Saturday, November 22, 2008

10 Ways the Japanese Live Small


The Japanese far surpass the rest of the world in the "smaller is better" movement. Here are the top 10 ways many Japanese are already living small.

10. Tiny houses. In Tokyo, houses like the one to the right are filled with high tech devices and are helping the overpopulation issues that are especially problematic in Japan.

9. The sink/toilet. The small, multifunctional sink-slash-toilet is a sink and toilet in one! This is an excellent space saver that will cut down on water usage and fit in even the tiniest of homes.

8. Smaller appliances. Small homes need small appliances, which also consume less electricity.

7. 1.5 inch LCD TVs. This tiny TV is made for dollhouses, but why should that stop people from enjoying them as well? The toy company that produces them certainly has the right idea.

6. Good things in small packages. Many products are now made in miniature to save space.

5. The comfort of home...in a capsule. Now you can rent out one of these cozy nooks to stay the night. An amazing space saver.

4. Sub-compact cars. A Suzuki is easy on the wallet and the environment.

3. The Antquarium. Move over mutts. This easy ant aquarium is low maintenance and would make a perfect stocking-stuffer for the live-small pet lovers on your list.

2. Smaller food portions. They'll help you save room in the cupboard and in the waist.

1. Big fears. Just as small is good, big is bad. Think Godzilla.

Now it's time for the rest of the world to follow the example of the Japanese.
Small steps can have big results.

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