Kosugi-yu Tonari accommodates members’ varied lifestyles and preferences within a single shared space. Some stop by after work to dine with other members, some drop in to relax independently, and others visit almost daily to work remotely. At the heart of this environment is the emphasis on fostering familiarity and social interaction, while still providing a flexible setting where members can choose their own level of engagement. From casual socializing to the enjoyment of solitude, this adaptable social space promotes a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere within the space to underscore its aim of providing ibasho or “another place to return to.”
7.1 Ibasho & “Another Place to Return to”
“There are not many places like this, where people of various ages are loosely connected in the same space” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024), remarked Anmi Shirai, the manager of Kosugi-yu Tonari (Tonari), during the interview, as she described the social dynamics at Tonari. The members of Tonari come from a diverse range of profession, including students, office workers, teachers, musicians, and parents raising children. Additionally, the membership spans a wide range, from individuals in their 20s to those in their 60s. Within Tonari, Shirai aims to provide these members with another ibasho, or “another place to return to, or mouhitosu no kaeru basho (もう一つの帰る場所)” beyond one’s own home:
“Today, whether you live with family or alone, you just go to work and come home, and if you’re living alone, you just clean up the house, wash the dishes, and go to bed. It feels like that’s the routine. But if you stop by here (Tonari), you encounter familiar faces and have the chance to greet them or chat with them. That’s like small happiness in daily life, in the routine of just going to work, coming home, and sleeping. Also, in casual conversations, ideas for events (to be hosted at Tonari) often come up, such as ‘I want to do this next,’ which can lead to responses like, ‘Let’s do it together,’ or ‘I work in this field, so I might be able to help.’… But you can build relationships with people here at a comfortable distance. Through such connections, I hope that Tonari can feel like another place to return to, a place where members can feel ibasho, and a space that provides small happiness in daily lives” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
As illustrated in the statement above, Shirai aims to cultivate a space where members can feel a sense of ibasho––a place where members feel comfortable and welcome enough to return to, beyond the confines of their own home. She envisions fostering this environment by expanding members’ networks of “familiar faces” and promoting social interaction among members and staff within the shared space, all while maintaining a comfortable distance from one another. The key to evoking a sense of ibasho and creating “another place to return to” lies in fostering familiarity among members and staff, as well as the quality of their interactions, while respecting personal space. Fieldwork revealed that there are several initiatives taken to cultivate this familiarity, promote social interactions, and maintain a balanced distance in relationships. The following sections will explore how these three key aspects are nurtured within the space of Tonari to create the comfortable and welcoming environment that Shirai envisions, where members feel they want to return to.
7.2 Self-Introduction & Greetings
At the most basic level, in order for members and staff to get to know each other and develop a network of familiar faces within the shared space, the staff emphasizes self-introductions. At Tonari, when the staff meets new members, they introduce themselves first. As Shirai describes:
“I think talking to someone whose name you don’t know can be really nerve-wracking. So, first, the staff introduce themselves, and then when the member come back, they’ll think, ‘Oh, there’s someone I’ve talked to before.’ If there’s someone whom they had talked to before, it creates a great sense of comfort within the space” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Self-introductions help break the ice and provides an opportunity for members to make acquaintances within Tonari. Although this may seem a small gesture, it can play an important role in providing reassurance and fostering familiarity, thereby fostering the comfort levels of members when visiting the space.
Furthermore, the researcher observed that when a self-introduction between a member and staff took place near other members, the staff often facilitated further connections by introducing members to one another. Additionally, the staff occasionally introduced new members to others in the shared environment by calling attention to them. These initiatives create more opportunities for acquaintanceship. On one occasion, a staff member greeted the researcher for the first time and introduced another member nearby. After the introduction, a brief conversation occurred between the research and the member, during which they discussed their professions and the length of their membership. Through this process of self-introduction, not only do a network of familiar faces develop within the space, but individuals also experience a sense of inclusion as they are welcomed by both staff and other members, contributing to a greater sense of comfort and connection within the environment. The self-introduction thus serves a crucial entry point for members and staff to become acquainted, promoting a sense of comfort that encourages members to visit the space and fostering the development of further social connections.
