THE JOY OF JAPANESE LIFESTYLE
The Japanese people take great pride in their distinct culture and way of life. They are incredibly selective even in the most minor details. From food, fashion to art and architecture, the Japanese have a lot to offer to the rest of the world.
The advancements and peculiarities of their modern lifestyle have piqued the interest of most Asian neighbors. Some of the Philippines’ most prominent property developers are even incorporating these concepts into their project amenities and offerings. Others meanwhile appropriate the inspiring Japanese features by combining locally translated versions.
THE ZEN IN LIVING
The Japanese home decor is beautiful and minimalist, but it retains a unique style found nowhere else in the world. There is little clutter in a room. Like many other cultures, areas are devoid of excessive decorations and furniture.
Japanese houses also have a poetic quality that evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. They usually have an open floor plan with sliding doors that allow access to the outdoors and into their gardens. Different areas of the house are designated for living, eating, sleeping and entertaining. There is an emphasis on using natural materials such as wood, stone and paper.
A CORNER TO CONTEMPLATE
Tea is more than just a hot beverage in Japan. The ceremony symbolizes purity, tranquillity, respect and harmony. It resembles simplicity and serenity, which the philosophy can apply to various aspects of life, including business. In every Filipino home, there should be a Japanese tea room. It’s a space meant to bring peace and tranquility.
A SENSE OF CLEANLINESS
Japan has a strong cleaning culture. Cleaning time has been part of students’ daily schedule for 12 years, from elementary to high school. Students leave their shoes in lockers and change into trainers when they arrive at school. People also leave their street shoes at the front door of the home. Even contractors will take off their shoes and walk around in their socks when they enter a house.
It is inspiring to adopt a healthy lifestyle quickly. People do not blow their noses in public, and they use hand sanitizers provided to customers in stores and offices. They learn to sort trash into 10 different categories to make recycling easier.
LIFESTYLE TECHNOLOGIES
The Japanese have embraced technology like no other nation ever had. They appear to live in the future, with robots, super fast bullet trains, fast internet and impressive vending machines.
But of all the high-tech achievements, the design of Japanese toilets is probably one of the most striking aspects of futuristic living. The abundance of lights and features in water closets and fixtures is well known. Washing automation, heating, playing music, checking your blood pressure, weight, or urine, or simply cleaning the bowl are all options available in some seats.
TURNING JAPANESE
When designing a home, architects must consider several factors. The design of the Filipino home is a blend of western and eastern influences. It’s crucial to consider the tropical environment, the architectural motif and the types of people living there.
Meanwhile, the Japanese home has developed a reputation for being space-efficient. From challenging urban planning to blending harmony with technological improvements, from relaxing onsen baths to respecting others’ spaces, Filipino real estate developers can undoubtedly learn a lot from Japanese thinking.
The author is the principal architect at Fulgar Architects, creating unique and extraordinary design specialties for various property ventures from hotels, condominiums, museums, commercial to mixed-use township developments. Please visit www. ianfulgar.com