General

Whether it really matters or not is obviously open to question, but the issue of size — and a supposed lack of it — sometimes rears its head in relation to the Japanese, with the country’s rather inadequately proportioned apartments and pioneering products such as the Walkman only adding to the argument.

Yet not everything one hears is true — far from it in fact.

The length and breadth of Japan’s numerous shopping malls for example can in no way be contested, plus relatively recently, Tokyo has seen the construction of several sizeable erections, the latest standing proud as the capital’s largest. And in regards to more personal matters it’s a similarly successful story, as the young fella featured below is happy to flaunt his unfeasibly large chopper.

(click image for meatier-sized motoring club member)

For raring to go recruits fresh from university, the Japanese company dormitory is a cheap and convenient option — hugely subsidized rent and even the provision of meals in some places making the transition to working life a lot easier. Also, spending their every waking hour at the company or with colleagues effortlessly eases them onto the corporate conveyor belt, which will unwaveringly whisk them along whether they like it or not.

Employees married to both the company and a colleague on the other hand may well find themselves in a similarly set up apartment, which allows them the same subsidized rent but considerably more privacy. Escaping from workmates however is one thing, but withdrawing from work is something different altogether — even if it’s just for a few hours at night.

Or at least that’s the case for some KEIO Corporation railway staff living in western Tokyo, as despite having a balcony and a bit of greenery to have a gander at,

there’s little in the way of a respite as far as locomotives are concerned.

(click images for larger lousy living location)