Subsidies and Support in Akita

Subsidies for renovating, demolishing, buying or moving into akiya and closed schools.

AllRenovationDemolitionPurchase / clearingRelocationSeismicBusinessOther
Subsidy programs are run by Japanese municipalities, and their pages are in Japanese. Most require residency or registration in the town.
Mirai Eco Housing 2026 Program (Renovation)RenovationMax ¥1M
Nationwide・FY2026・Applications accepted until December 31, 2026 (reservations until November 16; ends when budget limit reached)
Fixed subsidy for energy-saving renovations such as insulation upgrades. Up to ¥400K–¥1M per unit (depending on construction date and scope of work)
Conditions: In principle, houses built on or before December 31, 2016. Applications filed by registered contractors and rebated to owners. Cannot be combined with other subsidies using national funds
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Local 10,000 Project (Regional Economic Circulation Creation Grant)BusinessMax ¥30M
Nationwide・FY2026・From April 1, 2026 (apply via municipality, multiple reviews within fiscal year)
Public subsidy for initial investment in private businesses (facility construction/renovation, equipment, etc.). Cap ¥30M (up to ¥55M depending on loan amount)
Conditions: Requires regional financial institution loan (generally uncollateralized) equal to or exceeding subsidy. Land acquisition not eligible. Apply through municipality (municipality applies to MIC)
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Relocation support grant (regional revitalization relocation support program)RelocationMax ¥1M
Nationwide・FY2026・Anytime (apply to destination municipality within 1 year of relocation)
¥1M per household (¥600K single) for moving from Tokyo's 23 wards to regional areas and finding employment, etc. Up to ¥1M added per child under 18
Conditions: Resided/commuted to Tokyo's 23 wards for 5+ years total within 10 years before relocation. Must work or telework in destination. Intent to live 5+ years required. Apply to destination municipality
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Existing Housing Insulation Renovation Support ProjectRenovationMax ¥1.2M33%
Nationwide・FY2026
1/3 for insulation renovation of existing housing (total insulation or living room only). Detached: cap ¥1.2M; multi-unit: ¥150K per unit
Conditions: Homeowners, etc. Total insulation requires 15%+ heating/cooling energy reduction. FY2026–2028 project
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Decarbonization Renovation Acceleration Project for Commercial Buildings (Decarbonized Building Renovation)RenovationMax ¥1B
Nationwide・FY2026・June 4, 2026 – November 30, 2026
1/2–1/3 for renovation of existing commercial buildings (schools, hotels, etc.) with insulated windows, insulation, high-efficiency HVAC, LED, etc. Cap ¥1B
Conditions: Requires 30% (hotels, restaurants, etc.) or 40% (offices, schools, etc.) energy savings by use. Minimum ¥2M. Ends when budget exhausted
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Akiya Countermeasures Model Project (Hard Infrastructure)Renovation33%
Nationwide・FY2026・April 20, 2026 – May 20, 2026
Direct national subsidy for high-model akiya countermeasures by NPOs/private businesses. 1/3 of renovation costs, 2/5 of demolition costs
Conditions: Must be selected through MLIT proposal call (requires model nature in renovation/demolition technology, methods, construction processes, etc.). Project runs through FY2026
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Comprehensive vacant house countermeasures program / Vacant house revitalization promotion program (utilization)Renovation67%
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
Subsidy for renovating vacant houses for community revitalization use of 10+ years: national 1/3, municipality 1/3 (owner bears 1/3)
Conditions: Apply via municipality (only municipalities with vacant house countermeasure plans that have established subsidy systems under this program). Actual rate and cap depend on municipal system
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Comprehensive Akiya Countermeasures Support Project / Akiya Regeneration Promotion Project (Demolition)Demolition80%
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
Subsidizes demolition of akiya (where site is planned for community revitalization, etc.) at 2/5 national, 2/5 municipal (owner bears 1/5)
Conditions: Apply via municipality (only municipalities with vacant house countermeasure plans that have established subsidy systems under this program). Actual rate and cap depend on municipal system
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CO2 Reduction Renovation Support Project for AkiyaRenovationMax ¥10M33%
Nationwide・FY2026
1/3 for CO2 reduction through high-efficiency equipment when renovating akiya into commercial facilities. Cap ¥10M
Conditions: Local governments, private businesses, organizations, etc. Requires specified CO2 reduction and operational improvement measures
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ZEB and CO2 Reduction Promotion Acceleration Project for Buildings (ZEB Conversion of Existing Buildings)Renovation
Nationwide・FY2026
1/3–2/3 subsidy for ZEB conversion renovation of existing commercial buildings, based on floor area, use, and ZEB rank (cap ¥300M–¥500M)
Conditions: Private businesses: existing buildings <2,000㎡, must achieve ZEB or Nearly ZEB. Schools, hotels, etc. (non-office): 2/3 or 1/2
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Pre-school Education and Childcare Facility Development Grant (Nursery School, etc. Development)Renovation75%
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
Subsidy for new construction, repair, renovation, etc. of private nursery schools and certified centers for early childhood education and care. National 1/2, municipality 1/4 (operator bears 1/4)
Conditions: Applications via municipality (based on municipal development plan). Operators: social welfare corporations, school corporations, or those approved by municipality. Increased to 2/3 national for waiting list and depopulation countermeasures
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Housing and Building Seismic Retrofit Program (Residential Seismic Retrofit)SeismicMax ¥1.1M
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
Fixed national and local subsidy for residential seismic retrofits. Up to ¥1.15M (¥1.4M in heavy snowfall areas, ¥1.75M in densely built-up districts, etc.)
