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What are the advantages of a small apartment in Japan? How to use it spaciously and its interior design are also introduced!

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Japanese Apartment Interiors

Japanese apartments are famous for their small rooms, especially in large cities such as Tokyo. Many foreigners living in Japan may find them small and inconvenient. However, there are advantages to small apartments, and with some ingenuity to make good use of the limited space, you can live comfortably.

In this article, we will explain in detail the advantages of a small apartment in Japan, as well as provide tips on how to use a small room spaciously and recommended interior design with specific examples in an easy-to-understand manner. We hope you will find it useful when starting a new life in Japan and when searching for a room.

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Terms to know when looking for an apartment in Japan

When searching for an apartment in Japan online, you may come across terms that may not be familiar to foreigners. Here, we will explain in detail some terms that are useful for foreigners to know when searching for an apartment in Japan.

Tatami mats and square meters

The size of an apartment in Japan is expressed in units of "tatami/cho" and "square meters". The square meter is the "square meter" and is a unit commonly used internationally. On the other hand, the tatami is a unit unique to Japan and refers to the size of a single tatami mat. One tatami is equivalent to approximately 1.6 square meters.

When searching for an apartment, check whether the size listed in the property information is in "tatami mats" or "square meters. Also note that descriptions such as "6 tatami" or "1K" do not include the area for the toilet, bath, kitchen, etc.

Also, to learn more about the size and meaning of tatami, please refer to the following articles.
▶︎ What is tatami mat size (tatami mat size)? Explanation of the meaning

Exclusive area

Exclusive area refers to the size of the entire dwelling unit, including living space such as the living room and the area of facilities such as toilets, baths, and kitchens. As a guide to selecting an apartment, approximately half of the exclusive area is the living space.

However, since the treatment of the area of common areas (e.g., corridors) may differ from property to property, we recommend that you confirm the actual living space by actually viewing the property.

If you would like to learn more about floor plan terminology and recommendations, we also recommend the following articles!
▶︎ What does "Madori" mean, including a list of terms such as R, K, S, etc. and recommended floor plans?

Optimal apartment size for single occupancy.

The optimal size of an apartment for living alone depends on one's lifestyle, amount of furniture, budget, etc. Here, let us consider the size of an apartment suitable for living alone, referring to the "Basic Plan for Housing and Living Standards" established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

If the exclusive area is less than 25 square meters (about 15 tatami mats), it feels small.

The Basic Plan for Housing and Living stipulates a minimum area of 25 square meters for a residence for a single person. This square footage is large enough to accommodate a bed, sofa, table, and other minimal furniture, as well as a certain amount of storage space. If the space is smaller than this, you will need to be creative in arranging your furniture and will likely feel cramped.

1R" and "1K" apartments, which are common in Japan for single people, have a layout of a 6-mat room with a kitchen, and the private floor space is generally around 20 square meters. Even with this size, large furniture such as beds and sofas can be placed, but the amount of space available is limited.

If you want to live comfortably, an exclusive area of 40 square meters (about 25 tatami mats) or more is ideal.

On the other hand, the Basic Plan for Residential Life lists 40 square meters or more as the target area for living a full life as a single person. With this amount of space, you will have plenty of room to arrange the necessary furniture, and it will be easy to place a space for hobbies or a desk for working from home.

However, it is not easy to live in an apartment of 40 square meters or more in central Tokyo due to rent. It is important to select an apartment that suits your needs not only in terms of size, but also in terms of accessibility and the surrounding environment.

If you need more information about the size, facilities, and rent rates of a typical Japanese apartment, please also see the following articles.
▶︎ What is a typical apartment in Japan like? Size, Facilities, and Rent Rates Explained

Attractiveness and advantages of small apartments

Small apartments have the image of being cramped, but in fact, there are many attractions and advantages that come with being small. Here we will explain in detail the advantages unique to small apartments.

1. low rent

Small apartments often have lower rents than larger apartments in the same area. One option is to choose a small apartment if your budget is limited, especially in central Tokyo, where rents tend to be higher for the size of the apartment.

For example, in central Tokyo, the average rent for a studio type apartment is approximately 70,000 yen, while the average rent for a 1LDK type apartment is approximately 120,000 yen, a difference of about 50,000 yen (based on 2024 data). This difference accounts for a large proportion of the overall cost of living.

2. save on utility costs

Smaller apartments have better air conditioning and heating than larger apartments, so you don't need to set エアコン as high to be comfortable. They also require fewer lights, which saves on utility costs.

The average utility bill for a single person living alone is estimated to be about ³,000 per month. With a small room, you will likely be able to save more than this amount. The savings can be put toward other hobbies or savings.

