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Reduce Vacancies by Renovating Japanese-Style Rooms
2026.04.23
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Western-style rooms offer many advantages, such as the ability to place heavy furniture and ease of cleaning. As a result, many property owners are considering renovations. Common methods for converting a Japanese-style room in a rental property include replacing floor materials, changing sliding doors, and turning oshiire (traditional storage) into closets.
In this article, we introduce practical renovation methods for converting Japanese-style rooms into Western-style rooms, as well as cost-effective DIY ideas, for landlords looking to improve occupancy rates.
Table of Contents
Why Japanese-Style Rooms Are Less Popular Than Western-Style Rooms
In today’s rental market, Japanese-style rooms tend to be far less in demand compared to Western-style rooms. The main reason is their mismatch with modern lifestyles. Many tenants prefer using beds, sofas, and desks, but tatami mats are prone to dents and damage from heavy furniture.
Additionally, tatami requires regular maintenance and can be susceptible to mites and mold, which leads many tenants to avoid Japanese-style rooms altogether. To attract rental demand and improve profitability, upgrading Japanese-style rooms to suit the target tenant profile is an effective strategy.
Key Benefits of Converting a Japanese-Style Room into a Western-Style Room
・Target a Wider Range of Tenants
One reason Western-style rooms are so popular is their flexibility in layout. Flooring does not dent as easily as tatami, allowing tenants to place large or heavy furniture without concern.
Western-style rooms also allow for efficient use of limited space. While Japanese-style rooms require oshiire for storing futons, Western-style rooms can utilize under-bed storage, reducing the need for large built-in storage. These advantages make Western-style rooms appealing to a broader audience and significantly increase the likelihood of securing tenants during viewings.
・Simplified Maintenance
Even without visible damage, tatami mats often require replacement or resurfacing due to aging, which adds maintenance costs. In contrast, Western-style rooms typically require only minor repairs or floor waxing, which are more affordable and quicker to complete. This helps reduce repair expenses and shortens vacancy periods between tenants.
Main Methods for Converting a Japanese-Style Room into a Western-Style Room
In rental properties, renovations usually focus on surface-level upgrades rather than major layout changes.
・Replacing Tatami with Flooring
Changing tatami mats to flooring is one of the most effective ways to transform the overall impression of a room. However, since tatami has thickness, removing it may lower the floor level. In some cases, additional subfloor adjustment is required to match the height of adjacent rooms.
・Replacing Sliding Paper Doors with Modern Doors
Simply replacing fusuma (paper sliding doors) with modern sliding doors can instantly give the room a contemporary look. To minimize cost and construction time, it is best to reuse the existing frames. Choosing doors that match the original fusuma dimensions allows for a smooth upgrade without major structural work.
・Converting an Oshiire into a Closet
By installing a hanging rail inside an oshiire, it can be converted into a functional closet. However, if the middle shelf remains, long garments may not fit properly. Depending on tenant needs, consider removing the shelf and redesigning the interior layout.
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Cost-Saving DIY Ideas for Converting a Japanese-Style Room
For landlords looking to keep costs down, DIY solutions can also be effective. Cushion flooring with wood-grain designs can be laid directly over old tatami mats, eliminating disposal costs and refreshing the room’s appearance using only material expenses.
Recently, there has been an increase in click-in or lay-down floor tiles that require no special tools, making DIY renovations more accessible than ever.
Conclusion
Converting a Japanese-style room into a Western-style room not only helps reduce vacancies but can also enhance future resale value. Whether through full-scale renovations to boost asset value or budget-friendly DIY upgrades to improve cleanliness and appeal, choosing the right approach based on the property’s condition is essential.
At Land Housing, our real estate professionals provide comprehensive support tailored to each client’s needs. We also offer property valuations to help you understand your asset’s true value. Please feel free to contact us for a consultation.
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