New dimensions of housing acquisition in the Tokyo Bay Area: Skyscraper condominium residents in Toyosu

Abstract

Centripetal population movements in the Tokyo metropolitan area and changes in the supply of condominiums since the latter half of the 1990s have been reported. Hence, this study aimed to clarify the demographics of the residents of those condominiums and to examine changes in housing acquisitions in recent years. An analysis of questionnaires administered to residents revealed various family types, including not only small family units such as singles and "double-income, no kids" partners, but also families with small children, who were believed typically to move to the suburbs, and older families who had moved away from the suburbs. Each family type had reasons unique to the life stage in which they moved; however, commonalities in behavior to minimize social risk can be inferred. The opportunities to obtain suitable housing become similar to ascending the career ladder in this era when employment and income stability have decreased.