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)
Landl says
The noise must be unbearable. Hope they have soundproof!
And god knows what the shaking must be like!!
Peter says
This is one of the few times that it is good that the trains all shut down at midnight.
David says
And I thought sleeping in one of those tiny capsule hotel rooms would be bad.
Boy was I wrong!
Regards,
Bunny says
If I lived there, I may well lose my TRAIN of thought. I would certainly RAIL in protest and TRACK down a new abode. BOOM! BOOM!