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Cross border connection: Kizunaya Share House -Global HUB-

TSH writer — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 15:00:28 +0000

Window to connect Japan and the world, Kizunaya

In relation to Japan’s impressive progress to globalization, people’s demand to acquire international skills or connections is becoming higher. I myself have been aware of the desire to speak English, to at least communicate with foreigners easily. Some of them might even consider going abroad to gain opportunity to make connections with people outside the country.

However, going overseas to study or taking classes at English school takes time and energy that makes it uneasy for people to achieve or continue. Wouldn’t it be great if you could take parts in international community without going abroad?

Share house that makes your wish come true was opened in September 2017. It is the house we are going to introduce to you today, “Kizunaya –Global HUB-” which stands in Makuhari Hongou, city in Chiba prefecture. The house with the concept of “Connecting Japan and the world” has unique rules. Some resident areas are designated to speak only English and some with multiple languages. You can choose the environment according to your English level. The house embraces 50 people and has various types of rooms with theme of different countries. Let’s take a look.

Please click here for more information of the Kizunaya share house –Global HUB-.　

New generation typed share house is a renovated apartment.

In most cases, share houses are renovation of stand-alone house or company house, but this one is different. This share house is renovation of several rooms of apartment and utilizes the 1 floor space as its living room, which used to be a gathering space for all apartment residents. There are several rooms for people to share as it can provide living space for up to 52 residents in total. The nearest station Makuhari Hongou in Chiba prefecture is close to central part of Tokyo so you may commute without a big problem. If you take the Soubu line, it takes about 40 minutes to Akibahara station, and 35 minutes to Tokyo station. Good news for workers commuting near Chiba station, it only takes 13 minutes to get there.

The entrance looks just like an ordinary apartment. Share house residents will be going through here.

You may realize how big the share house is by looking at the number of mailboxes set for each rooms. There are secured mailbox for bigger packages that makes it possible for you to receive products you shopped online whenever you like.

Furthermore, rental bicycle for each 52 residents are provided for free. No need to worry when going shopping for daily products or going near the station.

Check out another unique service. At the parking lot, you will find vehicles of Times car share system. It only takes few procedures to use them. It will be very convenient for short trips with your share mates.

After entering the entrance, you will find hallway often seen in apartments. There will be two rooms and 1 dormitory for two people to share in one household, so it can take up to 4 people. Enough explanation for the appearance, let’s move on to the sharing space. Then we’ll take a look at the individual rooms.

Starting with dining kitchen where you can get to know each other.

Pendant light hanging from the wall, picture in the frame, and herringbone flooring makes the room look classic and elegant. This is dining room. Gathering space for every one to enjoy eating. Eating together has power to naturally start conversation with each other. Especially when it comes to the Kizunaya share house group, there will be “cooking party” held occasionally which brings residents together and creating connections.

Kizunaya group’s familiar theme “Seeing the world by cooking” is of course adopted here at the “cooking party”. Residents will be making various dishes according to the theme at this very place of 80 square meters big dining room.

Enough space for the kitchen. I can imagine preparing the meal with share mates.

Recently, party was held to celebrate the opening.

Events like “traveling around the world through beer” or “World-wide style takoyaki party” may be fresh in our minds. These were held at other share house of Kizunaya group.

Without understanding others’ language, everyone has some sort of interest in foods. Start a conversation by introducing your home country’s traditional dishes or local specialties and you may get along just fine.

Comfortable living rooms you can choose as you like.

Global HUB has separated living room a little away from the bigger one. Imagine people watching movie on the big screen, playing games, reading books, or netsurfing on their phones. The living room still can be connected with aisle to the kitchen so you can use the space for gathering events.

By stepping back and seeing the bigger picture, you may realize how vast the room is.

The isle leading to the kitchen is utilized as mini living room.

The layout is quite different from ordinary rental apartments with kitchen, living room, and dining room all squeezed together. It even looks like a fine office.

Standing in front of the sofa are wall-to-wall bookshelves.

The lineup was not substantial yet when shooting, but I assume that there will be worldwide storybooks and travel magazines on the shelves.

5 different theme and design for each 13 rooms of 3LDK.

You can pick one from different county inspired designs. The layout is accordance to the original apartment. The room is divided into two dependent rooms and one dormitory typed room for 2 people to share. It is more of a gathering of small share houses than one big share house. Every room has living room, kitchen, and bathroom so you can complete your life without going to the main living room or main kitchen, if you’re not in a mood.

Resort-like room makes you feel like you’re staying at the villa in Bali.

Impression turns one-eighty for this cool room imaging Italy.

American vintage style room with red brick designed paper walls and chic black flooring.

Here is a feminine room with the atmosphere of apartment in Paris.

