Sep 26th 2011 8:00AM
Responding to Japan's love of pets, several architects have established a new, niche trend within their industry: pet-friendly home design. With the world's lowest birthrate -- an estimated 7.3 births for every 1,000 people -- Japan is home to many young couples who choose pets in lieu of children. Additionally, many... Continue Reading »
Mar 18th 2011 11:14AM
In the wake of last week's devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, prospective home buyers may be asking themselves what about a house makes it more able to weather a natural disaster. There isn't a huge difference in the way residential homes are built in Japan compared to in the U.S., although the Japanese are more... Continue Reading »
Jan 5th 2010 2:28PM
You think you've got it bad? Japan is enduring its worst recession in decades. So what can you rent in Tokyo for $640 a month during the downturn? Not an apartment, but a berth -- a tiny shelf in a "capsule hotel." Built for "salarymen" who missed the last train home after staying out drinking, capsule hotels are now the... Continue Reading »
Dec 9th 2009 2:00PM
A pair of New Yorkers living in a 175-square-foot studio might just be the wave of the future. Zaarath and Christopher Prokop don't cook in their own kitchen. They "store" most of their clothes at dry cleaners. A cappuccino machine is their only kitchen appliance, and a cat-gym and a queen-sized bed are almost the only... Continue Reading »
