SIU’s long-term vision, and it further tightens its standing as an emerging influence in international higher education.

Recognition from Times Higher Education is an important endorsement of SIU’s mission, to give accessible high-quality education while also making a positive impact in society. As the university keeps expanding its academic offerings and international reach, this milestone , works like a solid base for what comes next—future growth, more innovation, and that global recognition everyone is aiming for.