Every dormitory is similar to each other. They consist of wide storage space and window with balcony; the size seems big for dormitory.

As you can see, these are what two private rooms look like. This simple room has enough storage for loaded stuff.

Let’s go take a look at the kitchen.

Though it seems quiet tight compared to the main living room, it’s not inconvenient like the type of kitchen usually set in the 1R apartment.

Finally, this is the bathroom with washbasin, laundry machine, and bathtub.

How did you like it? We reported the “Kizunaya share house –Global HUB-” run by Kizunabito Inc. The feature is that you can retain your privacy according to the wide sharing space, thanks to the size of the house. You are able to spend your free time wherever and whenever you want.

There are two positive aspects of the Kizunaya share house; first is that there’s plenty of opportunity to communicate with foreigners without going abroad, and second is that you can widen your relationship with other Kizunaya group share house residents. I heard that foreigners from various countries have already joined as a member of the share house. Kizunaya share house has its’ share house in Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, and Amami (in Kagoshima). Usually communication concludes in the share house you live in, but Kizunaya considers all area residents as one group. Therefore, gathering events of all areas are held once in a while and they say that this helps residents become like a relatives.

“Kizunaya share house –Global HUB-”, the attractive share house which enables people to interact with foreigners naturally in daily life and help you study as if you’re in abroad. Why don’t you take a chance to acquire international relation as part of your daily life?

/Author:inamine

Spend time wisely at ARDEN MOTOAZABU

TSH writer — Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:00:39 +0000

A sharehouse that can be used in a myriad of ways.

In the past 5 to 6 years the popularity of shared living has spread and sharehouses have quietly taken hold in Japan as a style of living. We live in a time where people can live in high class dwellings by sharing the property and its costs with others.

Sharehouse properties are not just increasing year by year – they are also transforming into houses that meet the lifestyle needs of their residents as well as adapting to the demand for interaction among housemates. Now, increasing importance is being placed on the residents themselves. There are many different types of sharehouses, each with their own concept, and the concept of a house will draw in like minded people. There are also many other factors that appeal to different types of people, including location, rent price and the house management system.

The property we will showcase today is not only spectacular in location and interior design, it is also a house where residents can expect quality interaction and new learning experiences. The sharehouse is located in Minato-ku’s high class residential district, Azabu-Juban. Azabu-Juban is an elegant area with a global atmosphere, right next to the foreign embassies and investment companies of Roppongi and Azabu. Nearby Azabu-Juban station is serviced by both the Toei Oedo line and the Tokyo Metro Nanboku line. Shinjuku, Ginza and Shibuya stations can be reached in around 15-minutes, and there is also a direct line to Meguro and Nagatacho. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower can be seen from the sharehouse windows, and Tokyo Midtown is an easy walk away.

Arden Motoazabu stands modestly on a quiet street 8-minutes walk from Azabu-Toban station. Once an embassy dormitory, the property has been renovated into a sharehouse and with its western-style exterior, at first glance does not seem to be a sharehouse at all. Mai is with me today as we take you through the house!

「ARDEN MOTOAZABU」House Detail

’Share Ambassador’ Mai will be taking us through the property. Mai is a university student who also does modelling on the side.

The slope that leads to the house. The main shopping district soon turns into a quiet, low-key residential area dotted with temples.

A stately property fit for Azabu.

Arden Motoazabu is an impressive 3-storey building that stands modestly at the bottom of the slope. The combination of its dark oak wall panels and red brick detailing exude a retro-chic ambience.

Inside the interior delivers what the exterior promises and its indirect lighting accents the entrance.

A low-lit entrance creates a luxurious space.

We’ll leave the living room for later and first head upstairs to check out the rooms!

Private rooms provide maximum comfort.

All rooms conveniently have a toilet, sink and refrigerator. Having a place of your own amidst a shared lifestyle ensures residents can maintain a sense of privacy. However, we can’t ignore the fact that the shared living areas of a house are where communication takes place. This sharehouse has taken the best of both worlds and by separating the two domains has created a property that allows residents to breathe.

The 2F hallway looks like one you would find in a hotel, and the 3F is much the same.

There are more rooms on the 1F. These rooms are fitted with soundproof doors due to their proximity to the living area.

The door on left is the shower room. There is also a separate bathroom in the house. The back door opens out to the smoking area.

All rooms are bright and cheerful, however those on the 3F have the added benefit of great views out the window.

While each room comes with a toilet, sink and refrigerator, showers are located on each floor for everyone to share.

Designed for relaxation and communication

Let’s move onto the living room. Residents can use the low-lit area in the back to relax or enjoy a book, or engage in spontaneous conversation beneath the hanging lights at the dinner table.

Residents can’t watch TV from the table, and that might be because the area is designed to create and maximise communication among housemates.

