Inside Japan’s CAPSULE Tower | 140 TINY Tokyo Apartments

The Nakagin Capsule Tower in the heart of Tokyo is iconic, featuring 140 retro tiny apartments built in the 1970's. Sadly, the future of the capsule tower isn't looking so great and this time next year it may be lost forever. Let's go inside and take a look while we still can.
🗼NAKAGIN CAPSULE TOWER
► / nakagincapsuletower
► goo.gl/maps/pgcrFBk5otZ7u9jF6
⭐ THANKS to Alex @TokyoPortfolio for joining!
⭐ALSO thanks to Alex Lee for filming
► / iamfivefeettwo
⭐ BEHIND the scenes Patreon: goo.gl/NWEoQm
----------------
► WEEKLY Podcast: hyperurl.co/nhgr30
*FOLLOW THE ADVENTURE*
► Facebook: / abroadinjapan
► Twitter: / abroadinjapan
► Instagram: @abroadinjapan
*EQUIPMENT I USE*
► MAIN Camera: amzn.to/2HSSdmy
► INDOOR Lens: amzn.to/2jyPOPm
► OUTDOOR Lens: amzn.to/2rnAt7O
► FAVOURITE Lens: amzn.to/2jwqyJm
► BACKUP Camera: amzn.to/2jvhILY
► STABILISED Camera: amzn.to/2HR3ljI
Business Enquiries: [e-mail]

[@AbroadinJapan]

SAD UPDATE, the building is now being demolished. I went to take a look one last time in this follow up video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5nIaaSdZpuDhrc

[@bananaman8085]

Hello

[@ferriswalcc]

no i cannot sir chris broad aka friend of famous japanese man natsuki aso and friend of sexy scottish cosplayer seadogveeæ

[@WilsonTheArchitect]

those hotels seem scary as hell ngl haha

[@shafiq2508]

ok chris

[@ma1t0u]

=)

[@geraldsoon957]

Cant believe Too Much Volcano is such a massive hit that when Chris turned on the radio, TMV was blasting on radio!

[@HeavenlyCreature.]

I think this video was filmed in a parallel universe, where Natsuki is a huge super star 🤩 and Chris is his puny little sidekick 😁

[@munkhbadral]

@@HeavenlyCreature. That's just reality. Natsuki is a super star!

[@AxxLAfriku]

I am so unpretty 😭 When I go to the bank, they turn the cameras off. At least I am a big star on YT. Don't feel too bad for me, dear ger

[@HeavenlyCreature.]

@@munkhbadral Yeah Natsuki sure is larger than life 😊

[@ltcinsane]

Taking the world bys storm! ... and probably the only music Chris could play during this video & not get DMCAed XD

[@ryannechristine3958]

“jenga with washing machines” thats literally my first thought

[@sweatyeti]

The seriousness and earnest way he said it made me laugh so hard.

[@lynnj9995]

When I lived in Tokyo in the 80s I had a friend who owned one of these apartments and I got to stay there from time to time. The bathroom was the smallest I'd ever seen but super-efficient. There was a platform bed so you could look out the window in the morning. The only thing I ever worried about was getting out in case of an earthquake. I wasn't sure that the structure would hold together. Thanks for this wonderful memory!

[@PsychoticSashimiS]

Thank you for sharing, that's awesome!

[@lynnj9995]

@@EricDMMiller Not at all! I probably spent a total of 7 nights there. All of the walls floors, and ceilings were sealed and intact. Asbestos usually becomes a problem during a renovation when it's able to get into the air. Fingers crossed, though!

[@AmiFriendsStudio]

How do people get from floor to floor? Is there a central elevator? Stairways? It would have been interesting if they showed how to get into the building up to the capsules. So interesting that you got to stay in one.

[@lynnj9995]

@@AmiFriendsStudio There was an elevator, stairways, and hallways, just like a regular apartment building.

[@france976]

Apartment?

[@kittikat4124]

I hope that when this building eventually comes down, a capsule or two is saved. Especially that original 70s capsule, it is such a good visual of the time period

[@vt_hikaru]

I hope they do what the guy said and create like a 20 or so capsule community they can air bnb or rent out.

[@ajaysarathythee]

it is a time capsule now

[@TheStanishStudios]

Apparently the plan is to distribute the capsules around the world, to museums and private collections

[@DanakarEndeel]

Distributing them across museums in the world sounds like a good idea. That way this piece of history won't go completely to waste. EDIT: Oh, just heard that they are falling apart and are filled with asbestos. That does not sound good so they may need to do something about that first before sending them off. I also hope that they take good care of the neighbouring areas so that people nearby won't be breathing in clouds of asbestos particles during its demolition.

[@kittikat4124]

@@DanakarEndeel I believe the building came down a few months ago. I think they saved a capsule but I don't remember exactly.

[@Patterrz]

Sad to see so many interesting looking buildings get torn down and replaced with generic towers

[@daruween1398]

Chad unique design architecture vs virgin boring tower

[@zinedinezethro9157]

Yeah, but again in a city like Tokyo a lot of people do would prefer boring design but will do ghe the job well.