In addition to self-introduction, a sense of familiarity and comfort is also fostered through the way staff greet members. At Tonari, instead of using the formal greetings like “Irasshaimase” (Welcome) or “Arigatou gozaimashita” (Thank you for your patronage), they say “Konnichiwa” (Good afternoon) or “Konbanwa” (Good evening) when greeting members. They also say “Itterasshai” (Take care/Have a great day) when a member leaves the space, “Okaerinasai” (Welcome back) when they return, and “Oyasuminasai” (Good night) when they leave at night. These personalized greetings help provide a sense of closeness between members and staff. By moving away from formal greetings, the atmosphere becomes more relaxed and informal, creating a warm environment where relationships between members and staff feel more like those between acquaintances rather than formal exchanges.
7.3 Opportunities for Interactions
In addition to facilitating initial acquaintance and establishing a basic sense of comfort through self-introductions, as well as enhancing relaxed, personal relationships between members and staff via informal greetings, Tonari provides various opportunities for social interaction through mediums such as food, the large dining table, and member-organized events. These interactions, arising from such opportunities, contribute to increased familiarity and the strengthening social ties among both members and staff.
Food
At Tonari, there are opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere where members can share food with others. For example, the kitchen counter on the first floor functions as a place where members can leave food souvenirs (see Figures 33 & 34). One key observation during the fieldwork is that food often serves as an effective medium for initiating and encouraging conversations and interactions. The following scenario illustrates how food souvenirs foster social interactions (see Scenario#10).
Scenario#10: At the Kitchen Counter of Kosugi-yu Tonari
A member was looking at several food souvenirs from different members at the kitchen counter. Staff behind the counter said, “These are souvenirs from members A, B and C. Please feel free to try some.” The member smiled and responded, “It looks delicious.”
At that point, another member nearby showed interest, and asked, “What is that?”
They joined the conversation and began sharing the souvenir, commenting on how delicious it was. They casually discussed where the souvenir was from and whether they had been to that region. After a brief conversation, both returned to their seats, having enjoyed a friendly interaction over the shared treat.
Figure 33. Food souvenirs shared by members on the kitchen counter
Figure 34. Food souvenirs on the kitchen counter
Sometimes, a note is placed with the item to indicate who provided it or where it came from.
Beyond the practice of sharing food souvenirs at the kitchen counter, members would sometimes share them directly with others (see Scenario#11).
Scenario#11: On the 1st Floor at Kosugi-yu Tonari
A female member (member A) entered Tonari and spoke to the staff behind the kitchen counter, saying, “Long time no see! I brought Rikuro Ojisan’s Cheesecake as a souvenir from Osaka.” Staff said, “Ah! Rikuro Ojisan!”
Other members responded enthusiastically, saying, “Wow, Rikuro Ojisan!” “This is the famous one!” They happily gathered around the kitchen counter, about 4 or 5 members joining in. Member A said, “It’s apparently better if you warm it up in the microwave.” Staff responded, “Then, let’s heat it up and cut it up.”
Member B joined, “Maybe it’s better to only warm the amount we’re going to eat.”
Staff and member A responded, “Smart!” “But in the end, we’ll probably heat it all up. Haha.” Afterward, they cut the cake and shared it with the members who had gathered around the kitchen.
Members enjoyed the cake, saying, “It’s so delicious! It’s so light!” A conversation began as they enjoyed the treat.
The staff approached me sitting a bit farther from the kitchen, and said, “There’s one piece left. Would you like it?” The members also shared it with someone who happened to come down from the second floor as well, sparking more conversation.
I joined the group at the large dining table, where everyone ate the cheesecake while engaging in conversation together. A female member (member C), sitting diagonally to the right of the researcher, asked, “What is your name?” Member C and I introduced themselves and discussed various topics, including the length of their membership at Tonari, their occupations, the frequency of their visits to Tonari, what they studied at university. Overall, about six members were gathered at the large dining table and the kitchen counter, enjoying the cake and conversing. After a while, everyone returned to their respective activities.
As shown in these two scenarios, during fieldwork, it was often observed that conversations among members and staff were initiated through food souvenirs. In some cases, members shared these souvenirs at the kitchen counter, while in others, they offered them directly to others in the shared space, regardless of whether they knew each other. In both instances, the practice served as a conversation starter, facilitating new encounters, leading to both brief and extended conversations, and strengthening social bonds among members. Additionally, as illustrated in Scenario#11, members sometimes shared their souvenirs with the staff, who then passed them on to other members in the same space. This helped enhance a broader range of interactions, often with more people joining in, regardless of their prior connections.
