lack of space

I was also struck by the 6-8 people on a newspaper and can understand why people would want their own space as well. Our concept of space in the United States is quite different, and perhaps explains why Americans spend a higher percentage of our incomes on housing. Although because housing prices are higher here in the United States we end up living with roomates, which isn't as common in Japan. LIving alone isn't a reality for many in the US, until you have been working for several years first. I would imagine that their "own living space" in Japan is much smaller in comparison.