[@Some.One_Unknown]

It's atrocious to tear down such a pretty building (the old harajuku station) and put in its' place such a lifeless drab of a ... what do you even call that? A glass box?

[@zinedinezethro9157]

@@Some.One_Unknown yeah it was sad and many Japanese also voiced their disappointment. But again the older Harajuku Station has been known to leak and for the increasing traffic it's getting more and more overcrowded and unable to take on the amount of traffic. Basically the older building has reached its limit. Now the newer building is more spacious, capable of handling the current traffic and more, and in all intent and purposes does it's job perfectly.

[@demun6065]

You guys know that Japan has some unusual regulation in which buildings have to be demolished every 25 years or so?

[@cabbage_cat]

the inside really does look futuristic, it's like the inside of a spaceship cabin

[@backforward2007]

I actually like the bathrooms

[@ThatsPrettyFunnyMan]

It looks like one of those dystopian imagining of living spaces aka "Depression: the Building"

[@xKuukkelix]

The 70s futuristic technology and the depressing size give that grim cyberpunk feeling

[@AlaskaPirates]

From a 1980’s movie

[@itsrye8001]

yeah. it is like the room where gundam pilots sleep

[@kugelblitzkrieg]

The capsule rooms genuinely look like something out of a sci-fi space movie like “Alien,” especially that modular cabinet area. The retro-futuristic look is really appealing to me, which makes me sad that it’s likely not going to be around much longer.

[@jonathantan2469]

It's also interesting to see the electronics & devices that originally came with the units: cathode ray TVs, rotary dial phone, reel-to-reel tape player/recorder, calculator, stereo system. All these appliances look dated & obsolete today, but the rest of the units interior design would still be up to date with todays aesthetics... and into the future...

[@FINNSTIGAT0R]

The Fifth Element 😀

[@LIA-pt9tu]

@@F_Yale in what way is the building generic?

[@exidy-yt]

@@LIA-pt9tu I think he is saying the building looks like a standard, or generic, 'Minecraft' building in-game. Not that I agree with his post, I think the tower looked amazing, if only it had been pressure-washed and/or repainted some time in the last 50 years.

[@nevergottired5926]

Van builders could use the cabinets as referencr

[@IanCunningham92]

As an architecture student, I appreciate you making a video about this fascinating building. It was a big culture shock for me when I realized that historic preservation and adaptive reuse are not as commonly practiced in Japan as they are in Europe or even the U.S. It was tragic how they demolished Harajuku station, which survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII bombing only to be torn down for expediency's sake. There is, however, a longstanding ethos in Japan that stresses impermanence and continual renewal, epitomized by the shrine at Ise that's torn down and rebuilt every 20 years, that is very much antithetical to the western impulse to preserve everything in perpetuity. The metabolist movement was very much in line with that ethos and was very influential globally. We tend not to think of houses as being disposable, but then nowadays more and more things are being designed to be replaced periodically, such as cell phones. With the Nakagin Capsule Tower the idea is that the structural core containing the stairwell would serve as a more permanent 'megastructure' while the capsules are replaced more frequently. Maybe if there had been more towers like it built it would've been economically feasible to manufacture capsules from an economy of scale perspective. The modular prefabricated home is still very much alive and Muji even sells their own minimalist versions, just without the fixed megastructure core. The capsules themselves are not what is architecturally significant about the Nakagin Capsule Tower. It's the whole system.

[@zakman246]

Very insightful comment, thank you. Yeah part of me really wishes that the building would stay up and that they would actually replace the capsules! Theoretically you could do a two story capsule which could improve practicality, and given how few people are staying in there you would hope it would be much easier to replace the capsules now!

[@davidbrittain3212]

@@zakman246 Interesting comment. Of course what they should do is build another one based on the original but include modern touches like different colours for the capsules that light up at night - how cool would that be!

[@19billdong96]

*Turns on radio* “A. S. O. Too much volcano!” *Chef’s kiss*

[@ainsleyharriott2209]

The fact that you can’t open the windows would be a dealbreaker for me. The air would get too stale.

[@ernstschmidt4725]

they really needed at least an air duct

[@SwissCowboy87]

i thought the same. The air qualitiy must be horrible.

[@goury]

I bet there is some air inlet and a vent at least in bathroom. In an airtight room of this size a human would suffocate and die in 8-10 hours.

[@2salzig2spucknapp]

the fumes gona make everyone flee had an hotel for 2weeks where the windows where locked aswell altough beeing on work 10 hours every day after 2 week the stench in this hotem rool was so bad it made me gag when i left the place

[@georgejackson1647]

The room I stayed in STANK of bleach.

[@Eli_B3000]

That man is a Japanese national treasure caring so much about the future of the building like that. Great video.

[@ewilliamson488]

The "cage" apartments in Hong Kong makes the cube apartments luxurious.

[@CoffeehouseCrime]

Really enjoying this format Chris! Very fascinating to learn about Japan’s quirky architecture and your video was spot on. I can imagine the residents back in ‘72 felt like they were part of the cutting edge trend living here.