Additionally, besides the food souvenirs, when members cooked something using the kitchen on the first floor and had leftovers, they often shared them with staff or other members or placed them on the kitchen counter for others to enjoy. This, much like the food souvenirs, created a catalyst for interaction and conversation among staff and members, enhancing further connections within Tonari.
What these scenarios underscore is that food serves as an effective medium for breaking the ice and, importantly, provides a shared point of reference that everyone can related to. In this context, it was observed that these food-related interactions were often inter-generational, with members of various ages engaging with one another. Offering common ground makes it easier for various members to connect and interact with one another. Additionally, when members share souvenirs and meals with others, it encourages a sense of camaraderie, further strengthening social relationships among them.
Moreover, while the sharing of souvenirs and meals may occur incidentally, it was observed that Tonari consistently facilitates social interactions through its regular meal offerings, which functions as a recurring catalyst for such exchanges. Meals are served by the staff three times a week: lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays, and dinner on Wednesdays (see Figures 35, 36 & 37). During fieldwork, as staff prepared meals in the kitchen, the delicious flavors filled the floor and even reached the second floor. Members on the first floor sometimes came up to the kitchen, commenting, “It smells good. What are you cooking?” Occasionally, members from the second floor came down and joined the conversation. Shirai states that sharing the same dishes plays a key role in facilitating connections among members:
“I believe food, especially sharing the same dishes, makes it much easier for people to connect with each other. We call it ‘Onagama,’ which means sharing the same pot and eating the same rice (referred to as ‘Onaji kama no meshi wo taberu nakama’ (同じ釜の飯を食べる仲間) in Japanese). When you’re eating together, conversations naturally arise” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Figure 35. Dinner prepared by Manager Shirai on Wednesday#1
“Anmi’s Chinese Rice Bowl”
Figure 36. Dinner prepared by Manager Shirai on Wednesday#2
“Winter Warming Curry”
Figure 37. Members who wish to have lunch/dinner write their names on the whiteboard placed on the kitchen counter.
Figure 38. A large dining table on the first floor
The kitchen is in the back.
During the meals, conversation naturally arose among those eating together in the same space. The key lies not only in sharing the same dishes, but also in sharing the experiences, space, and time together. As Lebra (1976) discusses, intimate relationships are characterized by the expression and confirmation of unity, oneness, and solidarity (p. 115). At Tonari, the large dining table on the first floor enables multiple members to sit and eat together, rather than sitting independently, fostering physical proximity and a stronger sense of co-eating and a “we” feeling (see Figure 38). Thus, the act of sharing meals in the same environment encourages a sense of togetherness and unity, which facilitates emotional attachment and connection, ultimately promoting social interaction.
The Large Dining Table
In this context, the large dining table on the first floor appears to be a focal point of social interaction. Positioned at the center of the first floor, in front of the kitchen, the table provides a shared space where multiple can people sit together, engage in group activities, and have shared experiences, all of which contribute to a sense of togetherness and unity.
“Sometimes, members spend their times individually, but when members are eating together here, conversations naturally arise, and I think communication really happens here. Also, I’ve seen members working together to create apps here. This big table is often used for everyone to gather and do things together” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Not only does the table offer a space for members to eat together, but it also serves as a setting for group conversations and collaborative activities. During the dinner on Wednesday, members mentioned to the researcher that, several times a week, they engage in games such as shogi (将棋) or go (碁) with other members. On another occasion, the researcher participated in card games with three male members at the table, and the conversation sparked, strengthening social bonds (see Figure 39). Group conversations were also frequently observed at the table. The large dining table thus facilitates physical proximity and shared experiences, fostering a sense of unity (Lebra, 1976, p. 115) and contributing to the development of stronger social ties among members.
