Could you live in a 95-square-foot Tokyo apartment? This was the question posed recently in a New York Times article that looked at this trend that is rising especially among young people.
With its high property prices and the world’s most populous metropolitan area, Tokyo has long been known for small accommodations. But these new apartments — known as three-tatami rooms, based on how many standard Japanese floor mats would cover the living space — are pushing the boundaries of normal living.
A real estate developer, Spilytus, has been leading the charge toward ever-tinier spaces. It has been operating these shoe-box apartments since 2015, and with more than 1,500 residents now in its 100 buildings, demand has remained strong.
The units in an average studio apartment in Tokyo are not large, barely 200 square feet, but these are half that size. They have 12-foot ceilings and an attic-like loft for sleeping and they are also stylish, with pristine white floors and walls. With some clever and efficient arranging, it is possible to squeeze a washing machine, a fridge, a sofa and a work desk inside.
Despite their tiny size, the apartments are not for those on a really tight budget. Cheaper apartments can be found, though they are usually decades much older. But these micro-apartments, which rent for $340 to $630 a month, are a couple hundred dollars less than other studio apartments in similar areas. And what is especially attractive to young people is that they are situated near trendy locations in central Tokyo like Harajuku, Nakameguro and Shibuya, which are generally quite expensive, with luxury boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Most of the buildings are close to subway stations — also the top priority for many young people.
Over two-thirds of the buildings’ residents are people in their 20s, who in Japan earn on average about $17,000 to $20,000 a year, according to government data. Some are drawn by the minimal initial fees and the lack of a deposit or “gift money” — a nonrefundable payment to the landlord that can be as much as three months’ rent — for many rentals. This would be a considerable incentive for a young person just entering the job market and without a nest egg.
The small spaces work for the lifestyle of many young Japanese. In Japan, it is not customary to host guests in homes, with nearly a third of Japanese people saying they have never had friends over, according to a survey by Growth From Knowledge, a data provider for the consumer goods industry. Therefore “entertaining space” is not necessary
Many Japanese, young and old, also work long hours, leaving little time to spend at home. And a growing share of people in Tokyo are living alone, making smaller spaces more desirable. Such people are more likely to eat out, or grab one of the many premade meal options from convenience stores or groceries, so a full kitchen is also not necessary. The apartment, then is really just a place to sleep, making the 3-tatami alternative just the right size for convenience and efficiency.