A wide pillar supports four beams that reach out across the ceiling in all four directions. This design helps to divide the one room into separate areas.

You can’t forget even the smallest detail when creating the perfect interior. This classic clock mounted on the wall fits perfectly with the house interior. This map of the local area can also be used as a communication tool. Let everyone know about new shops and restaurants that open up nearby.
Soft light filtering through stained glass creates vivid color. Generously-sized storage boxes boxes are provided for each resident. Let’s have a closer look at the kitchen, located by the dining area.

Simple yet functional open kitchen.

A kitchen island is only possible when you have space to work with, and the Japanese often associate them with the rich and famous. This style differs from regular kitchen interiors by its 360 degree access to bench space, allowing family and friends to enjoy cooking a meal together. A kitchen island is the perfect addition to a sharehouse.

The kitchen in this house has a kitchen island as well as extra bench space with more facilities along the wall.

You can whip up something quick and easy for yourself here.

Relax in class in this classic European-style interior.

The living area is located through the door on the right in the entrance. It’s a great place for watching movies on the big screen TV or even for surfing the net. Whatever you are doing, you can be sure to spend your time in luxury here.

The somber brown hues of the furniture works with the warm lighting coming from the small chandelier to create a retro-like ambience.

Rock gently back and forth on the chair in front as you bury yourself in your favorite book.

The door in the back slides open and leads to the toilet and laundry room.

The oriental-style carpet matches the interior perfectly. I wonder where it was made?

Residents working freelance can use this space as a place to work.

The sliding door from before leads to the toilet on the left and a sunny laundry room on the right.

The 4 washing machines are free to use but the dryer is coin-operated.

The laundry room exits out to the back of the property where residents can hang their washing.

☆Ambassador Review☆

Looking at the property from the outside I had imagined the interior to be narrow and cramped, but that wasn’t the case at all. Inside the house is quite spacious!

The house has a relaxed, mature feel that fits perfectly with the Motoazabu area. I can imagine capable workers and businessmen from other countries living here.

Sharehouses have a reputation for being one big party, but this house seems more subdued and a place where one can indulge their hobbies and interact with their sharemates in an cool, elegant fashion. The soft lighting in the hallways upstairs exude a lovely, hotel-esque vibe.

When I shared this fabulous property on social media the reaction from everyone was amazing!

Make sure to check out other properties in the ARDEN series, too!

ARDEN Koiwa

ARDEN Sakuradai

ARDEN Chofu

ARDEN MOTOAZABU is run by a Share Smile.

The ARDEN series was developed under the concept of living in luxury.

One feature prevalent in all of Share Smile’s properties is the English Community English lessons conducted periodically within the house.

Residents of Sharehouses in the ARDEN series can spend their time meaningfully as they learn while living in the house.

The personality of a given sharehouse changes depending on its location, property and group of residents. If it is quality you are looking for, then this house is worth the investment considering the experiences and benefits you will receive as a resident. The sharehouse you live in comes alive as you interact and exchange thoughts and ideas with like minded housemates, and that perhaps is the best return of all.

/Author:Inamine

Share Ambassador / Mai

Moved from Kumamoto to Tokyo for university. Was chosen as a MissCC Finalist in the Campus Collection 2016 student event in Tokyo. Currently working as a model as well as a Share Ambassador for Tokyo Sharehouse reporting on her unusual experiences. Twitter handle: @0525_9

(日本語) 朝日に包まれて新しい習慣を。 : 【ブランシュ用賀】

TSH writer — Mon, 15 Aug 2016 04:00:43 +0000

Share the happiness in this luxurious house!

In recent years Tama Plaza has been in the spotlight as being a hot date location. The large scale shopping mall was constructed as part of the train station redevelopment, and is home to many stylish cafes and restaurants. Walk away from the station and you will find the quiet, tree-lined streets of the residential area. This particular area was modeled after the garden suburbs in London, its large residences and open spaces working in harmony to create a townscape that wouldn’t be out of place in a Hollywood movie.

The location has great public transport access and Shibuya can be reached in 20 minutes without changing trains on the Denentoshi line. The building itself was formerly a newspaper company on the 1F with a company dormitory above. It has now been renovated into 65-room large scale sharehouse, and the look of the intentionally rough interior is very different from its exterior. At first glance it seems like the kind of house that would appeal to men, but upon closer inspection one finds its European touches and floral arrangements to create a unique elegance.

What’s more, the house is filled with all kinds of ‘toys’ and facilities for the mature adult to play with. Residents of this house discover a belonging here and thrive in the excitement it offers.

If you want to know what I’m talking about, read on!

Share the happiness in this luxurious house!

If you want to know what I’m talking about, read on!

