Tokyo Houzz Tour: Life in an Iconic Japanese Capsule Apartment
This minimalist capsule apartment in Tokyo combines contemporary tiny-house living with 20-century utopian architecture
Mamiko Nakano
24 February 2019
The Nakagin Capsule Tower that stands out starkly against the surrounding glitzy shopping district of Ginza in Tokyo, Japan, was designed by the late Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa. Even today, 47 years after its construction, there is a long line of people interested in renting one of the remaining habitable apartments of this iconic building. Attracted by its charm, designer Shintaro Tanaka moved here last year and created a minimalist, yet functional, living space that bridges ’70s utopian ideals and contemporary tiny-house living.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Who lives here: Shintaro Tanaka, a graphic artist and designer
Size: About 8.9 square metres
Architect: Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates
Builder: Taisei Corporation
Shintaro Tanaka works as a graphic artist in the Ginza area of Tokyo, where the tower is located. Looking to move closer to his work, he took up residence in one of these capsules in 2017.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Who lives here: Shintaro Tanaka, a graphic artist and designer
Size: About 8.9 square metres
Architect: Kisho Kurokawa Architect & Associates
Builder: Taisei Corporation
Shintaro Tanaka works as a graphic artist in the Ginza area of Tokyo, where the tower is located. Looking to move closer to his work, he took up residence in one of these capsules in 2017.
“The view, the atmosphere, the narrowness, the impressive appearance … I like everything about it,” says Tanaka. “I knew the building was here, but when I learned that I could actually live here, I fell in love with the capsule even more.”
The capsule had been previously renovated, but clever thinking is always necessary when living in a nine-square-metre room that’s almost half-a-century old. Tanaka enjoyed the challenge, relying on multipurpose furniture and taking full advantage of his 3D printer.
Attached to the ceiling is a Sony LED bulb speaker that emits both sound and light, and can be screwed into any light socket.
Attached to the ceiling is a Sony LED bulb speaker that emits both sound and light, and can be screwed into any light socket.
Tanaka does not use the refrigerator: when he wants something perishable, he simply goes to the convenience store on the ground floor. He uses the Sanyo fridge just to the right of the front door as extra storage.
His faithful green bike is foldable, so it doesn’t take up much space. He uses it, among other things, when on the hunt for parts for his DIY and 3D-printed projects.
His faithful green bike is foldable, so it doesn’t take up much space. He uses it, among other things, when on the hunt for parts for his DIY and 3D-printed projects.
Tanaka says he doesn’t understand the appeal of large homes. “It’s okay when there are a lot of people, but I live alone. I prefer it when everything is within reach, kind of like a secret fort from your childhood.”
The apartment is equipped with a unit bath, which are common in Japan. These are pre-manufactured as single units that generally consist of a basin, toilet, bath and shower – sealed against water seepage and with a drain in the middle of the floor. However, as there is no hot water in his capsule, Tanaka mostly showers in the building’s shared facilities.
The apartment is equipped with a unit bath, which are common in Japan. These are pre-manufactured as single units that generally consist of a basin, toilet, bath and shower – sealed against water seepage and with a drain in the middle of the floor. However, as there is no hot water in his capsule, Tanaka mostly showers in the building’s shared facilities.
The furniture consists of a desk with an integrated storage rack underneath and a small bed, both from Muji in Japan; and a folding chair from Pacific Furniture Service.
The building consists of 140 capsules, only a fraction of which are inhabited. This capsule was previously used as an office by its owner, who then decided to refurbish it and rent it out.
Although the floor in the picture resembles timber at first glance, it’s vinyl. These Sangetsu floor tiles are water-resistant and durable.
Although the floor in the picture resembles timber at first glance, it’s vinyl. These Sangetsu floor tiles are water-resistant and durable.
This is Tanaka’s workspace. The shelves for books and storage are integrated into the desk. It may look as though the shelf was already there, though some parts were made using the designer’s 3D printer that sits on his desk, such as the rubbish rack on the left-hand side.
Tanaka bought this Tivoli Audio radio because “it looked like a capsule”. He made the shelf himself using materials from a hardware store. The shelf and the clothes rail are not supported by legs but by magnets that, Tanaka explains, “can bear loads of up to 20 kilograms”.
Tanaka only keeps a bare minimum of clothes. The compact hangers are another Muji product, designed for travelers.
This 3D-printed scale model that Tanaka created himself shows the layout of another capsule apartment. Although the capsule he lives in is a little different, he initially wanted to find one with this design. A true enthusiast for capsule-apartment living, Tanaka is currently making a video about the Nakagin Capsule Tower.
The capsule’s single round window offers a view of the highway and Hamarikyu Gardens, leaving no doubt that the tower is situated in the middle of Tokyo. At night, lights from the highway illuminate the surroundings, “making it appear as if you were in the Blade Runner [film] universe,” as our host puts it.
In 2006, the Nakagin Capsule Tower was registered on the Japanese Modern Architecture list by DoCoMoMo Japan. While this acknowledges the building’s importance to the history of architecture, it provides no legal protections.
The tower continues to draw both domestic and international attention. However, it is falling into disrepair. The core of Kisho Kurokawa’s design envisioned a building that would be replaced and updated continually. The capsules only have a lifespan of 25 years and were supposed to be replaced over time – the structure was built to ensure individual units could be swapped out without disturbing the ones around them.
However, due to prohibitive costs this has not happened, and the building is plagued by extensive problems with plumbing, ventilation, leaks and asbestos. For this reason, there have been calls to demolish it, and its future is uncertain.
The tower continues to draw both domestic and international attention. However, it is falling into disrepair. The core of Kisho Kurokawa’s design envisioned a building that would be replaced and updated continually. The capsules only have a lifespan of 25 years and were supposed to be replaced over time – the structure was built to ensure individual units could be swapped out without disturbing the ones around them.
However, due to prohibitive costs this has not happened, and the building is plagued by extensive problems with plumbing, ventilation, leaks and asbestos. For this reason, there have been calls to demolish it, and its future is uncertain.
A group of owners who wish to preserve its historical value while waiting to replace their capsules have established the Nakagin Capsule Tower Preservation & Restoration Project. Through tours and monthly rental plans, the group are trying to increase the appeal and widespread understanding of the historical and architectural value of the tower, with a view to preserving and restoring this iconic structure.
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More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Catch up here with this Houzz Tour: The Unbelievable Outcome of a Cosmetic Makeover
Tell us
What do you most admire about minimalist living and capsule-style homes such as these? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Missed our last Houzz Tour? Catch up here with this Houzz Tour: The Unbelievable Outcome of a Cosmetic Makeover
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i love it. would have preferred to live in a capsule vs a share house when i lived in japan, get my own bathroom even if it's tiny.
Interesting but not for me!