Conditions: Applications via municipality (indirect subsidy when local government has a subsidy program). Seismic diagnosis: 2/3 from national and local sources
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Housing and Building Seismic Retrofit Program (Private Building Seismic Retrofit)Seismic23%
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
23% national and local subsidy for seismic retrofits of buildings used by many people (department stores, etc. ≥1,000㎡). 2/3 for disaster prevention sites such as evacuation shelters
Conditions: Applications via municipality (indirect subsidy when local government has a subsidy program). Energy-saving renovations combined with seismic retrofits also receive 23%
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Small Business Continuity Subsidy (General Type, Standard Category)BusinessMax ¥500K67%
Nationwide・FY2026・November 5, 2026 – December 15, 2026 (Round 20)
2/3 for sales channel development (including store renovation) for small businesses, cap ¥500K. Invoice special provision +¥500K, wage increase special provision +¥1.5M
Conditions: Small businesses (commerce/services ≤5 employees, lodging/entertainment/manufacturing ≤20). Requires support plan from Chamber of Commerce. Real estate acquisition not eligible
Program page ↗
New Business Expansion, Manufacturing and Commercial Services Subsidy (New Business Expansion Category)BusinessMax ¥70M50%
Nationwide・FY2026・September 30, 2026 – October 30, 2026 (Round 1)
1/2 for building costs, machinery, etc. for new business expansion. Cap ¥25M–¥70M by employee count (up to ¥90M with wage increase special provision)
Conditions: SMEs, etc. Plan must achieve annual average 4.0%+ added value, 3.5%+ wage increase (repayment if unmet). 2/3 rate with minimum wage increase special provision
Program page ↗
Advanced Window Renovation 2026 ProgramRenovationMax ¥1M
Nationwide・FY2026・Applications accepted until December 31, 2026 (reservations until November 16; ends when budget limit reached)
Fixed subsidy for insulated window upgrades including interior windows, exterior window replacement, and glass replacement. Up to ¥1M per residential unit; up to ¥10M per non-residential building
Conditions: Work must use registered products. Applications filed by registered contractors (window renovation contractors). Non-residential: up to ¥1M for floor area ≤240㎡; up to ¥10M for >240㎡
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SME Growth Acceleration SubsidyBusinessMax ¥500M50%
Nationwide・FY2026・September 29, 2026 – November 12, 2026 (3rd call)
1/2 for large-scale investment (building costs, machinery, etc.) by SMEs aiming for ¥10B revenue. Cap ¥500M
Conditions: Revenue ¥1B–¥10B, investment ¥100M+, public "¥10B Declaration" required. Land cost and demolition not eligible
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Agricultural, Mountain and Fishing Village Promotion Grant (Farm Stay Type - Facility Development)RenovationMax ¥25M50%
Nationwide・FY2026・January 23, 2026 – February 12, 2026 (additional call: June 15, 2026 – July 2, 2026)
1/2 of costs to renovate old farmhouses, closed schools, etc. into lodging/stay facilities. Cap ¥25M (up to ¥50M for idle facility renovation)
Conditions: Implemented by regional councils/core organizations (private companies possible; council organization required). Must provide lodging, dining, and experiences. Municipal idle assets: cap ¥75M
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Comprehensive Childcare Support Program Subsidy (Support for Renovation Costs of Nursery Schools, etc. in Rental Properties)RenovationMax ¥73.2M75%
Nationwide・FY2026・Set by each municipality
Subsidy for renovation costs to open or expand capacity of nursery schools, etc. in rental properties. Standard amount per facility: ¥19.97M–¥73.22M depending on capacity
Conditions: Applications via municipality (implementing body: municipality). National 1/2, municipality 1/4 (operator bears 1/4). Fixed-term lease properties ineligible
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First Time in Katagami Living Support GrantRelocationMax ¥100K
Katagami City, Akita・FY2026・Application within 1 year from resident registration date in the city
¥100K per household for those who migrated to Katagami City from outside prefecture
Conditions: Must have moved to the city on or after April 1, 2023, with intent to reside continuously for 2+ years
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Katagami City Business Start-up Support GrantBusinessMax ¥1M67%
Katagami City, Akita・FY2026・Applications accepted anytime
Support for start-up expenses for new businesses in city. Max ¥1M for migrant entrepreneurs (2/3 subsidy)
Conditions: No tax arrears. Management guidance from chamber of commerce required. For those starting new business in city
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SME Earning Power Creation GrantBusinessMax ¥5M50%
Katagami City, Akita・FY2026・Accepted 4 times/year (end of April, July, October, January)
Support for business diversification by city businesses, including building renovation. Max ¥5M initial
Conditions: Total project cost ¥500K+. Plan with 10%+ sales increase target. No tax arrears
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Odate City Relocation Support FundRelocationMax ¥1M
Odate City, Akita・FY2026
¥1M for households, ¥600K for singles relocating from Tokyo area. ¥1M added per child under 18
Conditions: Resided in Tokyo area for cumulative 5+ years within past 10 years. Continuously resided for 1 year immediately before relocation. Expected 5-year continuation through employment, entrepreneurship, etc.
