I Went Inside Japan's TINIEST Office

[@Windsguidance]

I think booking ahead of time is better tbh. It is insurance that you will have a space when you get to the station. Plus it prevents people from hogging the place for the whole day.

[@MystLunarabne]

Also, the main reason I think is, to prevent any theft and damage. Like particularly in most other places in the world idk how long these would last before someone tries to tear them apart and run off with everything they could carry.

[@DZ-1987]

Be that as it may, its quite a bit to book a specific booth at a specific station. I personally would much prefer something like a membership card that allows one to access any work station at any station Or at least allow some form of last minute booking, effective immediately in case of an emergency, which i imagine is a thing. Mm. The longer i think about it, the more i feel the current system works fine enough. My ideas would only serve to hinder its convenience.

[@mariadocarmosobreira8323]

@@MystLunarabne Not in Japan, even in nightmares.

[@ramenramen1787]

And plus she was talking about how people under the influence of alcohol shouldn’t be in there. It make sense cause if you were able to just tap your phone on the thing to pay and go in then a drunk person would crash in there.

[@joeyghostx]

@@ramenramen1787 Yeah, overall, the intentions of this place cover how convenient they truly intend to be which the booking, just like library workstations in the US require, cover accountability and some form of surveillance in case of theft. Due to the isolated security risks, having a full lockdown setting also means they intend to only let you out when they see you behaving. That button probably confirms your intentions of leaving and marking the recording.

[@Xol1004]

As you said, they were 'surprisingly booked' even with the existing implementation. I suspect they are deliberately 'raising the access bar' just a bit, so that the booths are available for urban professionals (these would be great for outside Sales staff) and are not going to be constantly picked up by incidental users (students, underemployed).

[@statesminds]

Underemployed?

[@Dr_pocky]

Yeah I really only see these being used by business men who book an hour or two before their train to get more work done and go to work after or a longer business trip further away in other prefecture.

[@aSipOfHemlocktea]

What the heck is underemployed? Do you mean like the economy is so bad there are jobs that are not well enough paying for a basic lifestyle? Isn't that the basic right of humanity, that hard work earns enough to live a good life?

[@tinalyzhen]

why did u group students and "underemployed" together?

[@spookyywitch]

I feel like these are great if you know you’re going to be using the station at some point during the day and want to get some work done while you’re waiting for your train. I’d definitely take advantage of them.

[@EloraKay]

I often think how life would be so less stressful with Japan's public resources; In the city you can take public transit to your job, take a 1 hour nap at a pod-hotel before meeting up with a friend after work, and squeeze in 15 mins of writing before boarding the train home.

[@andromedamessier3176]

@@EloraKay depends, but honestly from most Japanese companies, 1 hour nap is a luxury.

[@nickgreene2971]

I hope there's a power back up for the door in case of a blackout. Imagine being trapped in one of these things on a hot day.

[@CPFitzgerald]

It's likely a magnetic lock that fails open. Having it fail closed/in current position sounds like a massive fire safety hazard, and considering how seriously safety is taken in Japan, I'd doubt they'd be allowed to not fail open

[@heathers7265]

Just thinking about that gets my claustrophobia going. 😬😂

[@liamcollinson5695]

I would not want to be in that in a earth quake

[@Captain_Blue_Beard]

this is most likely why they have people resurve times, so they are activly aware were and when there pods are being used in advance, thus allowing prep time just incase of an emergancy.

[@ZombieMinion1992]

I think I can see why you have to reserve them. I can't imagine needing one of these booths and showing up to find them all taken up. It doesn't look like there are a ton of them and by forcing a reservation it probably stops drunk people from just wandering into the booths. Reservations are not always for the sake of bureaucracy and red tape, but to make sure that someone can have access to something they need in an orderly way without running the risk of the pod not being available when they really need it. The pods are meant for working people, likely as an option to work quietly somewhere when your home may not be as accessible. If it were just an open system where people can grab a both whenever drunk people and kinky people would probably make use of them more than the company would like.

