Growing up, I never lived in mansions nor was I part of a wealthy family that could afford a big house. But the house I grew up in was comfortable and a decent size. However, as most Americans learn if they decide to live abroad, much of the world’s population does not operate with the same amount of space. Japan is no exception. After moving to my 20m2 (215 square feet) apartment on a quaint hill in Nagasaki, I quickly learned that I would need to get creative if I had any hope of living in peace.
There’s a reason Tokyo is home to so many skyscrapers—there’s simply not enough room to build in any other direction! Apply this same logic to organizing your apartment, and you’re well on your way to living in harmony with the 1K-apartment gods.
Places like Nitori will have good quality vertical solutions to tiny apartments: storage shelves, adhesive hooks, stackable storage bins, tall bookshelves, etc. For certain items like vacuum-seal storage bags and adhesive hooks (that support approximately up to 4kg), however, you’re better off visiting a ¥100 shop like Daiso or CanDo. Luckily, these shops are everywhere in Japan, even most smaller towns.
Hanging solutions also fall into the vertical category. Net bags hung from the ceiling or off a hook on the wall can make aesthetically-pleasing and practical ways to keep fruits and vegetables out of the way, but still accessible. Hanging storage shelves can be placed in closets to keep socks and other small clothing items out of the way. Storing shoes (or anything else that fits) in over-the-door organizers or under a raised bed frame (as opposed to a Japanese futon) can help you maximize space even further.
Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture
Investing in multi-functional furniture is one of the smartest ways to maximize your space. Items like foldable tables, sofas that double as beds, or coffee tables with built-in storage compartments can provide multiple uses while taking up minimal space. Look for furniture that fits neatly into corners or against walls to avoid obstructing walkways.
Nitori and Muji offer a wide selection of space-saving furniture tailored to smaller living spaces. Don’t forget to check second hand shops like Hard Off or Second Street, too! They won’t always have what you’re looking for, but you can find some great deals, and they often have delivery services available if you can’t easily bring it home yourself.
Remember that the smaller sizes meant to fit furniture into teeny living spaces means that if you’re on the taller side, you might have to search a little harder to find furniture in which you find comfortable (and you’ll have to sacrifice more room in your apartment, of course).
Embrace Minimalism
While minimalism is having a moment in the West, the Japanese way of living has always tended towards this way of thinking, no doubt in large part because of limited living space throughout the country. Children are taught to value the possessions that they do have, and the attitude towards shopping or buying new things is much less intense than the one I saw growing up. People do, of course, indulge in treats or nice things for themselves like toys, manga, clothing, etc. However, the whole process seems much more thoughtful and intentional.
Living in Japan has made me appreciate this way of shopping much more. Before buying anything nowadays, I stop to think about where this new item would live in my space and how often I would use it. I really try to visualize it in my home so that it doesn’t become unnecessary clutter.
Inventory Every Few Months
Part of a minimalist approach to living is staying on top of what you keep in your home. This will become more important than ever in Japan. Take a good, hard look at everything in your apartment every few months. Think about how often you use each item, and if there’s not something else that could take its place or be used instead. Much of the time, we keep things around “just in case”, but that moment rarely ever comes often enough, if at all, to justify keeping some of our possessions.
A practice that I find helps me keep my space organized is the “one in, one out” rule: for every one item that you bring into your home, find one to let go. This rule is especially helpful once you’ve settled into your space and accumulated the basics. It’s also a great way to prevent your home from feeling overwhelmed by stuff.
Remember, everything in your apartment should have a designated spot. If an item doesn’t have a “home,” it’s likely to end up as clutter.
That being said, you won’t need much of these in your possession if you…
Take Advantage of Rental Spaces
Since living spaces in Japan often limit how much you can accumulate, there is a robust market for rental lounge spaces that scratch that itch. Tiny apartments aren’t seen as much of an issue because there is so much opportunity to be out and about. The idea of lounging all day in one’s home isn’t seen as very typical. Internet (or manga) cafes are probably one of the most well-known examples of these rental spaces. For a fee, these spaces allow you to spend time in a comfortable private room with access to a range of amenities such as WiFi, video games, TV and, of course, plenty of manga. Believe it or not, there are even cases of people living full time in these spaces, since some of them even provide showers, blankets and laundry machines.
There are also rentable office spaces in most areas that are normally used for meetings and the like, but also come in handy for small get-togethers or a larger space to chill out. They can be rented by the hour, and usually come with a small sink area, living space with tables and chairs and bathroom that often includes a small shower. One of my friends even had a birthday party in one of these rooms so that she could invite a bigger group than her 1K apartment would have allowed.
Living in a 1K apartment might require some adjustments, but it’s also a chance to get creative and embrace a more intentional lifestyle. By maximizing your space with multi-functional furniture, clever storage solutions, and thoughtful organization, you can transform even the smallest apartment into a cozy, functional home. Plus, the process of personalizing your space will help you appreciate the unique charm of living in Japan. With a little effort, your 1K apartment can become a reflection of your style and a testament to your adaptability.