Being poor in Tokyo? It’s not what you think – it’s even smaller. Much smaller Narrow walls, a bed blocking the way out, and a bathroom where it’s almost impossible to turn around
And yet, it’s home. Check out the photos in the following article
Tokyo is a city marked by striking contrasts. Majestic skyscrapers stand next to peaceful streets, and bustling areas are just a few steps away from tranquil parks. Life here follows its own rhythm, with one of the most notable aspects being how people live. Everyone knows that housing in Tokyo is extremely expensive, so even people with good jobs are often forced to live in tiny apartments.
This is the story of Keiko, who lives in one of these small Tokyo apartments. Her home is tiny but cozy, and every bit of space is cleverly used.
When you enter her apartment, you have to slightly bend down to avoid bumping your head against the doorframe. Right after the entrance, there’s a small shelf with cute decorations that make the space feel warm and welcoming. This area, called “Genkan,” is where people take off their shoes and leave their umbrellas before entering the house.
A narrow hallway leads to the main part of the apartment. There, by the only window, is a bed for two people. The room next to the bed, near the window, serves as a small living room. A small coffee table is placed there, and instead of chairs, soft cushions are arranged on the floor.
Behind the bed is a surprise – a small balcony. Although small, balconies are an important feature of Japanese apartments. To access it, Keiko has to climb over the bed, but that doesn’t bother her. She enjoys getting some fresh air out there.
However, part of the balcony is taken up by an exterior air conditioning unit. Inside, the rest of the system is installed above the door to save space.
At the end of the hallway, there are several closed doors leading to other areas. One hides a small closet, while another leads to a compact kitchen. The kitchen is small but functional, equipped with a sink, a stove, and a dish rack. Everything is neatly packed into a few square meters, but it works perfectly.
Another door leads to the bathroom, which is as small as an airplane bathroom but still has enough space for a sink, a toilet, and a bathtub. The space is cleverly utilized, with a faucet shared between the sink and bathtub to save space.
Instead of a large internet router, Keiko uses a small portable device that connects via mobile data.
Her apartment, though small, meets all her needs. More importantly, it is warm and cozy, reflecting her cheerful and positive personality.
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