[@Jaden-bp6kh]

I love your channel, it’s cool that you what Chris too

[@eldinvex9040]

I’m amazed to see this comment. Ive watched both you and his channel since long ago. Look after each other. 😉

[@joanhamham6312]

Yaay coffee house crime ! The fact that you like Chris and watch the video makes me like your channel even more !

[@yukiefromoz2573]

Heyyyy, Adrian! 🙋‍♀️

[@WanderwithAwe]

I agree! I absolutely love this video! I love it when history is tied into travel type videos! Big thumbs up!

[@ChantalRussell]

I can’t believe I lived my life without this channel until about a week ago. I’ve binged watched the content ever since, and I’m absolutely OBSESSED! I think this might be the very best travel channel that has ever existed- it has such a great balance of history, culture, travel tips, human interest, and comedy. I’ve never felt compelled to donate via Patreon to any channel until this one, but now I’m a member. Please always keep the amazing content coming, I will watch every single video you ever make!

[@cheryldk]

It's great isn't it!

[@miso306]

This really is an amazing channel. Enjoy your stay!

[@miso306]

@Vivienne March or rather welcome abroad ;)

[@Heylow1]

So lucky - Welcome Abroad! Pro tip: Chris curated below list of all the patreon exclusive videos: www.patreon.com/posts/abroad-in-japan-51048544 PS: I recommend you watch the "How I Learned Japanese | 2 Years in Detail" and skip straight to 15:30 of that video, to see a short clip of Chris meeting a young'ish Natsuki for the very first time (actually on tape!)

[@humbertoamorim8130]

Make sure to listen to the podcast as well. In my opinion it's even better! Despite the lack of images (duh), Chris and Peter are 100% carefree and authentic

[@pattisimmons67]

This building has always intrigued me. I find it both sad and frustrating that Japan, like so many other countries around the world, is abandoning it's heritage and distinctive architecture and replacing it with non-descript dull grey prison looking buildings. I have always loved the unique beauty of Asian design. It's a shame to see it being lost to the totalitarian/industrial-inspired buildings of today.

[@prhasn]

Let's call this building for what it is a horrible place to live. I can imagine many residents got depression staying in these capsules.

[@MegCazalet]

I’d say this building from 50 years ago is as depressing and grey as any new careless structure of today. Moreso, even, as more people are working so much with light space, and green energy as well as sustainable-living design features. This futuristic building locked itself firmly in the past from the start, not allowing for its real needs, by that great mistake of not for seeing problems that should’ve absolutely been foreseeable. Now, sustainability and adaptability are key. If we want to have any traditions to save, we first have to face the changing needs our environment will challenge us with. It’s scary but I’m hopeful.

[@LegendarySkypenis]

@CitrusWhisps its a small room not a home.

[@lettuceman9439]

well it isn't in europe where the climate will not Delete any building or a Heritage site with a proper tourist industry

[@hannibalb8070]

Its capitalism in a nutshell

[@secretscarlet8249]

Fascinating! While the building might be gone in the next years, at least you fulfilled your dream and captured it on video forever. 😊

[@jesseg1699]

I wonder why they didnt just turn it into a hotel. Someones apartment you cant really disrupt to move a cube, but a hotel room you could. Im sure there are a lot of tourists who would love to stay in a cube.

[@artthatsnice8817]

yh

[@kavamalekava6556]

probably because every capsule private owned. if all building had single willing owner it woud be posible to renew capsules upgrade or even expand desing and protect it from dissaray. is it modular as was invisioned you can even remove all capsules rebuild upgrade main tower and ad new ones sell old ones. its like building size lego. cool idea but expensive to maintain.

[@iamthinking2252_]

I swear I thought capsule hotels existed

[@kavamalekava6556]

@@iamthinking2252_ yes they are but it's different type of capsule. This if you wach video is basically size of small hotel room. Unique thing about this building is concept possibilities of scalability and simplicity of it. It's similar to prefabricated buildings but with more unique approach.

[@georgejackson1647]

There were one or two of them on Airbnb a few years back. Although the owner told me to be quick coming in/leaving and not to talk to the security staff. D:

[@Hmuda]

I remember this one from Transport Tycoon. There was a tall building modeled after this one in it that grew in successful cities. Thanks for showing off the original. :)

[@AbroadinJapan]

Haha, I remember it too! Delighted it was forever immortalised in that absolute classic of a game

[@OriginalBongoliath]

@SirSnufflelots It was also in the terrible Sim City Societies game and it got minus one happiness by default. I now see why.

[@Friendship1nmillion]

@@AbroadinJapan I could live in one of those apartments in that building *IF* i wanted to stay in bed *ALL DAY* and never have visitors 👤🗳 . Give that original capsule with tweaked redesign of an added Microwave , bar fridge , draws built-in all over the walls { as wardrobe space } & then replace the reel-to-reel with dual set cassette & DVD/CD player. Love for a joke { *IF* i was living in it } a generator in that unit that artificially makes the space in it zero gravity , to shock-suprise anyone who arrives delivering takeaway. 🤭🇦🇺🇳🇴 🏣🇯🇵⏳

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

As someone who loves Tiny Houses and wants to live in Japan. I would love to live in one of these. Doubt it would be possible though. Or that it will even exist by the time I can go.

