Compact & Bijou

The recent Worldwide Cost of Living Survey puts Tokyo and Osaka as the top two most expensive cities to live in. It's the first time in a number of years that Zurich has not been in the top spot. Whilst the Swiss are probably happier, this fact is not going to please my sister who visits next week!

Japanese real estate and rentals are both similarly expensive which is why accommodation here is on the small size - I may have mentioned this once or twice in other blips ;) Today's blip beautifully exemplifies the accommodation challenge as it show two apartments, side by side and their rather unique and ingenious solution to space issues... they have put their washing machines outside (I rather like that the far one has wrapped theirs up for the winter!)

It is also a commentary on the relatively low crime rates in Japan!

In spite of the cost of living, it's still popular.
Kathleen Norris