It’s a much-repeated mantra that houses in Tokyo are built for the summer, and not winter; hence, no doubt, their woefully inadequate, nay non-existent, insulation. A far from comfortable state of affairs that often means the likes of bedrooms barely get above the baltic.
But even considering such stoically accepted suffering, the old, badly fitted and tape-repaired front door below surely takes draughtiness to new, appendage deadening, depths.
Sam says
Love the ramshackle-ness of this pic. To be honest I don’t think Japanese houses are much cop in the summer either. There’s no insulation from the heat and I sit in my apartment sweating for about 2 months of the year.
Mr. S. says
In my experience, Canadians complain the most about Japanese housing in the winter (I am one of them). This infuriates their Japanese acquaintances, and spouses, but the fact is Europeans learned to insulate quite quickly in Canada, after impinging on the hospitality of the Native Peoples to survive their first winters. How is that that the Japanese have not figured out how to live in this climate after several thousand years?!
Lee says
Couldn’t agree more with you both. There’s surely no excuse for the complete lack of insulation in most places. Heck, even double glazing is something to get excited about. And exactly, the built for summer line is utter nonsense, as come July and August they are sauna-like…
Badboy says
My walls got mud and straw packed in em.
This place trips me out.
You outta have a “ghetto door” contest. I know some WAY more fucked up than the one above 🙂
Lee says
Yeah, so many houses are in such a state of disrepair it’s staggering that people still live in them. God only knows how cold they must be…
Matt says
My door is warmer, but this one has oh so much more character.
Lee says
Yeah, but in this case, give me practicality over character any day!
MG says
Obviously they aren’t big on security either!!
Lee says
No, the lock wouldn’t even deter the laziest of burglars, would it? In fact, if they were svelte enough, they could probably just squeeze through one of the gaps!
Mr.S. says
You often get what I call the ‘Japanese Razor’: the explanation for the resistance to easily change something stupid is, ‘but that’s not Japanese culture’. My wife got the argument somewhere that drafty houses are necessary because of Japan’s humidity, never mind that in much rainier Vancouver they have insulation and double-paned windows.
Lee says
Yes, I’ve come up against that one more times than I care to remember…
The whole housing thing totally baffles me though. I’m not a builder or architect, and obviously earthquakes are a factor, but surely even a bit of insulation isn’t a lot to ask for.
gunmagirl says
Love the lace and the flowers growing toward spring- it’s almost enough to cure my frostbite.
Lee says
Yes, it doesn’t feel too far away now, does it? As mild as the winter has been though, I bet the people living there can’t wait for a bit of warmer weather.
Chris says
That’s not near Okubo Station by any chance, is it, Lee? Just wondering if I recognise the place.
Lee says
Nah. I can’t remember exactly where I took it, but it was somewhere around the Nezu/Nippori area. Plenty of place like this around there. There again ,there are plenty of them all over the city, aren’t there?