[@LeavesItAll]

they are tearing it down today

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@LeavesItAll DX

[@riddell26]

Weeb

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@riddell26 Grow up. Not everyone interested in Japan is weeb.

[@epowell4211]

As someone raised by hoarders and having her own hoarding issues, the idea of owning one of these as a second residence is appealing: a little getaway from the things that own you. I don't think living there 24/7 for weeks at a time would be nice, but could be a great way for people to reset, sort of like a depravation tank. I imagine it would be very peaceful.

[@elfryeorin]

"As someone raised by hoarders and having her own hoarding issues." I've never come upon such phrases that describes myself so well. 😂

[@epowell4211]

@@elfryeorin *hugs* lol. It's so hard to fight it, especially since I'm a crafter :P

[@henryottis295]

@@epowell4211 I totally agree with you as I sometimes fantasize about packing a single suitcase and leaving all my stuff behind because it overwhelms me.........even though I love my stuff, it definitely owns you.

[@sunnyscott4876]

LOL...I understand completely. I'm a bit of a hoarder myself. My philosophy is "One is none, Two is one " so I have at least two of every thing I like. But I do enjoy getting away from it to a nice, clean, comfortable hotel room with no clutter. I go on my retreats at least once a quarter. It's nice to relax.

[@miunya]

He said most of them use it as a second hobbie home. Probably would be awesome for setting up my drawing tablet and or other artistic hobbies.

[@SheKnives]

Whenever the tower does come down. I hope they manage to keep the original capsule intake. It'd be cool to have in a museum.

[@MonographicSingleheaded]

Or in a backyard

[@nBasedAce]

The Museum of Bad Design. Want to replace one, take out several. Small area with humans breathing out carbon dioxide and not having a window to open for fresh air could actually be deadly. Great idea, horrible execution.

[@MonographicSingleheaded]

@@nBasedAce a building with ac and non openable wondows is the same in practice btw, if the ac doesnt work roght or rather the company just dont use it properly and ony does it when there s a control. from experience. I always ended up with a headache after work, and talking with them didnt do shit. So I left.

[@MonographicSingleheaded]

@@nBasedAce as a person from Poland I tell ya, aca are bad. Why. All u need to do is open the windows, in our climate no need for acs. We shouldnt allow companies earn money by creating FAKE needs

[@DatFoxGamin]

TINAAA????

[@brucetownsend691]

“Jenga with washing machines” is brilliant! What a great turn of phrase Chris has. Just one of the many great reasons to watch this channel.

[@user-jg3yx8yu4l]

Truly!! haha

[@Crystan]

I've seen this building so often in shots of Tokyo, and it's great to finally see what it's like from the inside. Definitely one of my favourite Abroad in Japan episodes so far, and I hope they're able to preserve some of that history.

[@vargsieber]

i love the concept, with a few tweaks i could see this idea working in the future again, for example with easier removable/swappable capsules. it's a great idea for every crowded region worldwide.

[@ZuKuPLayer]

As a foreign tourist travelling alone, this could be a perfect substitute for a capsule hotel. I'd love to stay in such place. Too bad they won't preserve it, nor recreate it with eliminating the flaws of it's predecessor. It's a shame that new generations won't ever see buildings like this with their own eyes anymore.

[@LavenderAkane]

this place looks so wildly out of place and dystopian i love it

[@lupolinar]

Ok.. what is so dystopian about these?

[@leetri]

@@lupolinar A mostly empty building of small, white capsules that are falling in disrepair. That's pretty dystopian, like small futuristic prison cells. I can already see the flying trucks that move these prison capsules around in a huge prison complex.

[@CChissel]

@@leetri reminds me of the fifth element, it looks like it would fit right in, in that movie.

[@TeeBoyd88]

@@CChisselI also thought of The Fifth Element.

[@typezero303]

Saw the IG post today, about it being taken down - So came back to watch this video again. RIP.

[@druhseenuh]

Man, the inception of the capsule tower, the metabolism movement, and the determination to preserve these for the future... That's the good shit :100-emoji:

[@bibo3282]

It’s so unfortunate that such an innovative style of building was thrown aside over the years. I’m happy to hear that there is a crowd funding movement to immortalize some of these capsules as potential pieces of history.

[@owllymannstein7113]

To be fair those apartments look like something out of a dystopian nightmare. Just thinking about sitting in that tiny space with no airflow as enough to make me feel claustrophobic.

[@Pumpkin0_0]

@@owllymannstein7113 For people who work a lot and/or go home just to sleep, it wouldn't be so bad. The issue would be if someone had to *work from home* and they actually lived in a capsule full-time. It would be a true nightmare. lol

[@owllymannstein7113]

@@Pumpkin0_0 Working so much that you wouldn't mind living in a place like that, yet only having that to come home to sounds like a nightmare in itself.

[@Pumpkin0_0]

@@owllymannstein7113 Depends on the person. Some people just don't care about their surroundings or rather live close to work even if they could live elsewhere. After all, the gentleman in the video did say there are people in the building who used their capsule as their home.