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Odate City Dangerous Vacant House Demolition SubsidyDemolitionMax ¥500K50%
Odate City, Akita・FY2026
50% subsidy for demolition costs of specified vacant houses with danger rating 100+ points (maximum ¥500K)
Conditions: Designated as specified vacant house. Unused in city for 1+ year. Privately owned residence. No overdue taxes. Rights holder consent required
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Odate City Vacant Public Facility Extension and Renovation SubsidyRenovationMax ¥5M33%
Odate City, Akita・FY2026・Within 3 years of designation
Subsidizes 1/3 of renovation costs for closed schools and idle public facilities. Multiple applications possible within 3 years (up to cumulative limit)
Conditions: Must become designated operator. Designated after regional revitalization and public benefit review. Apply within 3 years of project start
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Odate City Housing Renovation Support Program (Post-Akiya Purchase, for New Residents)RenovationMax ¥500K20%
Odate City, Akita・FY2026・Applications begin April 1, 2026
20% of construction costs subsidized when relocating from outside city and renovating purchased Akiya Bank registered property
Conditions: Resided outside city for 3 years before relocation. Within 3 years of relocation. Construction costs ¥300K or more. City contractor. No overdue taxes
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Oga City Migrant Housing Acquisition Support SubsidyPurchase / clearingMax ¥1M50%
Oga City, Akita・FY2026・Within budget
Half of migrant household's acquisition or renovation costs (up to ¥1M, ¥1.2M for vacant house bank properties). Child-rearing supplements available
Conditions: Resided outside city 1+ years and move in within 1 year of purchase/rental, join neighborhood association, acquisition cost ¥1M or more (excluding land), renovation ¥300K or more by local contractor
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Oga City Entrepreneurship Challenge Support SubsidyBusinessMax ¥3M50%
Oga City, Akita・FY2026・Until June 30, 2026
Half of business location costs (interior/exterior work, equipment, building rent, etc.) and advertising costs when starting business/second venture in city (up to ¥3M)
Conditions: Open business/establish corporation within same fiscal year, business contributes to solving regional issues, construction before grant approval not eligible
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Oga City Vacant Shop Utilization Promotion SubsidyBusinessMax ¥1.5M50%
Oga City, Akita
Half of costs to renovate vacant shops/houses for opening business (up to ¥1.5M, ¥5M for converting vacant houses to rental housing)
Conditions: Small/medium enterprises receiving management guidance from Chamber of Commerce, etc., continue operating 1+ years after opening. Shop rent subsidy (¥40K/month × max 12 months) also available
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Kitaakita City Migrant Housing Support GrantRelocation
Kitaakita City, Akita
Partial assistance for relocation expenses for those who have moved to Kitaakita City.
Conditions: For those who have moved from outside Akita Prefecture and meet multiple conditions
Program page ↗
Kitaakita City Startup Support Project SubsidyBusinessMax ¥750K25%
Kitaakita City, Akita・FY2026・From April 1, 2026
Subsidizes part of startup expenses. Eligible costs include building expenses.
Conditions: For those aiming to start a new business within the city
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Kitaakita City Housing Renovation Support Program (Used Home Purchase Type)RenovationMax ¥400K20%
Kitaakita City, Akita・FY2026・April 1, 2026 – Until budget is exhausted
Renovation cost subsidy for households purchasing used homes on or after April 2025
Conditions: Limited to acquisition of used homes 10+ years old for residential purposes
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Kitaakita City Specific Vacant House Demolition and Removal SubsidyDemolitionMax ¥500K50%
Kitaakita City, Akita
Subsidy for demolition of specific vacant houses and poorly managed vacant houses. Up to ¥300K for poorly managed vacant houses.
Conditions: For owners of specific vacant houses. 1/2 subsidy rate, up to ¥500K
Program page ↗

Subsidy terms change every fiscal year. Always confirm with the municipality before applying.