[@dickneywithplants7377]

Yes! My friend has these at his office in San Francisco. They are soundproof and mostly meant for people who need to go on a Zoom meeting.

[@luvhair255]

This is exactly what we were thinking. I'd imagine that Japanese people working from home also don't want it to look like they are in their house while on virtual meetings.

[@TwosidedCT]

4:01 Aki: "no one can see me in my little tiny booth, but I can see them~" That one dude looking directly at the camera: am I a joke to you

[@Another_Salty_Bish]

I was literally looking for a comment like yours😂

[@korsaiyajinkami3766]

If I had to guess, the reservation system is probably to avoid drunkards using the room on the fly. Sure I guess they could still rent it ahead of time, but at least they wouldn't be able to ignore the no drunkard rule and use it on the fly still.

[@elephorofonius]

esp in shinjuku

[@Caldella]

I can see these being really useful for an online meeting, especially if someone knows their home is going to be noisy or disruptive.

[@Iron_Stigmata]

I'd love to see those booths in university libraries tbh, a lot of socially anxious introverts would adore them

[@mariamakermanMarz]

I love how amazing her content is including her unique humor and very informative and truly honest reviews of wonders of my fav county

[@_jerieljan]

This is kinda cool tbh. Gives you a nice bubble to work on a convenient spot, or at times when you have to wait and just want to have some focus time while waiting. Booking is also perfectly fine, since it reserves the spot and prevents folks from hogging the pods all-day. Others who just want to settle down somewhere can just do the usual and lurk in a cafe and stay there, while those who want to actually be productive on their own can go to one of these.

[@DadeeLongLegs]

You know it's gonna be a good evening when aki posts

[@FilipinaHoneyTV]

We have those in my office lol. For open area offices, there are actually a lot of these now for those who need privacy.

[@eleviathan4621]

This seems quite efficient and handy, but also kinda dystopian

[@nekokitty90]

I would've loved it in college where I lived. Then I could've ridden the bus to the station from class, did some course work and then go to work from the station.

[@benstoyles1297]

Strong vibes of the suicide booth from Futurama

[@shelbyb4238]

I could see someone reserving one to use in between meetings. Like if you have to travel between meeting locations but dont see the point in making the trip all the way back to the office. I think some of the people I work with would find that very useful.

[@zachsouth314]

The booking option is most likely a security method to prevent just anybody getting in, as I assume they're specifically designed for work not for naps etc

[@norway2351]

i saw these at the Amsterdam airport a few days ago! those ones you could pay for on site by card. felt very useful in an airport waiting for your plane

[@Omar_Hassan]

9:13 thats a Nice wallpaper 💕

[@GameFuMaster]

booking ahead of time ensures that everyone who uses it, knows how long they get. Otherwise if people just randomly show up, what happens when you're hoping for 1 hour, but only get 30 mins because of a reservation? A person showing up isn't going to know, and it'll probably be more problematic.

[@porcelina956]

Could probably use those here in the US I work at a library and the concept of the library as a quiet place has died out. We are essentially a community center now.

[@BestGirlsBiggestFan]

Is anything over there quiet? I've met few Americans, but minding my own business is something they seldom let me do without striking up a conversation. It's super uncomfortable lmao

[@kittycat4934]

9:13 aww aki lock screen is so cute 🥺

[@akitok7917]

Ahhhh I was waiting😭

[@killuchxtic]

Same

[@Stoliz09]

Same

[@andrewgee241]

I think the purpose would be if say you had a work appointment at 1 pm and then your next appointment wasn't until 3 pm there wouldn't be enough time to go back to your office or home so you can go into one of these booths and work for an hour. But I suspect most people would just go to a coffee shop that has wi-fi.

[@casualguy44]

0:35 Aki:Work Station Me:Station Work

[@8Tails]

I don't think I'd feel comfortable getting in something with an electric door that can't be unlocked manually

[@AndyLifeInVideo]

I've seen these everywhere but didn't know what they all had inside. Good to know!