Figure 39. Played a card game developed by a member’s friend after dinner, using the dining table
Events
Another significant opportunity for social interaction at Tonari is events, which members have the autonomy to plan and coordinate. Members can utilize the bulletin board on the first floor to post information about events they have arranged. These events, often initiated by different members, vary in nature and include activities such as wine parties, hiking excursions, cheese fondue gatherings, group runs, and theater outings. As Shirai notes, the number of these member-led events have been increasing over time. Participation is voluntary, with individuals indicating their interest by signing up on the event information card posted on the bulletin board (see Figure 40). The ideas about events are not formally planned but often emerge during casual conversations among members, as noted by Shirai:
“Most of those events are not something that’s meticulously planned. It’s not like people sit down and plan. Instead, most of the time, it happens during casual conversations on the first floor and becomes like, ‘Oh, I want to do this sometime,’ or ‘Since it’s Christmas, maybe we should have a Christmas party.’ These kinds of natural conversations lead to events being organized, and it creates more opportunities for members to connect with each other” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
A wine party, for instance, has evolved into a monthly event organized by specific members. Although not formally planned, one of the organizers explained to the researcher that the idea for the event casually emerged during informal conversations when another organizer expressed their interest in sharing wine with others. The first event took place approximately six months ago, and over time, it gained popularity. In the party held in November 2024, nearly 20 participants attended, with ages varying. At the event, participants each bring their own wine, snacks, or food. If they are unable to bring anything, they are expected to pay a set amount.
Figure 40. A bulletin board displaying event information
Members who wish to participate write their names on the card of the respective event.
Moreover, reflecting the informal nature of event organization, some gathering emerge spontaneously, often in response to leftover ingredients at the kitchen. For instance, a gyoza-making party was initiated when a large surplus of gyoza wrappers, nearing their expiration date, urged members to come together for the shared activity of preparing and enjoying the dish.
These events provide valuable opportunities for members to get to know each other and build their relationships. As event information are posted on the bulletin board, these events are highly visible and open, promoting accessibility and encouraging new encounters, which leads to stronger bonds among members.
Overall, Tonari provides opportunities and an environment that encourage social interactions among members and staff. At the core of this process are self-introductions and casual greetings by the staff, which help promote familiarity and create a more relaxed atmosphere. In addition to these practices, various opportunities for social interaction exist within the space. The interactions observed through fieldwork––fostered through food, the large dining table, and events as mediums, facilitate new encounters and strengthen existing relationships.
While members also initiate conversations, promoted by these opportunities, the role of staff is central to this social dynamic. They play a significant role in facilitating social interactions by engaging directly with members and helping to bridge connections between them. Their presence is key in enhancing familiarity and social interactions within the space.
Food, in particular, serves as a common ground for all members, functioning as a central medium for initiating and fostering conversations across different age groups. The presence of food souvenirs, shared meals, and regular meal offerings create spaces where interaction can occur more easily and naturally, allowing members to connect regardless of prior relationships. Moreover, the large dining table on the first floor provides a space for shared experiences. Members use the table to engage in group gatherings and shared activities, including dining, collaborative activities, and casual conversations. The table plays a crucial role in promoting physical proximity and fostering a sense of unity among members. Additionally, member-organized events provide another valuable platform for social engagement. These events, often initiated through informal conversations, provide opportunities for members to become more familiar with each other and bond through various activities. Through these interactions, members continue to build connections, further fostering a sense of familiarity and strengthening social ties.
7.4 Communication Selectivity
While opportunities for social interactions are abundant at Tonari, what the shared space emphasizes is “communication selectivity,” or “komyunike-shon sentaku-sei” (コミュニケーション選択性), a concept introduced by Yuichi Kato, the owner of Tonari. This concept enables members to navigate their social engagement among social interaction, solitude while sensing the presence of others, and the private time within the shared space. This idea is enhanced through social functions of sento, Kato and Shirai imagine, as stated by two:
“It’s like the ‘just the right distance’ you find at sento. It’s the kind of distance where you can greet the person at the reception with a simple ‘Good evening’ or ‘Good morning,’ but it’s not a place where only a tight-knit group of regulars is gathered together. It feels like each person has their own time flowing. Even when you’re by yourself, it feels comfortable. But at the same time, you’re loosely connected with others. That kind of distance is really nice” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Kato envisions Tonari as a space where relationships are maintained at a comfortable distance, drawing from social functions he associates with sento. He sought to integrate this concept as a central element in the establishment of Tonari.
