Job Discussion Forums

rampo · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

I've just scored the deal of the century but there's a catch. To rent a 3-room apato for practically nothing for a year I have to maintain the pristine condition of the apato's tatami floors. The sublettor doesn't want me to use modern (=heavy) furniture! I'm OK with a futon because I don't need to fold it up every morning. I know people pay a lot of money to stay in such places but does anyone have tips for adhering to his conditions AND living comfortably? I don't want to do seiza and crouch on the floor all the time. No holes on the walls, either. I've already rationalized to myself that any more furniture is just wasted money that would be put to better use for grad school, waiting for me next year.

fox1 · Joined: 22 Feb 2005 Posts: 268

I'll take it. Sounds great. I'd love to have that.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

rampo · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:43 am Post subject:

Just out of interest, if you did damage the tatami somehow, what will you be required to pay? I only ask because the chances of keeping tatami in pristine condition for a whole year are a little low.

rampo · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

wabisabi365 · Joined: 04 Feb 2007 Posts: 111 Location: japan

Get 4 (no, I guess 5... 4 is unlucky) of those oversized cushions - they're about 70 x 70 cm. Buy a kotatsu (which will come with soft felt cutouts to put under the legs). A few nice framed prints (not to hang, but to lean up against the wall at floor level). A nice bamboo lamp... and a fan set up just outside the tatami room but blowing into it. A nice space, and not too much wear-and-tear. You don't need to sit seiza style. You'll get used to sitting cross-legged on those oversized cushions whilst sipping sake at the kotatsu. Life is good!

Best,
ws365

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

Yea Rampo take it! I myself sit on pillows and sleep on a futon out of choice. After a while you will feel more comfortable sitting on pillows than a couch. Seriously.

shuize · Joined: 04 Sep 2004 Posts: 1270

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 2:49 am Post subject:

rampo · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 4:13 am Post subject:

rampo · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Posts: 97

[quote="furiousmilksheikali"]

JaredW · Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 5:01 am Post subject:

You say that you're getting it close to nothing. So, don't worry about the condition of the tatami too much. Rather, set aside half of what you would pay for an apartment, say 30,000 yen each month, and rest assured that not only are you getting a great deal, but if something happens, you prepared well for it.

Yawarakaijin · Joined: 20 Jan 2006 Posts: 504 Location: Middle of Nagano

Is there any danger laying an area rug over a tatami floor? I'm just curious about possible mold and mildew problems. I know it might seem funny to put an area rug over some nice tatami but some just like the feel of a nice soft rug under their feet. Wink