Originally posted January 29 2015
As concerns grow about Japan’s decreasing population, konkatsu (‘marriage hunting’) has become big business – konkatsu bars have been popping up and speed-dating events, tours and various other activities are regularly organised to promote interaction between singles. The latest venture that’s tapping into the boom is by property renovation company Homes. Last year they launched their konkatsu apartments, which come kitted out with a strip pole and an open bathtub, both of which are stationed in the living room. Because, as project leader Rintaro Kikuchi told The Wall Street Journal, ‘You can’t ignore sex and make a house.’
The idea came about in collaboration with love life advisor Olivia (she only goes by a first name) and, besides the pole and the bathtub, the key features of the 33m² space include: lots of natural light, natural materials, soundproofing and attractive kitchen space. The aim is to move people out of their dinky, one-window apartments into a space that encourages fresh air, easy movement, relaxation and, apparently, plenty of noisy pole dancing. And, according to this article by The Wall Street Journal, it appears to be working.
Images sourced from Homes