In today's Chinese metropolises, high housing prices are like an invisible barrier that blocks young people's dreams of living. Our cities are becoming more and more "crowded", and in order to find a foothold in this "forest", young people are becoming more "stingy".
They explored various ways to save accommodation costs, and finally, they set their sights on a small space called a "space capsule".
The rise of space capsules and Japan's bubble economySpace capsules, the name sounds like a scene in a science fiction novel, as if it carries the breath of the future and is full of expectations. However, in fact, this concept is not the first time it has appeared in China.In fact, its origin can be traced back to Japan. Japan's bubble economy reached its peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but in 1991, it burst, causing many people to lose their jobs and stable sources of income.This sudden impact made Japanese society begin to re-examine its lifestyle, and a new way of living, the concept of "space capsules", came into being at this time.Let's go back to the early 1990s in Japan, a period of struggle after the economic bubble burst, when a large number of people lost their jobs and were short of money.During this period, Japanese people began to tighten their living expenses, and families began to pay more attention to saving in order to make ends meet for a period of time. People began to manage their money more carefully to ensure that they could meet their daily needs and necessities.Although this period was a challenge for many people, it also made people realize what is really important in life and how to adapt and survive in a tight environment.In such an environment, the concept of space capsules was born. It stems from a sense of oppression of space and economic tension, as well as the need for personal living space.As a result, a new way of living began to emerge in Japan, which compressed space to a minimum but provided a certain quality of life. This is what we call "space capsules" today.In Japan, space capsules were originally designed as a cheap short-term accommodation method. It provides a simple sleeping space and allows people to have a private place to rest. But over time, it has gradually integrated into the mainstream of Japanese society and become a new lifestyle.
The Encounter of the Concept of "Datsu-Shari" and Space CapsuleThe pursuit of a simple lifestyle in "space capsule" just fits the concept of "Datsu-Shari" in Japan, so it gradually becomes the choice of Japanese people.The concept of "Datsu-Shari" did not emerge suddenly, but was gradually formed in the lives of Japanese women.Japan has a small land area and a large population. Most Japanese women live in a relatively small space. They are very delicate in life. Basically, they put necessities in their homes, without any sundries, because too many things will make the home extremely messy.This is also the spirit of the space capsule. It makes us understand that life does not actually need too much space. As long as there is a comfortable enough sleeping space, it is enough.However, this concept is not widely known in Europe and the United States, because Europe and the United States are vast and sparsely populated, and their houses are relatively large. People do not feel oppressive, so naturally they do not need to shish-shari!Starting from the most common house in Europe and the United States, they can put sundries in the garage or basement if they don't need them, so shish-shari is not popular in Europe and the United States.This is also why the space capsule was born in Japan and why it can be widely popular in Japan.Because Japan's space environment and Japanese lifestyle provide a suitable soil for the birth of space capsules.When this lifestyle was brought to China, it was also accepted by the majority of young people and became one of their lifestyles.
Residents of space capsules
Now, let's take a closer look at the people who live in space capsules. Who are they? Why do they choose to live in space capsules?
The main residents of space capsules are some young people who pursue an efficient and simple lifestyle. They are mainly distributed in first- and second-tier cities. The housing prices in these places are high and the rent is expensive, while the daily rental price of the cheapest space capsule is only 30 yuan, which has become their first choice.
Among them are college students who have just graduated and are still looking for jobs, young white-collar workers who have no time to take care of their lives because of their busy work, and entrepreneurs who want to save more money to start a business.
These people choose space capsules partly because of economic pressure, but more importantly, they agree with the life concept of space capsules-simple and efficient.
Of course, space capsules are not their only choice. Some young people will also choose youth hostels, but space capsules provide them with a more private and secure space. Here, they can focus on their work and study without worrying about being disturbed.
But this does not mean that there are no problems with life in space capsules. Although space capsules provide them with a comfortable living environment, the space in the space capsule is limited, and the lives of residents will be subject to certain restrictions.
For example, they cannot cook in the space capsule and can only choose takeout or canteen. In addition, due to the limited space in the space capsule, their personal belongings cannot be placed.
Future Choice
Now, we understand the living conditions of these young people living in the space capsule, their choices, and the challenges they face. So, is the space capsule their best choice? In addition to this, are there any better options?
Let's review why space capsules have such a large market in China.
On the one hand, this is related to the high housing prices in my country's first- and second-tier cities. According to statistics, as of 2023, the average housing price in Beijing and Shanghai has exceeded 50,000 yuan/square meter, and the rent is as high as several thousand yuan per month. For young people who have just entered society, this is undoubtedly a huge burden.
On the other hand, the deeper reason lies in the increasing pressure of modern society, especially the pressure on young people. They have to face multiple pressures such as work pressure, study pressure, and life pressure.
They need a place where they can calm down and concentrate, and the space capsule just provides such an environment.
However, we cannot ignore the problems of space capsules. The space in the space capsule is limited, and living in the space capsule for a long time may have a certain impact on their physical and mental health.
In fact, for young people, a better choice is to find a stable job, then accumulate experience and funds, and strive to buy a house as soon as possible. Of course, this is not an easy thing, but it is the most realistic and long-term choice. In addition, they can also choose to share a house with friends, which can not only reduce the cost of living, but also increase the fun of life.
In general, the space capsule is not the only choice for young people in a bustling metropolis, nor is it the best choice. They need to choose the most suitable lifestyle for themselves based on their actual situation.
But there is no need to criticize them. Whether it is "deductible" or helpless, only they know. But no matter what kind of lifestyle they choose, as long as they stick to their choices and have the courage to face the challenges of life, then they are the winners of life.