[@InterIdoru]

@@Pumpkin0_0 Plenty of people in Tokyo live in studio apartments that are about the same size as these capsules. The size is not particularly surprising here.

[@Edzter]

"there's an ashtray next to the bath so people could smoke" he said that right after showing a window that does not open to the outside for fresh air, and mentioned nothing about ventilation. What.

[@callumdonington2227]

The 70s for ya.

[@brandchan]

@@callumdonington2227 Yes very of the time period.

[@Platypi007]

Who needs fresh air when you can smoke?

[@sammy510]

I remember flying in the 80's and being trapped with smokers.

[@Pumpkin0_0]

There was an air-conditioner in the capsule, but it probably wouldn't do much. lol

[@Agelis]

I'd love to have my own Capsule to live in, it is such a cool idea, they should build a new one with more forward thinking, keeping in mind the miss steps they previously made.

[@johnnyjamesmusic]

Something about the historical footage of the history of Japan with synthwave playing behind it that gets me...more of that please!

[@cantaloupeslope]

I just like to think that we wouldn’t have these in-depth looks at these places without Chris. Thanks for showing some of these hidden gems. (Not so hidden in this case but you get what I mean)

[@AdityaSharma-ug3ip]

Showing the real stuff in Japan

[@gabrielgingras814]

@Homie I- It's already infuriating enough how much religion is being misused with endless hypocrisy, I did not need to see this. Not the place for this, man. Not cool. Not cool at all.

[@zam023]

Chris barely scratch the surface of the Nakagin building story. Here is a really in-depth documentary of the building: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYm1e3homMaDhLs

[@Sunny_Ray911]

@@crackrat6166 Probably a bot. Just report the actual channel AND comment. Only thing we can do to keep the bots somewhat away.

[@Elias01773]

"Too Much Volcano" is such a banger that people listened to it back in the 70s

[@LordLiquidBaconII]

The song was such a hit that Chris was able to afford a time machine.

[@whore_knee]

A S O

[@cliftontibbits6644]

This building when and why it was built was brilliant and ahead of it’s time I think,a historical site as well land mark that should be allowed to stay and preserved, with today’s building improvements and current technologies available this type of building and as housing units could be the answer…great video and topic, thanks for sharing take care everyone….

[@zau64]

I think if they refined its design a little, I could see similar apartments taking off in the US. There's a ton of people who like tiny homes, and this gives access to the same idea for inner city living. Removable capsules are a cool idea, but would need better implementation without too much expense.

[@SeanHodgins]

I'm so glad you were able to capture the inside on video! I've always loved this building. Ironically this is a great representation of the dystopian cyberpunk future. A failed system that has become dilapidated and rundown. How do I get my hands on a capsule?

[@LucielStarz123]

Contact Alex Shapiro I guess?

[@Kiwi-Mel]

Reminded me of Fifth Element!

[@greninjadunn]

Chris Broad is the only person I will actively not skip ads for. I’m not sure if it helps with the algorithm but yeah.

[@spoonofsyrup]

Don't know about the algorithm but it helps with the paycheck!

[@HeavenlyCreature.]

We all need to make damn sure that Chris never runs out of cash for Fami Chicken 😋

[@abhinavdhar5598]

hahaha

[@shishirraut3262]

Leave a like (or dislike, doesn't matter) and comment, it actually helps the algorithm. 30 second ad views give money to the channel.

[@querube78]

Imma comment then.

[@LadyGTarot]

I am partial to the first one - love the reel to reel and the phone etc. I am transported back to the 70's so fun.

[@danielkrajnik3817]

that building always puts a smile on my face

[@CHEFPKR]

I swear you up your game every video, well played sir. Story telling is *chefs kiss*

[@silver7215]

Just as good as your cooking! *chefs kiss*

[@kausthita11]

You know it's legit when a chef gives a chef's kiss

[@colete888]

story telling?... wtf?

[@CChissel]

@@colete888 You know that thing, when you tell the story of something? That.

[@arfhat89]

@@colete888 story, as in history of the building.

[@121dan121]

I'd like to imagine a future where there's lots of capsule towers and when you move you can take your capsule with you and slot it into a different tower

[@CChissel]

That would be cool, brings a whole new meaning to moving. Basically like an advanced mobile home.

[@kiyoshiinoto]

That would be a logistical nightmare, but one that would probably solve more than a few issues.

[@khemikora]

Fuck no! I imagine everyone crammed into smart cities as my idea of hell.

[@squashn.695]

The common closest you can get are portable office containers at construction sites. or a more domesticated designed freight container. But I just got reminded of one episode of The Simpsons where the end of the episode the entire town was moving and the buildings were being carried on trucks. (I forgot what was the context and this was literally the last 10 seconds, homer just needed to make a jump to get to Moe's)

[@TopAnimeLoverEver]

All your possessions are electromagnetic locked into place and the capsule just gets crane moved. Boom job done.