[@Nala_Bruno_JuJu]

You convinced me, I have Sakuraco now and had the box you just showed.

[@Majoruckus]

I’d say you have to book online so people will know it’s free for the exact time they need it, rather than chancing it each time to check if it’s free! Also to stop people getting an account to sleep in them whenever they feel as you said

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Without booking, you'd have people constantly walking up to your door, trying to get in. That would become very annoying, unless there's a way to put an Occupied message on the outside, and even then, there can be language barriers that might make someone not notice the sign. Interesting concept, though! Would be a bit better if it had a computer already (tied to the desk somehow so it can't be stolen). Some sites are crap on mobile and I sometimes find myself having to wait to get back to a computer to try to use some websites, so automatically having one available at a station would be great (I speak as though I intend to go to Japan to use these, lol!).

[@Adrian-Maxwell]

I could be wrong, but it kinda..? looks like there's a light on the outside to show whether or not it's occupied, but I'm not sure. That could be a pretty simple fix for it, though.

[@AndrewHadi07]

Yeah something like a NUC or mini pc from zotac would be awesome. Also prevent user from gaming racking up damage on the peripherals (i've run an internet cafe before, i know..)

[@totem95]

A simple rgb lcd screen would suffice. Red attracts the eye and is an global symbol for prevention (stop, wrong way of a one way, do not cross, etc ) while green means allowed or obligation to do stuff (cross, go, priority on flashing light, go this way, etc.) I believe some rare places use blue instead of green on traffic lights though. Anyhow, those colors and their pictograms should overcome most language barriers and those who ignore them would've probably ignored all signs, regardless of a language barrier

[@rohit_id]

I really like these booths. If I were using the train on a regular basis, I might end up using these as well. I understand why you would want a non-booking option, but looking at it from the other side, booking will allow a guaranteed way of getting a place and not allowing weird characters from using it. This might also give the company time slots for orderly maintenance and sanitization.

[@ReiyukaE]

It seems to me like a great place to get some work done in between meetings or something. When you're at that awkward time where it's too long to hang around and too short to go back to your own office.

[@aiainight]

that's so cool! Work-pods for the busy traveler ~ 🥰

[@daytonchris8351]

it reminds me of the private study rooms in libraries but really smaller. i can see why people would use it. having to book one instead of just paying for it seems annoying though. but i guess if it didn't work like that they'd always be full. lol

[@E4icasdiary]

I really enjoy your Content I hope you keep making videos like this one 🥰

[@uyagraph]

That's a cool concept. Imagine this but in airports. So instead of booking a hotel for a whole day while waiting for your over 5 hours transit you could just get in one of these to rest/wait/get work done.

[@AusDish_Travels]

As a person who used these boxes, it was really handy as it had free Wi-Fi, sound proof, and located in major stations

[@AmazinglyAwkward]

They seem really cool and convenient, I could see this catching on outside of Japan! You may have already made a video on this but what do you use to study Aki? I’d be interested on some book recommendations if you read this. Thanks for your as usual hard work!

[@johnnypollack3243]

Love the video and keep up the great work aki

[@Shigami_11]

Best comfort content

[@ArtNoctowl]

The would be so great! I traveled by train while in college and normally I had to wait an hour or sometimes even two at one of the three stations I would be at. It would've been great to have something like that while waiting for my train to get assignments done!

[@sheridanwolf]

I agree with Aki about once you get the account you should be able to just tap as I can see a bunch of college students trying to study while on the road

[@PlNKUHOSHI]

I feel like they could add a small black&white Laser printer even if its at extra charge to get some last minute documents printed, as Japan is still paper based in many places. Or one of these Scanner/Printer/Fax mashines.

[@Breezely22]

As someone with sensory issues, I would absolutely love those pods. Could just pop in my ear buds and take a break from all the bright lights and sounds of people walking around.