“Sento is not a community, although a community is certainly cultivated there. Some people visit simply to relax and rejuvenate their minds and bodies when they are tired, while others engage with regulars or the attendants. Sento is a place where one can be alone or interact with others, providing a ‘selectivity of communication.’ This is the type of space I wanted to create at Kosugi-yu Tonari. When the COVID-19 pandemic began and the first state of emergency was declared, parks were overflowing with people. Encountering this made me realize how important it is to have places where people can maintain a sense of connection with others and feel a presence of others around them. Furthermore, as remote work became more common, I heard that people living alone had fewer opportunities for social interaction, while those living with others felt their personal space diminished—some struggled with the proximity of their partners, which led to difficulties. This experience made me feel that, even in urban spaces, there is a need for both ‘places to be alone’ and ‘places to be with others.’ I hope that Kosugi-yu Tonari can serve as a space that allows people to choose how they spend their time and engage with others” (Nomura, 2023).
Based on fieldwork, Kosugi-yu, located next to Tonari, is primarily frequented by locals (Kato, 2023, p. 179) from various generations and social groups, including elderly, middle-aged, and youth individuals, as well as family groups. In contrast to Denki-yu, where socializing is more central to the space’s social function, the atmosphere at Kosugi-yu predominantly emphasizes individuals’ personal time. A bigger proportion of individuals at Kosugi-yu engage in solitary activities compared to those at Denki-yu. However, both spaces provide an important social feature: the selective nature of communication, allowing individulas to choose different levels of social interaction depending on their preferences and situational contexts.
In the case of Kosugi-yu, the primary social interactions between individual customers are observed among the elderly regulars from the neighborhood. While many customers choose solitude, interactions also occasionally take place between these elderly patrons and younger people who are familiar with them, as well as with mothers accompanied by children. Additionally, informal and personal greetings, such as “Konbanwa” (Good evening) and “Oyasuminasai” (Good night), are exchanged at the reception, and some customers engage in brief conversations with the staff. As Kato and Shirai demonstrate in their statements, sento is a place where one can be alone while also having opportunities for interaction. Thus, the concept of a “selectivity of communication” and “comfortable or right distance” as illustarted by the two, refers to a space which allows individuals to enjoy solitude without the expectation of intimate interactions, while still providing opportunities for social engagement.
As illustrated above, by incorporating the communication selectivity of sento into the shared space of Tonari, both Kato and Shirai aim to enhance the flexibility of the social environment for members. The design of the building plays a key role in achieving this. While the building consists of the three floors, each floor has a designed function. The following outlines the designed role of each floor and how it is actually used in practice.
1st Floor: “A Living Room-Like Space”
The first floor is conceptualized as a space similar to a living room, expected to be the place where most interactions take place. It includes key features such as the entrance, kitchen, restroom, and a large dining table, with smaller tables and chairs along the walls (see Figure 41). In addition, the floor includes a free drink station and bulletin boards placed along the wall (see Figure 42). This level serves as a central, dynamic space with continuous activity and interactions, enhancing a vibrant social environment.
“When you’re on the first floor, something is always happening. Someone is always doing something. If you come in, you might just encounter someone you know, and they share something with them, or maybe someone is cooking and offers you a bit of what they’ve made” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Figure 41. The 1st floor: “A living room-like space”
The entrance is located at the back on the left side.
A dining table stands in the middle with the kitchen in the background. The staff consistently remains behind the kitchen counter.
A free drink station and bulletin boards are placed along the right wall.
In brief, social interactions among members and staff observed during fieldwork, primarily—or almost exclusively—occurred on the first floor. These interactions include all those previously illustrated, such as self-introductions, greetings, food-related interactions, activities at the large dining table, and events. The staff are consistently stationed behind the kitchen counter on this floor, and the entrance to Tonari is also located on this level. The constant flow of people entering and exiting prompts greetings, self-introductions, and interactions with the staff, all of which take place in this space. Additionally, as the kitchen is situated on the first floor, food souvenirs and shared leftovers are placed on the kitchen counter, and members are basically permitted to eat meals in this area. As a result, all food-related interactions, such as those previously discussed, take place on this level, further contributing to the space’s role in facilitating social engagement. Finally, events are exclusively held on the first floor, and the large dining table in this space fosters group gatherings, collaborative activities, and shared experiences, thereby strengthening the role of the first floor as the central hub of social interaction within Tonari.
Beyond these core functions, the first floor also houses a free drink station and the restroom, creating additional opportunities for members and staff to intersect and engage in spontaneous interactions. As Shirai notes:
“On the first floor, there is a free drink station, which is not available on the second floor. As a result, members must come down to the first floor to use it. Additionally, since there are no restrooms on the second floor, everyone must pass through the first floor, creating numerous opportunities for communication with others” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
During fieldwork, it was often observed that members engaged in conversations with staff or other members while accessing the drink station or restroom.
