love thy neighbour

it goes without saying that most things have been done here under the 'designing for small spaces category'. I've seen restaurants here that don't actually exist. sure, there's a kitchen recessed into a wall, but the restaurant itself is simply a narrow ledge before a half height curtain and often 'packed' with customers. it's really incredible to see, first-hand, how the japanese use space.

petrol stations are a classic example with ceiling-mounted pumps providing a much needed economy of space as well as a much safer environment. indoors, sliding doors go without saying and futons too. the 'keep', or under floor storage is perhaps a slightly less well known use of space but one which is essential for many homes, allowing storage for bulky goods such as rice and water - functional both by making use of dead space as well as cool space. then there's the wee bath. and the wee phones as well. the list just goes on and on.

essentials that extend from living in close proximity are both being tolerant of others and having manners. everyday nasty, near misses are common with bikes, cars and pedestrians in japan but people don't get particulalry upset or even acknowledge what some westerners would call their lawyer over. rage is, although increasing, still alien to japan.

furthermore, living metres away from someone elses living room window means in mid-summer when the windows are fully open, you've got to be careful what you say or do. even passing wind is an issue. certainly with my aptitude. shagging is forbidden in most japanese homes. I've one neighbour who sings quietly, but I hear him none-the-less, very cleary. I've another who's a football fan and when the country's doing well, the huge shouts that cry out seems to echo around the neighbourhood. but these are neither bothersome nor frequent events and people just deal with living so closely together by having a mutual respect. perhaps it goes someway to explaining why the japanese are such a calm and quiet race.