[@jonathanhiggins1699]

I’ve missed watching your videos so much. Time to binge watch

[@DanoDidy]

I can see this as something to also have if your homespace is crowded or loud, it can be a good escape

[@friendtime5301]

Does it have an emergency out? I love the idea of these but I can’t help but wonder about what would happen if you couldn’t get out 🤔

[@Lihoa]

The background on your phone is so cute!

[@yeet6902]

dang, aki's always smoothly sliding her sponsors and every time it feels like you've fallen into a "deez nuts" joke

[@rorostheworld]

Are we not gonna talk about her lock screen?? It's so cute♡

[@lonelyprince0]

I believe the light switch you were looking for is the orange thing on the right hand side under the monitor labeled as 照明

[@mangoblaze]

My university [in the UK] had something similar - you could reserve them but I never understood how that worked so I just rocked up and stayed until I got thrown out, which was sometimes never (if the library was particularly dead).

[@00_enzo]

That type of pod would be a good solo recording booth

[@rosannasmith7]

this is so amazing, so many amenities like this in Japan! wish we could have this in Canada

[@shazzzabanazz4789]

Such a fantastic idea I normally panick trying to sort meetings on phone while on bus heading to work if the had these I could sort me zooms before getting there

[@lr2683]

I spend half of my life waiting for trains because my connections are always crap so if this existed in my country I'd be over the moon

[@ZeepDr]

An introverts dream, honestly.

[@fay_g0]

LMFAO aki when you panned the camera over the door, i just saw one dude staring at your camera and I'm imagining he's going "wtf why is there a camera peeping up from that door" 4:00

[@LynxieDove]

I can see this really taking off like the capsule hotels, like variations in price, accommodations, maybe even rent on the spot options...though that would likely only happen if there is a ton already available.

[@vustvaleo8068]

ah yes also perfect for a college student to finish their thesis without going home or needing a cafe.

[@rocket_1288]

If people don't leave the booth after their time is over it should beep every 2 seconds just to annoy whoever is in the room

[@hail_halo...]

8 hours dang I’m late but I’m glad to watch her new videos I’ve only been watching the old ones lol

[@masaharumorimoto4761]

Awesome video, I was also wondering what one of these was like up close and personal.

[@Adrian-Maxwell]

I kinda wish it was an option to either reserve them or just pay on-site. Like, the booth knows if someone has already reserved it at/for a certain time, but if it hasn't been booked and its open, someone can use it. I could see these being even more effective in airports since you have to show up so many hours ahead, and then hang out for lord knows how long. It's a great idea, and I'd love to see it pop up in more places.

[@kellyrutledge3924]

I love it when you posted the best it's the best feeling ever

[@natsumekhun4596]

I'm the type of person that needs absolute quiet in order to finish my work, but also can't do it from home because I get distracted. I wish we had these kinds of things in Canada because it would've helped me so much during college.

[@Qwertmaster33]

Non sequitur, but I still can't get over how cute Aki's intro is

[@Ray_Vun]

i could see them being a useful thing. like maybe you have an urgent meeting but you're not gonna get there on time, so you go into the booth and have the meeting and leave once you're done. but the fact you need to book them ahead of time kinda defeats that purpose. so it'd be more if you live somewhere noise and want an hour of peace to do work or study, so you book one of those. but it really only seems to work for things you know ahead of time, like knowing you need to study for an exam. and not for last minute situations, like needing to be in a video call for a meeting

[@RachelFunkable]

The cute Lock Screen pic 🌸

[@poro9084]

reminds me of our studying rooms at campus library, but that was free for students, but you needed to tell staff when you will use it, you would get key and there was just desk, but it was under lock for your work, there was like 10 of them

[@Scarshadow666]

My thoughts as well! My campus library has similar rooms to (as well as most other libraries around the community too). ^^

[@pareedy]

a video about japan's drift races would be cool

[@drippy_senseii7085]

you phone lockscreen is so cute

[@carthius]

I understand the booking aspect of it. If you are a busyness person you know your train is coming around 3pm and you know you're going to be there around 1pm. You don't want to risk someonone taking up all the pods so you book it and have piece of mind to know you wont have to waste time not being able to work as well as not have to worry about if you will even be able to get a pod.

