In the modern world, where the urban population grows every year, finding housing is becoming an increasingly difficult task. This is especially true in countries with high population density, such as Japan. In this country, which is home to over 125 million people, the concept of micro-apartments has become commonplace. Developers strive to make use of every square meter of land to accommodate as many residential units as possible.

Nakamura Norm, a travel blogger, decided to investigate the phenomenon of tiny apartments and show how Japanese builders tackle this challenge. He recently shared a video showcasing “the most unusual Japanese apartment.” The video quickly gained popularity, as Norm captured one of the narrowest buildings you can find in Tokyo. A bright yellow brick forms its shape.

Norm constructed the apartment building on a plot of land originally intended for parking. At first, it seems that there is barely enough room for a single person, but Norm manages to get inside and explore this astonishing structure. It turned out that this narrow building contained several floors and living spaces.

When the blogger entered one of the apartments, the first thing that caught his eye was the narrow entrance. There was barely enough space to take off his shoes.

Right behind the entrance door was a miniature kitchen area, and next to it was a tiny bathroom. Despite its small size, the developers fit everything necessary—even a bathtub. Although Norm could barely fit into the small space, he noted that he had seen even smaller bathrooms.

The largest room in the apartment is the living space, which, according to Nakamura, is only 2.5 meters long. The room appeared clean and bright thanks to the abundance of natural light. It turned out, however, that the brick walls were wallpaper imitating brick.

Rent for such a tiny apartment is about 40,000 Japanese yen per month, which is equivalent to 300 US dollars. This fact sparked a wide reaction among the video’s viewers. Many commenters expressed their surprise and disbelief at how anyone could live in such conditions.

Users shared their opinions in numerous comments after the video’s publication. Many were shocked by the size of the apartment. One user noted that such a small space could negatively affect the mental state of residents, even if the person does not suffer from claustrophobia. Others emphasized that living in such conditions, especially with a family, would be unbearable, despite the relative affordability of the housing.

Some commenters also suggested that living in such an apartment might be possible if a person is young and single, but it is not a long-term living option. Some shared their experiences, comparing narrow apartments in Japan with housing in other countries, such as New York or Hong Kong.

These tiny apartments are not unique to Japan. In other large cities, such as New York, residents often struggle with limited space due to high prices. The “worst New York apartment,” which was expensive, tiny, and lacked a toilet, is a famous US case. People in Hong Kong have gained notoriety for living in extremely cramped “coffin homes.”

Japan, like many other densely populated countries, faces the problem of housing shortages, which forces developers to create increasingly compact apartments. Norm Nakamura’s experience vividly demonstrates just how small apartments can be in Japan’s capital. Despite the minimalism and cramped conditions, such apartments remain in demand, especially among singles or young professionals seeking affordable housing in the city center. However, not everyone is ready to live in such extreme conditions, and many prefer more spacious apartments outside the megacities.