ABSTRACT
This chapter examines changes in Japan's housing conditions within the post-growth context, placing particular emphasis on the shrinking of the housing market and the widening of housing inequalities. It begins by examining the nature and characteristics of Japan's post-war housing system that was developed in the growth period. Japan's housing system during high growth was characterised by particular orientations towards facilitating mass housing construction and promoting home ownership among the emerging middle class. The chapter moves on to analysing the shrinking of the housing and mortgage markets and the role of housing in reorganising inter- and intra-generational social inequalities. It explores the importance of the post-growth context in light of exploring contemporary housing and social processes. The chapter also explores the development of the housing system during the high-speed economic growth period before analysing emerging housing conditions in the post-growth era.