3. easy to clean

Smaller rooms mean a smaller area to clean. For those who are not good at cleaning or are too busy to spend time on it, a small apartment is a great attraction.

In addition, since a small room cannot hold more things, people naturally tend to have fewer things around them. A tidy room also makes people feel psychologically calmer.

Smaller apartments have advantages that make them easier to live in, in addition to their size. With these points in mind, it is important to choose an apartment that suits your lifestyle.

How to make a small Japanese apartment more spacious

Even a small apartment in Japan can be spacious and comfortable with a little ingenuity. Here are some ideas for making the best use of limited space.

1. incorporating floor seating in a Japanese style

While furniture such as sofas and dining tables are essential for Western-style rooms, traditional Japanese-style rooms are usually set directly on the floor. A low table and a zabuton (Japanese cushion) can make better use of space than a sofa set.

The floor seating style also has the effect of making the room seem larger because there is less furniture. Zabuton that are not in regular use can be stored compactly in a closet for convenience.

2. using a futon instead of a bed

While beds are comfortable to sleep on, they are bulky and can feel oppressive in a small room. Japanese futons can be stored in closets or other spaces, allowing for more room during the day.

These days, many single-size futons are available, making them easy to use even for those who value comfort. Another advantage of futons is that they can be easily replaced according to the season.

3. use folding or telescoping furniture

To make the most of limited space, we recommend compact types of furniture that are not normally used. For example, folding tables and chairs can be propped up against a wall when not in use to make more room.

Also, telescoping desks and racks are convenient because they can be adjusted in size as needed. When not in use, they can be compacted together to make the room feel larger.

4. use multifunctional furniture

In a limited space such as a studio, it is effective to have one piece of furniture serve multiple functions. For example, a sofa-bed can be used as a sofa during the day, and then expanded to a bed at night.

An ottoman with storage space can also serve as a chair while storing your belongings. Choosing furniture that is multifunctional will make your room feel tidier and more spacious.

5. partitioning space and devising ways to use it

In a studio-type room, living space is limited, so we recommend using partitions to make the most of the space.

For example, you can separate the living room from the bedroom by using a curtain or a propped-up rod to divide the bed space. Combined with a rack, it can also serve as a storage space for clothes and make your life more comfortable.

6. make effective use of wall surfaces

In small rooms, it is important to make effective use of wall space as well as floor space. Wall-mounted storage shelves and hooks allow you to store things without taking up floor space.

Mirrors can also be mounted on the walls to create the effect of a larger room. The reflection of the mirror spreads light into the room, creating a bright and open atmosphere.

Interior design recommendations for small apartments

The right choice of interior design can give even the smallest apartment a spacious look. Here we detail tips and tricks for choosing the right interior design for a small room.

Choose low-height furniture.

Tall furniture can overwhelm the space to the ceiling and make the room feel smaller. In small apartments, the key is to choose furniture that is as low in height as possible.

For example, choosing a low sofa, a low table, or a low bed will soften the feeling of oppression and create an open atmosphere. Low furniture also has the effect of making the entire room seem larger because it does not block the line of sight.

White or light-colored furniture.

The choice of furniture color is also an important factor in determining the impression of a room. In a small room, choosing light-colored furniture, such as white or light beige, reflects light and makes the room seem larger.

However, if everything is unified in bright colors, it tends to become monotonous, so it is a good idea to incorporate accent colors in fabrics such as cushions, rugs, and curtains. By using bright or deep colors in parts of the room as a color accent, you can create a space that is full of life.

Unify furniture materials and design.

In a small room, unifying the materials and design of the interior is important to create an impression of spaciousness.

Furniture can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, rattan, metal, and plastic, but in a small room, it is recommended to choose materials that are as consistent as possible. For example, unifying the room with wood will create a warm, natural atmosphere and give the entire room a relaxed feel.

The design should also be simple and modern to create a clean image. Disparate furniture designs can make a room feel cluttered and small, so it is important to be aware of the unity of design.

Even in a small room, you can create a cohesive and open space by unifying materials and design. Enjoy creating a room with a cozy interior that suits your tastes.

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summary

A small Japanese apartment can be transformed into a comfortable and cozy space with a little ingenuity. First, it is important to determine what is necessary and what is unnecessary according to your lifestyle.

By making good use of storage space, selecting simple and functional furniture and arranging it in a creative way, you can make life easy even in a limited space. Pay attention to the interior design, and try to create a layout with bright colors and a sense of openness.

Because it is a small room, you can enjoy interior design that is unique to you. Please try to create your ideal room with the ideas introduced in this article. You will surely create a wonderful space where you can spend your daily life comfortably.

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