[@MollyDollyy774]

Aki great video! Little Office Booths in Japanese Train Stations, Thats Useful, And its also Smart, I like that, Thats a great Idea!

[@HeavenlySaviour]

"So without further Ado I'm gonna take you to Shinjuku". I see what ya did there 😆

[@HouseMDaddict]

Your segues will never get old Aki!!!

[@jeffjr84]

Those office cubicles remind me of the Pulaski personal fallout shelters from fallout lol.. handy though, wish i would have come up with the idea.

[@irudexap]

OMG THE DANMACHI STUFF ON THE WALL!!

[@RedwoodpinesCJJ]

HHHHH THE SAME OUTRO AS LIKE 2017?!? THATS SICK XD!!

[@IzukuMidoriya-ck5hf]

Thx aki for the awesome video!!

[@katzeartist5833]

Petition for Aki to start a series called 'RANDOM PLACES TO SLEEP IN TOKYO'

[@mariamakermanMarz]

I need this after hard day at work 💕

[@anatsumin]

Hey Aki, future video idea here.. Can you attend a Japanese idol concert, I think that'd be fun to see! :)

[@jameslewis2635]

I can see these boothes being useful if you have a home environment where it is difficult to maintain concentration. A home setup would make more sense in most situations otherwise apart from the tiny size of homes in Japan where people can't always make the space for an office setup. If the company that manufactures them were to sell them as kits for people to build in their own homes, I could see that possibly being a success in an environment like Japan where any means to save space is valuable.

[@user-nz5vi1bm3x]

dady aki 😩😫

[@tinybubbles1657]

Imagine being claustrophobic and being stuck in there 😅 Also to those who don't know what Kalamansi is, its a Philippine Lemon thats small as a cherry.

[@colleendurkin2000]

wowo that smart if somone is like rush or some thing and they need to work on thing so it less worry and less crazy

[@RHiei88]

Very useful this video, good job!

[@__DY__]

I’ve seen similar pods and karaoke ones at a US mall. Not sure if you have to reserve in advance.

[@nerdy_spooks]

Love the videos Aki!!!!!

[@ZeepDr]

In such a tiny space, CO2 levels would certainly rise over time without proper airflow. CO2 would not rise to the level of intense asphyxiation obviously, but I'd be wondering how CO2 levels would affect my performance as the day went on.

[@ZeepDr]

Though I guess people probs aren't using these for all-day work stuffs.

[@ayanabeads1614]

There’s an air conditioner, so there must be some ambient air flow.

[@catus-cactus]

She said it’s ac in there. It’s a temporary office setup that has to be resevered anyway

[@JoeZanDeathKiller]

Or an air filter built in to an intake near the ceiling.

[@Xenoray1]

@@JoeZanDeathKiller yep, you can see it @ 5:20 which aki mistakes as light lol

[@kumaku9073]

Shes getting good at these sponsor ads I was waiting for it

[@iceman4169]

Great 👍🏻 video nice 👍🏻 hype!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@metrikboiiunited1443]

aki is preaty good at doing sponserships

[@Boomdizzle99]

Sounds like a nice concept but too cramped and a coffee shop or library may still be a better choice to go and get stuff done. Like she said it would be better if you could reserve by just walking up to it. Maybe salarymen who need to check in real quick before a meeting use these?

[@personareference3825]

I pass by one of those everyday on my commute. Always wondered what was inside

[@Nathaniel2Leinahtan1]

dedicated crying booth

[@matthewbockwitz6107]

I can see the reservation system being used to keep the drunk people out and not to crash inside.

[@jeread5193]

My commute home includes a 40 minute wait for a transfer, one of these things would be a godsend.

[@Frahamen]

I assume the reason why you have to reserve is to make it somewhat harder to use it for other things than working. Like I can see people would use it to sleep if they missed their last train or used it as an improvised love hotel.