Tokyo rents soar past 30% of household income, squeezing families

Property

More people choose to rent amid post-COVID surge in home prices

More households are looking to live in apartments in city centers because of the convenience they offer. (Photo by Tomoki Mera)

DAISUKE HORI

September 5, 2025 04:53 JST

TOKYO — Apartment rents are rising in such major Japanese cities as Tokyo and Osaka as families once again flock to city centers, straining household budgets and crimping their ability to save for future home purchases.