Penguin House in Tokyo seems large
House in Tokyo conserve space
This video shows what I feel is one of the primary qualities of a house in Tokyo, a quality that has to be central on an island[s] country that is small on space and big on people; the quality of conserving space in a house in Tokyo without making it feel cramped. Indeed, much of Japanese art and architecture, as well as Japanese gardening and decorating are focused on this ideal. I guess you could compare it to the idea of Feng Shui, leaving plenty of space for ideas, thoughts, feelings, people and their auras to float around without always running into each other. This is great for a house in Tokyo, a large, bustling, and crowded city.
House in Tokyo necessity versus privilege
This space creation or enhancement is less about actually buying over-sized housing, like it is here in America and many other western countries, and more about the idea of using well what you have. You do not need 5000 square feet, you need to learn how to make 1000 square feet look like 2000 (of course, even a thousand might be a luxury in some of the apartments and house in Tokyo). It is almost an art form, but one that it seems many that are raised in the Japanese culture learn from a very early age. It is an art form that I wish I knew more of (though I have a sneaking suspicion that the kind of meticulous housekeeping required for that kind of living is somewhat beyond me at this point; I am not a particularly dirty person, but I am certainly not meticulous).
House in Tokyo = awesome?
While part of me would love to live in Tokyo someday (if not permanently, at least for a few years), I am not sure if a house in Tokyo is the best option. Apartments really do save much more space than a house, and probably are cheaper and easier to rid yourself of once it is time to leave (assuming I do go only for a year or two, which is still definitely not a permanent plan, though my plan to visit is set in stone; well, except for all of the details, lol). Ultimately, thoroughly examine all of your options before committing to a house in Tokyo, or a house anywhere. Houses are much harder to get rid of than apartments or hotel rooms, and if the economy tanks in whatever country you decide to invest yourself in you could get stuck with a major drain and a major headache. But if you decide to go for it, good for you! And good luck!