[@cherylmockotr]

Such an interesting concept! I've never heard of it. I would think, that with modern technology, it's possible to rebuild it where the capsules can all be removed and replaced without disturbing any of the others. There could be single capsule units and multi-capsule units for varying household sizes. As couples become empty-nesters they could sell off one of their capsules without having to move. I wish the new property owners would give that a try!

[@rubytwoshoes1032]

Such a shame its being demolished. I always wanted to stay there. Glad there are vids like this to keep the memories alive.

[@jackstoneeeeeee]

I can't believe ASO by Natsuki, Joey and Chris Broad were such a hit back in the 1970s! Never knew it was that popular that it transcends the parallel structure of time and the concepts of reality. Truly a masterpiece of a song.

[@orpheusofdreams]

How do you think radios work? lol

[@zeefunk9620]

You sir are delusional lmao

[@estebanley1124]

As an Architectural Designer, I just wanted to say thank you for this amazing walk through of such an important Japanese building, and especially for sharing some of the history behind the Metabolist movement. It’s cool that you mentioned earlier precedents of the movement and brought knowledge of such an influential building to your wider audience. If any one is interested in other metabolist works please look in to other designs of the architects discussed in the video!

[@thierryf2789]

I am a bit surprised that you present a total failure as an important or influential building. .what does that failure say about the metabolist movement should be your question.

[@carlossalazar3182]

@@thierryf2789 I think it’s important in the sense that it shows the possibilities of architecture that is not restrained by economy or practicality, maybe it was a failure in practice, but for people interested in this kind of thing, it’s fascinating. Kind of like imagining a movie with unlimited budget, or animation with 100 drawn frames per second

[@thierryf2789]

@@carlossalazar3182 you mean in fact the possibilities of architecture not restrained by human nature.

[@carlossalazar3182]

@@thierryf2789 Sure, countless limits are imposed into things when we apply them, although in theory we can think them limitless, which is what something like the Metabolism Movement offers us a small glimpse of

[@Will-sq3ip]

The sight of it feels so nostalgic.

[@Pivaxi]

A little capsule village would be SO cute and a wonderful way to preserve a bit of its history! 💕

[@jakoblarok]

I'm glad that Natsuki made it to the airwaves with his breakout hit, "Too Much Volcano". Priceless...

[@MuKori]

I'm so glad Chris was able to make this video. He's mentioned countless times on the podcast how he wants to showcase this location so I'm really glad he did!!!

[@crappymj2326]

Countries time? You meant countless?

[@CChissel]

@@crappymj2326 Pretty sure, no other word fits that starts with count-, most likely auto correct. I hate auto correct.

[@MuKori]

@@crappymj2326 Thanks, I didn't notice that. Auto correct once again.

[@t33th4n]

As capsules seems to be modular, one could install different things in them, and allow someone to "own" multiple modules. The only flaw of this is really they should have been made it easy to replace them, somewhat more easily.

[@fcblp1]

Your videos have so much quality now, it is impressive what this channel has become, congratulations on your hard work Chris!

[@Syy]

Dang, Chris with the production value! Love to see you upping your game.

[@vanjapopovich6100]

was about to comment same thing. production on this segment was amazing.

[@kongo600]

Hey Syy, hope you're doing well

[@adamhercik581]

He had been uppoing his game for years. If you watch hi 8 year old videos, the quality is still there and they age brilliantly.

[@RenevousAssasin]

he got an editor recently so he has more time to do high quality stuff! and focus on recording. i love it personally!

[@zam023]

This video was disappointing. He did not explore enough of the building to tell us what it is like inside the building. He only showed the inside of the capsules. Compared to everything Chris has produced, this felt rushed and incomplete.

[@mariagiavedoni169]

It’s so sad though that a lot of historic and revolutionary buildings can’t be preserved as they were intended to. Hopefully they will find another use elsewhere. Thanks for this is depth documentary Chris, it really felt like being there :)

[@AUserName-fv8zj]

In the UK we have listed buildings which are designated to be of particular architectural or historic importance - essentially being preserved and maintained. They're mainly very old manors and castles, but there are instances of more modern buildings (i.e. Lloyds building built in the 80s) that are listed. Does Japan have anything similar? It would be cool for unique structures like this to be preserved rather than replaced.

[@ligametis]

@@AUserName-fv8zj Well if you list it it just stands a few more years and then gets demolished as dangerous. It is not very fixable at this point and it is not some rural manor house that you can rebuild and land on which it stands is not really that valuable or in demand. The question is where to get the money if it is listed.

[@GavinBisesi]

You can really feel the influence of this building on the whole genre of cyberpunk and that kind of aesthetic

[@keosh777]

I've walked alongside that building a few years back while visiting Tokyo and admired its' architecture. Thanks for this update! 🙂

[@luks303]

This Alex guy is actually pretty cool, Id like to see more of these japanese peculiar architectures with the two of you

[@alaynajordan8459]

He's collaborated with him before on videos, I think one was about the most expensive apartment in Tokyo?

[@deangordon7180]

If you had the money to buy the building and to do up the capsules it would be great, you could make each capsule a specific theme or have each one for different utilities, a sleeping capsule, kitchen capsule, small gym capsule, bathroom capsule etc. It would be cool if they could make a redesign of the building to allow capsules to be removed without impacting neighbouring capsules, then I reckon it could become successful.

