FEATURE: Japan families face hurdles disposing of parents' homes

TOKYO - As more Japanese families grapple with what to do with homes left vacant after parents die or move into care facilities, interest is growing in "jikka-jimai" -- the process of disposing of a family home.

While managing an empty house can be difficult and leaving one neglected can lead to disputes with neighbors, reaching agreement among relatives and covering the costs involved can become major hurdles when selling or otherwise disposing of the property.