Demand for soundproofed housing in Japan increases in face of post-pandemic behavioral changes

As the COVID-19 pandemic prompts people to spend more time at home, many Japanese residents seek soundproof apartments,

Not only limited to musicians or content creators, this trend also appeals to ordinary individuals desiring more freedom in their daily activities without disturbing others.

Acoustically insulated housing units, known as “musisions,” have seen a surge in demand.

Tokyo real estate developer Livlan, which has been providing such units since 2000, has seen its waiting list grow to 2,800, despite the rents being around 30% higher than comparable conventional units.

The company, with a portfolio of 727 units across 30 buildings in the Tokyo area, has been expanding rapidly since the onset of the pandemic.

The ” D-value ” determines the degree of sound insulation, with higher numbers indicating better noise insulation.

Buildings like those by Livlan typically possess D-values over 70, far exceeding the Architectural Institute of Japan’s recommendation of 50 for an apartment to be considered “especially soundproof.”

Soundproof units offer a sense of liberation for residents like a 32-year-old gamer, who can now livestream gaming activities without disturbing neighbors.

Similarly, Yutaka Hosomi, a voice teacher, enjoys the freedom to sing and record his music anytime without worrying about disturbing others.

The advent of soundproof apartments has not only catered to the needs of residents seeking noise-free homes, but also revolutionized how they receive visitors.

For instance, some units have a system that triggers an indoor light when the intercom is pushed, ensuring no visitors are missed.

Once a niche market for musicians and sound professionals, soundproof housing is becoming mainstream due to pandemic lifestyle shifts.

This trend is reflected in a survey by Lifull Home’s, showing an 80% increase in individuals considering homes for their sound insulation compared to pre-pandemic times.

Other real estate developers, like Ascot and Daiwa House Industry, are also entering this burgeoning market, further signifying its potential growth.

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