Moreover, the strategic placement of bulletin boards, including the one featuring event information discussed in the former section, further facilitate interaction. Positioned on the first floor, these boards were occasionally observed to act as mediums for fostering conversations among members and staff. For example, when a member was looking at the bulletin board on events, staff approached and initiated a conversation to ask if the member was interested in participating in any events. These bulletin boards further enhance the space’s role in cultivating social engagement.
To sum, the first floor is thoughtfully designed as a space that facilitates active social engagement, characterized by continuous activity and interactions that contribute to a vibrant social environment. Key elements, including the placement of the entrance, kitchen, free drink station, and restroom, promote the space’s dynamism and flow, creating frequent opportunities for interaction. Additionally, the large dining table enables group interactions, while food and bulletin boards serve as effective platforms for initiating conversations and enhancing connections on this floor. Finally, the presence of staff, along with the hosting of events, further encourages social interactions. As a result, the first floor functions as the central social hub of Tonari, cultivating social connections among members.
Figure 42. A free drink station is set up on the first floor, and a bulletin board with event information is posted on the wall above it.
Figure 43. The 1st floor as seen from outside
2nd Floor: “A Study Room-Like Space”
In contrast to the dynamism of the first floor, the second floor functions as a space for solitude. It features a tatami room with counter seating by the window, a chabudai (low table) in the center, and bookshelves. The researcher observed that this space is primarily used by members for independent work, study, relaxation, or occasionally to sleep on the tatami. Unlike the first floor, there are no elements that make the space socially dynamic, resulting in a lower level of social interaction among members on this floor. Popular spots for members are the counter seats, which allow them to sit side by side without facing each other, enabling them to focus independently on their work or enjoy personal time (see Figure 44).
Figure 44. “A study room-like space”
However, even though the second floor is designed to offer solitude, it is also structured in a way that allows members to sense the activities occurring within the building, preventing them from feeling isolated and instead helping them perceive the presence of others. As Shirai notes, the absence of doors between the first and second floors, along with open ceiling, allows the voices and sounds from the first floor to be faintly heard on the second floor. This design enables members on the second floor to remain aware of the ongoing activities below, fostering a sense of connection to others. If they wish to engage in social interactions, they can come down to the first floor, where social dynamism is active. This aligns with the concept of “copresence,” where individuals sense the presence of others in a shared environment and remain mutually accessible (Zhao & Elesh, 2008).
3rd Floor: A Private Room
Finally, the third floor functions as the space within Tonari where members can secure privacy. The room, which spans 6 tatami mats, is equipped with a restroom, a small sink, and a balcony (see Figures 45 & 46). By making a reservation, members can use this room for one hour. The blackboard on the first floor displays the reservation schedule, showing who has booked the space and at what times. The room is popular among members. As Shirai notes, some members use it for short naps, while others participate in remote meetings that they prefer not to be overheard, engage in workouts, or simply rest. The third floor can also be locked, making it the only truly private space within Tonari.
Figure 45. The 3rd floor
Figure 46. A balcony on the 3rd floor
Overall, each floor is thoughtfully designed with different roles, providing members with the flexibility to select the form of communication that best aligns with their preferences, mood, or specific needs at any given time. As Kato states:
“Among the members, some use this space as a place to work, while others use it to relax. There are also days when some members choose to focus and work alone, while other days they may engage in casual conversations with others. Tonari is a space where people can choose how they spend their time and how they interact with others, depending on the person and the day” (Nomura, 2023).
As Kato’s statement above illustrates, members use Tonari for various purposes, ranging from work and relaxation. The adaptable social environment at Tonari accommodates individuals with different preferences. It also allows members to freely navigate a balance between social interaction, solitude––while still maintaining awareness of others’ presence––and privacy. Fieldwork observations revealed that members often shift between these modes of interaction depending on their mood and needs. For instance, some members worked independently on the second floor, focusing on their tasks, but later moved to the first floor for dinner, which is served by the staff. There, they engaged in lively conversations or participated in group activities, such as playing games at the large dining table. One member shared with the researcher that they occasionally use the third floor for workouts, but mainly spend time on the first floor, engaging in casual conversations with others. By facilitating movement between the different floors, Tonari supports a smooth transition between these varying modes of interaction, providing an environment that harmonizes social engagement with personal time.
