A one room apartment in Japan is a model of efficiency. Just inside the door, which often is a sliding type door so as not to take up too much space, is a small kitchen area containing a sink, a sideboard with a one burner gas ring, and one or two shelves overhead.
Immediately next to the kitchen area is a large storage area which contains all the bedding and clothing that are needed in the apartment. This storage area is large enough to hold a low chest-drawers, if necessary.
The room itself may be as small as 4 mats (one mat is about two meters long and one meter wide) or as large as eight or twelve mats. Even the smallest room contains at least a low table, which often may be folded at night or simply leaned against a wall.
It may also contain a small refrigerator, a television set, and a bookcase or a wardrobe, or both, never giving the impression of being overly crowded.
Why is the japanese apartment called a model of efficiency?
The sliding door does not take up too much space.
It is comfortable with all facilities.
There are both wardrobe and large rooms.
It contains lots of things without looking crowded.