Redefining Space: How Much is Truly Enough for a Fulfilling Life?

Hey Friends,

Hope you're soaking in Hong Kong’s city energy! 👋 Today, let's delve into our urban landscape, reimagining the dream of spacious houses and discovering new havens in the heart of Hong Kong.

Imagine the dream of a sprawling three-story house with a private gym and reading book. It used to be the ultimate goal for a lot of Hong Kongers (I mean it’s still true). However, in our city, where sky-high rental prices make big houses more a dream than a reality for the average Hong Konger, we're compelled to rethink our living spaces.

The Intriguing Transition of Jii Shizuka to Her Compact 8m2 Apartment in Tokyo

Now, let me share a story that resonates with our city's pulse. Meet Jii Shizuka (吉川忍) in Tokyo, navigating life in a tiny 8-square-meter apartment. Here's the secret: her house is almost only used for sleeping, she can meet her other needs nearby. She goes to a coin laundry to wash clothes, and to a public bath or gym open until midnight for showers; she can live without a refrigerator because shopping is convenient nearby, buckwheat noodle shops are even cheaper than McDonald's; she can work in bookstores or libraries.

She’s treating the city as a mobile home, and the neighborhood as an extension of the room, using them freely. Just like animals can instinctively find the most comfortable place to nest, and when the time comes, can simply leave the nest and fly away. Before moving to her 8-square-meter hut in central Tokyo, Jii Shizuka lived an hour away from the city. Her previous residence was a comfortable forty-square-meter house with a large balcony, and the rent was 3500 HKD. However, she relocated because she frequently needed to be in Tokyo for errands and socializing. Missing the last train was inconvenient, hotels were costly, and many capsule hotels catered only to males. (This experience mirrored my time in North Carolina, where despite having a larger apartment, the overall convenience level was lower. I had to purchase all groceries and supplies for the week from Walmart. Personally, I prefer to reside in Hong Kong.)

Living in a small apartment can go beyond catering to basic living needs but those above

You might think that living in a small environment might degrade the quality of life. Even if Jii leveraged the facilities around her, what about the cultural and spiritual aspects of life? Wouldn't it be better to have a big TV to watch movies at night or a bookshelf for reading?

In Tokyo, Jii Shizuka's life revolved around her local independent cinema. More than mere entertainment, it was her informal film school. For 100 HKD, she could enjoy a double feature, immersing in cinema and expanding her artistic comprehension. All-night screenings for 135 HKD showcased life's diversity and energy, offering insights into different life aspects. The cinema was her platform for challenging mainstream views and promoting critical thought, providing her with values beyond basic needs.

McDonald’s and 24/7 Fitness as Massive Shared Service

In the dynamic maze that is Hong Kong, places like McDonald's, a global fast-food chain typically known for its convenience, transform into overnight sanctuaries. These unexpected havens cater to night owls, grassroots workers seeking rest, and those in search of a safe space, thereby showcasing the city's adaptability.

In the vibrant tapestry of our city, who needs a private gym when accessible, round-the-clock fitness centers offer a personal retreat from the bustle, all without the burden of hefty rent? These urban narratives of resilience and ingenuity, borne out of necessity and creativity, reflect the shared human experiences that continue to unfold within our urban landscape. It's a testament to the city's adaptability and our ability to reimagine the use of our space.

Think of it this way - our city is akin to a massive shared platform, much like your favorite cloud service. It's a communal space bursting with resources, experiences, and opportunities, waiting for you to discover and utilize. A city is not just a collection of buildings and streets; it's a living, breathing organism that adapts and evolves with us. So, let's leverage this shared platform and make the most out of our city life, creating our own unique narrative in the process.

How does this apply to you?

• Have you thought about leveraging a public service or infrastructure to enhance your quality of life?
• Could you consider using a digital solution like cloud storage or a hard drive to conserve physical space, and think of other ways technology could help minimize the need for physical space in your home or office?
• How would you make a choice between a larger, less connected living space versus a smaller space with more accessible services?
• Is there any activity or hobby you've wanted to try that could be facilitated by your city's existing infrastructure?
• How can you contribute to making shared spaces more beneficial for everyone in your community?

Cheers to our city life,

Sherman

Things that I found interesting this week:

📚 Book — 《東京八平米》 by 吉川忍 Jii Shizuka

Jii Shizuka, the author, is an intriguing figure who has mastered the art of minimalist living in one of the world's busiest cities. In her book, she shares her journey of residing in a tiny 8-square-meter apartment in Tokyo and how she leverages the city's resources to meet her needs. It's a thought-provoking read for us, especially those living in Hong Kong that always faces the challenge of spaces.

🎬 Video — NEVER TOO SMALL Hong Kong Walk-Up Tiny Apartment - 25sqm/269sqft

I came across this really cool video on small living spaces and I want to share it with you. It showcases a tiny apartment in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, and how with careful planning and creativity, it can be transformed into a cozy, functional home. I've been following the channel NEVER TOO SMALL for a while and I love how they highlight the endless possibilities in interior design, even when space is limited.

🖊️ Essay — 《陋室銘》by 劉禹錫

“山不在高，有仙則名。水不在深，有龍則靈。斯是陋室，惟吾德馨。

苔痕上階綠，草色入簾青。談笑有鴻儒，往來無白丁。

可以調素琴，閱金經。無絲竹之亂耳，無案牘之勞形。

南陽諸葛廬，西蜀子雲亭。

孔子云：「何陋之有？」”

Above is one of the great essays from my compulsory high school Chinese reading. I believe it also illuminates another perspective on why the community around you might matter more than the size or decoration of your surroundings.