A tiny and afforable flat in Tokyo, which has been likened to a prison cell, has gone viral on mainland social media. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/QQ.com
TOKYO: A six-square-metre rental flat in Tokyo, described by Japanese netizens as a “giant toilet” because of its “prison-style” layout, has gone viral online, attracting much interest from Chinese netizens.
The level of attention in the flat came on the back of a surge in foreign tourists traveling to Japan in 2024, which led to fully booked hotels across the country and drove up accommodation prices.
Its convenient location and affordable price make it stand out as a popular choice.
Japanese government sources show that the number of foreign visitors to the country from January to June in 2024 reached a record high of 17,777,200 in the first half of the year.
In October alone, Japan welcomed 3,312,000 foreign visitors, marking a 31.6 percent increase on the previous year.
The flat, in the Waseda area near Waseda University in Tokyo, is just a two-minute walk from Waseda Station and offers an exceptional location.
Built in 1981, the 44-year-old, six-storey building, is well-maintained. It offers modern conveniences, including automatic locks and an elevator.
Measuring six square meters, it is surprisingly well-equipped with full amenities, including air conditioning, a smart toilet, a bathroom, and two foldable tables.
However, the cramped design makes the room resemble a prison cell because it has only a single small window, and the layout requires tenants to stretch their legs into the shower area when using the toilet.
The monthly rent is just 35,000 yen (US$222), an incredibly low price for the area, nearby hotels can cost more for just a few nights.
The nature of the property has triggered mixed reactions.
One Japanese online observer said: “This is basically just a giant toilet.”
However, some find the facility cosy and convenient: “If it is close to work and saves on commuting time, I might use it as a base during the week and return home at the weekends.”
In April 2024, a 53-square-foot flat in Shanghai went viral online for its cramped layout and unexpectedly low price. It even features a bed placed directly behind a toilet.
Tucked under a staircase, it features a mattress, with a toilet and washbasin just inches away, all under the shadow of the sloping stairs above.
Priced at just 300 yuan (US$42) a month, it was rented out the same day it was listed by a ride-hailing driver quickly.
The Tokyo flat has sparked a wave of interest and humour on mainland social media.
“The shower looks like it was renovated from a washing machine! The drainage pipe is still there!” one sharp-eyed online viewer said.
“Besides the dampness, it seems fine. If they separated the toilet and shower areas with partitions, it would look better,” said another.
However, many said that they could not accept living in such a small room. One of them said: “The moment I saw the room, I suddenly felt short of breath.”
“At least in prison, you do not have to cook or do laundry. That flat is worse than jail,” said another. - South China Morning Post
