CLEANLINESS is next to godliness, as the old saying goes, but the concept is apparently being stretched in Japan, where young people are increasingly being attracted to apartments without a shower or bathtub.
High real estate prices as well as a yen to live more simply are believed to be behind the trend, as well as an increasing number of public baths and gyms where people can maintain personal hygiene.
Nikkei Asia has highlighted strong demand from people in their twenties and thirties who want to live in Central Tokyo for its vibrant lifestyle and proximity to work - and it's much more affordable to rent a room with just a toilet and sink, rather than a full bathroom.
Aficionados say showering at the gym helps them more easily switch their mindset between work and home, and they also apparently like not having the regular chore of keeping the bathroom clean.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Jan 23
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