「Share residence Tama Plaza」House detail page

Conveniently located atop a hill overlooking Azamino 7-minutes walk from Tama Plaza station.

The house sits exactly halfway downhill between Tama Plaza station and Azumino station. With almost equal distance between the house and these two stations you can catch a train into the city from Azumino station, and get off at Tama Plaza station on your way back to make for an easier commute.

Foreign cars can be seen driving down this tree-lined street every now and then.

The road to the house from Tama Plaza passes a luscious park, and the cheerful shouts of the children playing there give the area a tranquil atmosphere.

The entrance has a sign painted with the logo of the managing company, Share Design. Let’s go inside!

The first thing you see when you step inside is this spacious multi-purpose room. Residents can take dance lessons in here, and much more.

Sunlight streams into the building from the south, giving the room just the right amount of light. Try spreading out an exercise mat and doing some yoga in the mornings.

An unrefined yet elegant living room with a mature frankness about

This open lounge allows residents the comfort to relax without sparing any fun. The wooden floorboards have been aged, and there is a large coffee table in front of the massive sofa residents no doubt use all of the time. The rough interior is decorated with house plants and flowers to create an overall elegant atmosphere.

The real charm of the room are the countless spotlights fixed to the naked ceiling shining brilliantly down on the space below.

There is a bar set up in the living room. Behind the counter is an espresso machine and beer tap residents can use as they please, which is something everyone can be thankful for!

The western movie-esque unrefined style gives way to a more European look here. The large sofa is long and wide, allowing many residents to relax here at the same time. Hard washed jeans are incorporated into the interior for a vintage feel.
This soldier in camouflage might frighten people coming into the living room. (Laughs) Laser tag equipment and skateboards hang on the wall here. Anyone up for a game? This version works by targeting your opponent’s helmet for a hit. Get together with your housemates and have hours of fun playing this game.
This stylish television stand was created to look like a wood stove. This kind of thing wouldn’t be out of place in traditional Scandinavian house. This beer tap gets a workout during parties! New barrels are provided twice a month. This deer head is a favorite of Share Design’s boss. It fits right in!

Asobi Estate!　A fusion between lifestyle and play

A house that becomes one’s own personal playground is a dream to many, and one that has been realised in this property. With its own camping van and pool, this place is its own holiday house. Living here is definitely something to brag about.

The skate ramp. Pick up a board and begin your skateboard career here.

The small basketball ring is perfect for a game of 3 on 3.

After working up a sweat, sit down and relax on the 2F terrace. There’s a nice breeze up there and sitting out in the sun is just divine. These outdoor recliners wouldn’t be out of place at a beach resort. Try an afternoon siesta out on one of these. Have a BBQ with your housemates here on sunny days.
Along the hallway leading to the living room is a strange room waiting to be discovered. Open the door to find two monitors in the back as well as a uniquely-shaped chair.. Yep, you guessed it! This room houses a genuine flight simulator! One of the Share Design staff members is a commercial pilot and even comes in to give lectures on how to fly!
The controllers look so genuine they might even be the real thing?! In the same room there is also an electronic drum set residents can play whenever they like. If you’ve never touched a drum before, now is your chance! There is a sound system in the multi-purpose room. Turn up your favorite tunes while you exercise!

The professional-grade kitchen

Professional-grade appliances makes this kitchen feel like a galley in a restaurant. There are no inconveniences in here, and it will definitely come in handy when preparing food for large numbers of people and parties.

The large preparation area in the centre of the kitchen can be used to set out all your ingredients ready to cook. A cooking class or two could even be held in here.

The stainless steel stove top with its 4 gas burners will help you turn out top-notch dishes. Residents can experiment with all kinds of recipes with the oven, a rarity in Japanese households.

Calming private rooms shine with individuality

Among the rooms available are a few that come with their own showers. Each room also differs in wallpaper, curtain and flooring design. Find one that suits your personality.

The view from a room on the 5th floor. Looking down on the sprawling neighbourhood of Azamino gives one a sense of liberation.

In stark contrast to the last room, this one offers warmth with its wooden interior. There is plenty of storage space for people with a lot of baggage.

The brains behind this project, Share Design, specialise in large scale sharehouses and interior design. Each one of their houses is unique in concept and design. Share Residence Tama Plaza is dedicated to fun, a concept which is incorporated throughout the house and it’s design. The idea is for communication to grow through residents having fun and enjoying themselves in the house.

The staff at this company all have skills in different areas. With a former pilot, musician and jazz dancer on board, you may be lucky enough to sit in on a lecture on these topics and more using the facilities in the house.

Teach others what you know, and learn from them what you don’t. With this kind of reciprocal environment in the house, everyday is bound to be full of exciting times. Would you fit in here?