According to a 2024 household survey conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the monthly living expenses for single households under the age of 35—excluding rent—were estimated at 136,542 yen. Breaking down these expenses, food costs averaged 40,305 yen, utilities 9,005 yen, medical expenses 8,252 yen, and communication expenses 5,730 yen.
When rent is added to these living costs, many young people report that living alone has become increasingly difficult. Compared to ten years ago, the survey revealed that the average monthly rent for single households under 35 has risen by approximately 6,600 yen. Other living expenses have increased by around 3,800 yen, bringing the total additional monthly financial burden to roughly 10,000 yen.
Real estate appraiser Masanori Taito noted that the surge in condominium prices has contributed to rising rental costs. He also expects rents to continue increasing gradually in the near future.
A separate survey by real estate information service LIFULL HOMES polled 1,693 men and women in their twenties living in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The results showed that 37.7% live with their parents, 27.7% live alone, and 17.0% live with a partner or children. Smaller percentages live with relatives (7.3%), with a partner (7.4%), or with friends (1.1%).
Street interviews suggest that many people in their twenties relate to the nearly 40% who still live at home. A 23-year-old from Gunma, who recently began living alone, mentioned that most of his peers continue to live with their parents. Meanwhile, a 22-year-old woman from Saitama, who still lives at home, shared that although she plans to buy a car this year, she has not yet contributed financially to the household but intends to do so in the future. She also acknowledged that sharing a room with her younger brother may pose privacy challenges.
The LIFULL HOMES survey identified several top reasons why young people choose to stay with their parents. These include the desire to save money, inability to afford rent or living expenses, proximity to the workplace, wanting to spend on hobbies or “oshi-katsu” (fan activities), the burden of household chores, and parental requests not to move out.
One 24-year-old, Ranmaru Kishitani, shared that nearly all of these reasons applied to him except for parental requests. He spends most weekdays at a shared office but returns home about twice a week for meals and family time, estimating that around 80% of his peers also live with their parents.
The benefits of staying at home often include help with chores, reliable meals, lower living costs, and a sense of security. However, drawbacks can involve family rules, interference in daily life, difficulties inviting friends or partners over, and inconvenient commuting.
Kishitani added that more young people now view living with their parents not as a failure of independence but as a form of cooperation—especially if they do not have an urgent need to move out.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146992.php