[@johnnyricoMC]

Reminds me of Korben Dallas' apartment in The Fifth Element. But in ages like these where people have to occasionally live in a virtual house arrest for weeks on end, I think one would go crazy in such a housing facility.

[@CommodoreFan64]

I think if they were twice the size with a kitchen/living space, and larger more normal bathroom I really could see these for single people, or couple on a budget just starting out./

[@joyjo2031]

I just realized that is what it reminded me of

[@okamiseven]

Sir, are you classified as human? Negative, I am a meat popsicle

[@joaovictorsimianersoder7514]

the inside of the original capsule looks like something you'd see in a kubrick film, specially the round window

[@Platypi007]

I really got a mix of the vibe of 2001 as well as something that made me think of A Clockwork Orange.

[@Kelvin_Foo]

@@Platypi007 Yes, the capsule definitely conveys vibes of a Kubrick 1970s dystopian film.

[@whatsupdoc84]

I love the way Japanese architects think. Their visions are so functional and innovative. always ahead of their time.

[@georgebenta3435]

They have started to demolish the building. You're very lucky to make a video about the capsule tower.

[@flyingace1234]

I would love these to be preserved somewhere. They are a perfect time capsule (sorry I had to make the pun) of a style of architecture. I wonder if some university would like to keep one for display.

[@erikringerud8419]

There should be more music for architecture, and more architecture for music.

[@oldschoolm8]

I reckon this, re-imagined, as a sort of novelty, ‘retro’ hotel would be a hit. Make the rooms a little bigger, but keep a reel to reel player with albums of the time, an old analogue tv with a mock analogue station playing via tape, but have a WiFi signal and a few modern luxuries and amenities....

[@CChissel]

For sure. People love staying in unique places, and that I think would attract a lot of business.

[@silver1step]

there are actually a number of "modern" capsule apartments inspired by this movement I believe. I watched a documentary a couple years ago about the tiny house movement and affordable living and they showcased a few. Although, those felt a little bigger than these although smaller in scale.

[@dienand_]

That 1970s room is very cool looking honestly,

[@NiGHTSaturn]

Witnessing that building with your own eyes is an experience. It was one of the great moments of my trip in 2008. I truly hope it could be restored with some capsules for rent to experience it fully. I would do that in a heartbeat. Thanks for that awesome video Chris. I might have to go back to Japan earlier than I thought to make sure I catch another glimpse of that iconic building.

[@MnemonicHeadTrip]

The exterior looks like something straight out of a dystopian cyberpunk future, imagine a whole city crammed with those things

[@Pumpkin0_0]

@SirSnufflelots The reasons why it didn't were said in the video.

[@sinnottboy]

Can’t believe we’re getting so many awesome videos this year. Thank God Chris finally got an editor!

[@HeavenlyCreature.]

What editor ? I thought control freak Chris did everything himself 🤨

[@74fisher]

So interesting. Well done Chris. Thanks for sharing

[@higherlearning9386]

Amazing building! Would be great to see some of those capsules make it to museums, It’s a great way to express that culture.

[@blackcountrysmoggie]

I really like how this channel balances it's more comedic content with other subjects that are just genuinely fascinating such as this one. As much as we are a global society these days, there is still such a wealth of interesting things for people from other societies to discover in what is still a relatively small country geographically. Many thanks to Chris and all involved with the channel for continued great videos 😃

[@englishatheart]

Its* It's = "it is" or "it has." Its = belonging to it.

[@thetwopointslow]

It was great to see the inside of a few capsules, but it would’ve been interesting to see the hallways, stairwell, etc. to get a look at how the inside of the building is designed and organized (other than the interiors of the capsules themselves)

[@anachronismic]

I forget the name but there's a photo book that has that!

[@ernstschmidt4725]

yeah! looking not only the "capsule meat" but the "spine" of the building would be amazing

[@catsmith5631]

Brilliant video. Used it for my research on sustainable and future city living. We love your videos, but this is one of my faves!

[@reubendavidson6490]

I could absolutely live in a small space like this- I think buildings will revert to this kind of thing as the worlds population grows

[@reinhartvaleria9771]

This is one of the reasons why I'm subscribed to this channel. Bringing up this out of ordinary places from Japan makes me want to go out there and visit the country someday. Thanks for indulging us another moment of escapism which I think many people nowadays need. Kudos!

[@oYinYano]

I’m in love with the original capsules, there’s something so... futuristic about the design, it makes me feel nostalgic for a time I wasn’t even alive for

[@gwugluud]

That should definitely be preserved.

[@BrentWilkins7777]

Love the vintage Sony electronic equipment in that apartment and that wonderful reel to reel tape deck. Very early 70's !

