World Business

Some jobless Japanese live in small cubicles

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-01-01 15:59

The capsules have no doors, only screens that pull down. [Photo/The New York Times]

Some laid-off Japanese lives in cubicles barely bigger than coffins, the New York Times reported on Jan 1.

Atsushi Nakanishi, jobless since Christmas lives in a cubicle, one of dozens of berths stacked two units high in one of central Tokyo's decrepit "capsule" hotels.

"It's just a place to crawl into and sleep," he said.

The rent is surprisingly high for such a small space: 59,000 yen a month, or about $640, for an upper bunk.

But with no upfront deposit or extra utility charges, and basic amenities like fresh linens and free use of a communal bath and sauna, the cost is far less than renting an apartment in Tokyo, Mr. Nakanishi says.