But, anyway, the housing was basic as could be: concrete shells in high rise apartment buildings with plumbing, wiring and gas service. You had to buy your own flooring, light fixtures, furniture, but the payment to own was just enough more attractive than the payment to rent that many people did exactly that.
Remember what happened in Japan in the 1980s? Even many of those on the lowest end of the income scale opted to own. Some older public housing due for demolition within a few years still sold. Example: older couple five years from retirement and planning to move back to the country wanted something low cost and basic. Ditto for a couple of 20 something office ladies who spent most of their free time partying or traveling.
Privatization worked so well that an economic boom was fueled selling inexpensive furnishings and up to make these little rabbit hutches comfortable. The first company which I worked for in Japan saw excellent growth in this market and the market just above, namely young couples moving out into their first homes or into more luxurious apartments because they were able to get a start in these low cost affairs.
A lot of this was, of course, made possible by a strong employment market. But even then, the pride of ownership thing (even if was only going to be for five years) did wonders for how people took care of their housing.
But, anyway, the housing was basic as could be: concrete shells in high rise apartment buildings with plumbing, wiring and gas service. You had to buy your own flooring, light fixtures, furniture, but the payment to own was just enough more attractive than the payment to rent that many people did exactly that.
Remember what happened in Japan in the 1980s? Even many of those on the lowest end of the income scale opted to own. Some older public housing due for demolition within a few years still sold. Example: older couple five years from retirement and planning to move back to the country wanted something low cost and basic. Ditto for a couple of 20 something office ladies who spent most of their free time partying or traveling.
Privatization worked so well that an economic boom was fueled selling inexpensive furnishings and up to make these little rabbit hutches comfortable. The first company which I worked for in Japan saw excellent growth in this market and the market just above, namely young couples moving out into their first homes or into more luxurious apartments because they were able to get a start in these low cost affairs.
A lot of this was, of course, made possible by a strong employment market. But even then, the pride of ownership thing (even if was only going to be for five years) did wonders for how people took care of their housing.