The Secret to Tokyo's Affordable Housing

TLDRTokyo has managed to keep housing prices affordable despite population growth, thanks to smart urban design and inclusive zoning laws. The city consistently builds more housing units than there are households, ensuring a surplus. By allowing housing in every zone and promoting higher density, Tokyo has created walkable mixed-use neighborhoods that are affordable and desirable to live in. American cities, on the other hand, struggle with high housing costs and limited supply due to restrictive zoning laws and the nimby movement. Learning from Tokyo's approach can help address the housing crisis in the US.

Key insights

🏠Tokyo has more housing units than households every year due to surplus construction.

🌇Inclusive zoning laws in Tokyo allow for housing in every zone and promote higher density.

🛣️Tokyo's urban design focuses on creating walkable mixed-use neighborhoods.

💼Euclidean zoning in American cities limits housing options and contributes to rising costs.

🌍Learning from Tokyo's approach can help address the housing crisis in the US.

Q&A

Why is Tokyo able to keep housing prices affordable?

Tokyo builds more housing units than there are households, ensuring a surplus and keeping prices stable.

What is inclusive zoning?

Inclusive zoning in Tokyo allows for housing in every zone, promoting higher density and mixed-use neighborhoods.

Why do American cities struggle with housing costs?

Restrictive zoning laws and the nimby movement limit housing supply and drive up costs in American cities.

What can American cities learn from Tokyo's approach?

American cities can learn from Tokyo's inclusive zoning laws and focus on creating walkable mixed-use neighborhoods to address the housing crisis.

Can Tokyo's approach be replicated in the US?

While it may require policy changes and community support, adopting Tokyo's approach to housing can help make American cities more affordable.

Timestamped Summary

00:04Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is known for its incredible transit system, amazing food, and culture that attracts visitors from far and wide.

00:20Tokyo's affordable housing market is often overlooked. Rental prices in Tokyo Prefecture have barely risen 20% in the last 15 years.

01:12Tokyo has more housing units than households every year since 1968, creating a surplus and keeping housing costs stable.

04:52The new city planning law of 1968 played a crucial role in creating housing abundance in Tokyo, thanks to inclusive zoning and higher density developments.

06:31Unlike American cities that use restrictive euclidean zoning, Tokyo's inclusive zoning allows for housing in every zone, promoting mixed-use neighborhoods.

09:02The nimby movement, which opposes new development, is less prevalent in Tokyo, allowing for a more flexible and responsive housing market.

10:31American cities can learn from Tokyo's approach to housing by implementing inclusive zoning, promoting higher density, and creating walkable mixed-use neighborhoods.

11:04Changing zoning laws and adopting Tokyo's approach can help address the housing crisis and make American cities more affordable.