However, although each floor has its expected role, as Shirai emphasizes, the use of these spaces is not strictly fixed. Rather, members are free to utilize them according to their individual preferences. For example, during fieldwork, while the first floor is often a space where social interactions naturally occur, it also accommodates many individuals who prefer working alone and not engaging in conversation. According to Shirai, these individuals tend to be those who, while on the first floor, wish to feel the presence of others more strongly than they would on the second floor. This flexibility in using the space is further supported by initiatives taken by the staff. To ensure that these individuals feel comfortable, the staff takes intentional actions. For example, Shirai explains:
“When the first floor is very lively and energetic, staff intentionally refrain from joining the group. Instead, we might work alone, making ourselves part of the solitary group, helping those individuals alone not feel isolated” (A. Shirai, personal communication, November 30, 2024).
Through such practices, the staff ensure that both those who wish to engage in conversation and those who prefer solitude on the first floor can enjoy comfortable atmosphere.
Members’ statements indicate their appreciation for the flexible social environment. One male member expressed, “What I like is the sense of having just the right amount of distance from other members. You can choose your own level of interaction depending on the situation. You can make that choice between the first and second floors. When I want to concentrate, I move up to the second floor, and when I want to talk, I come down to the first floor.” Similarly, a female member shared, “I like the semi-closed feel here. It has sort of a community vibe, but at the same time, there’s a certain level of distance between members.” The spatial design thus facilitates a smooth blend of both social interaction and personal time, supporting a diverse range of individual preferences and needs while providing members with a comfortable sense of distance from one another.
Finally, in creating some of the interaction opportunities discussed earlier, the staff employs thoughtful approaches to respect members’ communication selectivity and their need for comfortable distance within Tonari. A key aspect of this approach is the emphasis on mediation through the space itself, rather than encouraging person-to-person interactions. This is particularly evident in the use of bulletin boards. By posting information about member-oriented events on the bulletin board, individuals can decide for themselves whether or not to participate, thus prioritizing autonomy over direct social engagement. Additionally, activities such as member-organized clubs and crowdfunding initiatives are also communicated through the bulletin board (see Figure 47). Using the bulletin boards as an intermediary enables members to avoid direct face-to-face conversations, thus relieving the psychological burden that might come from rejecting a direct invitation. In this context, “mediation through the space” enables individuals to participate in social interactions at their own comfort level, preserving a sense of autonomy.
Figure 47. A bulletin board featuring information
about member-organized clubs (on the right) and
discussions with staff (on the left).
Participation in the club is done via the QR codes posted on the board.
Requests and feedback about the shared space can also be
submitted through this bulletin board.
In conclusion, Shirai, the manager of Tonari, aims to cultivate a sense of ibasho by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment that feels like another place to return to beyond one’s own home. According to fieldwork, this is facilitated through the blending of familiarity, social interactions, and a flexible sense of distance among its members. At the most basic level, self-introductions and informal greetings by staff can significantly promote familiarity and foster a sense of comfort within the shared space. Through these simple but deliberate approaches, members can develop a network of “familiar faces,” enhancing an atmosphere where newcomers, in particular, feel comfortable returning.
Moreover, Tonari provides various opportunities for social interaction––from spontaneous food sharing to member-organized events. These help members connect with each other and facilitate deeper social ties across a wide range of age groups and professions. The role of staff remains central to building social relationships, as they actively connect members and facilitate social interaction, ensuring that the engagement does not merely depend on member initiative.
Simultaneously, the concept of “communication selectivity” highlights the significance of flexibility in social engagement. The three-floor design of Tonari typifies how physical design can support different degrees of sociality: from encouraging interaction on the first floor to allowing solitude on the second, and ultimately private time on the third. Through this flexible social environment, it is observed that members navigate social participation based on individual preferences, mood, and needs in any given situation. Even though each floor tends to serve its expected role, its use is not rigidly fixed. Rather, members adapt each space to their own preferences. Staff contribute to this flexibility by positioning themselves strategically––sometimes quietly working alone alongside those who wish to be alone, and at other times facilitating group interactions––so that everyone feels comfortable. Consequently, the combination of relaxed familiarity, abundant interaction opportunities, and communication selectivity ensures that members can find a comfortable and welcoming space within Tonari––one that may feel like “another place to return to.”