[@servalsays9906]

It’s sad that the buildings in Tokyo are becoming mostly utilitarian. Hopefully in the future, convenient and efficient buildings can also be uniquely designed. Edit: changed Japan to Tokyo

[@RocKM001]

Unfortunately Nakagin's plight isn't just all on that... it's one of the biggest victim of Japan's bueracracy. The leasing/ownership of the building and capsules meant that maintenance was practically impossble to do and hence the constant decline of the building. Many folks and societies have actually tried to renovate and fix the tower. Unfortunately red tape has put all those to a stop

[@JoelDjuel]

thats the post ww2 world in general

[@MrJcTTK]

@Ashish V well the building is still there just not owned by sega anymore

[@experience_point6233]

@@JoelDjuel The world peaked in 70/80/90s, it is all downhill from then.

[@billlumbergh6294]

Well I guess that is not only the problem of Japan but all "Modern architecture". A couple of crazy museums, but the everyday buildings like apartments all all rather prosaic

[@calebrobbins6406]

This would be an AMAZING cooperation escape room idea--one person in each room, with different clues in each one to get everyone out....that'd be awesome!

[@PrismCasillica]

That would be so intense!

[@dianaa8125]

A genuinely good idea!

[@adams303]

Another great video! Great work Chris 👍

[@rat-matt-miniatures8705]

The more I think about this, the more I like the idea and feel that it would be perfect for someone like myself.

[@naomimichiko]

I paid a visit to this tower when I was traveling around Japan a few years back and absolutely found the architecture breathtaking. No one around me seemed to care, but I was mesmerized! Really hoping a few capsules can be preserved.

[@IMadeOfClay]

This channel has always been a favourite of mine but has become nothing short of stunning in the last year or two. Super topics and fantastic production quality.

[@andrzejkopalnia]

Chris, you are almost casually showing off to every of your peers why you have not only the best channel about Japan, but one of the best channels on KZbin in general! I applaud your efforts and am much obliged to have you on here. Expertedly done video! Cheers

[@hundredsroadwerewolf]

Enjoyed this - thanks for posting.

[@clay2889]

It really blows my mind how good Chris has gotten with cinematography on this channel. Also this capsule hotel is awesome

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Even though I'd be a little claustrophobic, "The Stylish Capsule" looked comfortable to be in, it just has the feeling of "home".

[@danksoulaire]

wtf, you again?!!!!!!

[@slyfawkes7772]

なんですか？

[@wn_idnskr2490]

Just accept the fact that "we" are everywhere (◡ ω ◡).

[@ScoptOriginal]

It's actually surprising how little space people need to live comfortably though

[@supercyberdigi]

especially if you could rent another capsule for office space or something.

[@tusharsanghvi2101]

Such an interesting architectural piece also one of your best videos

[@bjhelder]

Thanks for this type of video!! Well done. More please :)

[@Ryan1993uk]

i always get so excited when you upload xD

[@iSniper]

xD

[@nihwa6691]

SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME

[@UsokolU]

xD

[@immanuelhpj3707]

Whenever Chris uploads, I always think "yup, today's dinner is gonna be entertaining to eat" 😅....

[@vankyler8179]

to-tomato?!

[@Pantalaimon91]

This might be one of the best videos you've ever made Chris. Gives fascinating historical context about an obscure architecture movement (in the west at least), an in depth dive into an incredible historical site, and shot with the love and care that only you can give to show your honest opinion about a place without seeming like your being overly critical or supportive.

[@neospacemanS]

Aw, I hope they could potentially keep the capsules, or at least some of them! What cool, unique architecture.

[@Recapsplus]

Its an amazing presentation.

[@ted1045]

It's a pretty neat idea. The whole tiny homes movement that is still ongoing would work well for something like this. Repurpose the capsules or make new ones with the same design and sell them for affordable housing or something of that nature.

[@TurtleGamers1]

@@dansmith1661 and then rents them out for exorbitant prices sometimes i am reminded of what i dislike about the world

[@blablup1214]

I don't think that 50 years old run down capsules will fetch this high of a price.

[@nanamiharuka3269]

Or even for the homeless

[@THOMASCOLTON1]

It's a depressing rabbit hutch.

[@sebastianniqvist3144]

Imagine 1972 the fashion the whole 70’s atmosphere and the economy doing better than the crap we have today. A bit of a hippy look and bringing a lovely Japanese lady (or maybe two) and just enjoying the best thing there is in life: youth… Great video! The Shapiro guy, is he half Japanese? He had the Eurasian look. Really congrats on this video and thank you. Really great work! I would have loved to see this building when it opened in the 70’s… those were the days!!!! Preserve these jewels of the past for future generations, don’t lose your soul to progress!!!!!

[@Andearoid]

when a capsule is ripe, it unlocks from the building and it dispatches its occupant 20 meters downside to the ground. like space ship's modules at their launch. it's a really special experience if you can survive. so more it's rusted everywhere more I love it.

[@alexwhip326]

Thanks Chris, you've reignited my depression over not being able to visit bubble-era Japan. At least, not until someone invents a time machine. Also, thanks for making some of the best videos on the platform. Within the first 2 minutes of this video I was thinking how this has better production than a lot of high budget documentaries I've seen recently

[@SD-oi9gr]

I wish we still made cool inventive things like this now. They should definitely preserve at least some of the capsules for museums.