The story of a wealthy Tokyo landlord living in squalor has captivated Japan after being featured on the reality TV show "Can I Come to Your House?", which interviews people who have missed the last bus and asks to film inside their homes.
The production team encountered Nachiko Tanaka, 88, and her 47-year-old daughter, Akane, and initially mistook them for homeless individuals. They were surprised to learn the pair owned a 7-unit apartment building in Shimokitazawa, a trendy Tokyo neighborhood known for its youth-oriented shops and cafes.
The mother and daughter occupy 4 units and rent out the remaining 3, earning over 400,000 yen per month, in addition to the pension left by Nachiko's husband. Theoretically, they could live comfortably without working.
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Nachiko and her daughter in Tokyo. Photo: Sohu |
Nachiko and her daughter in Tokyo. Photo: Sohu
However, the inside of their home shocked viewers. The entrance was piled high with unopened boxes. The living room was strewn with books, cans, shopping bags, and many items still bearing price tags. The kitchen overflowed with spices, dishes, broken rice cookers, and expired, unused food. The bedroom door could only be opened a crack due to the clutter.
The two rarely cook at home, opting for takeout, and use public baths and laundromats.
Nachiko sleeps on a pile of belongings, pushing them aside to make space. “We buy things we like, but don't get around to using them, so they just pile up," she said. "Every time we try to clean, it’s too overwhelming, so we give up.”
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Nachiko's sleeping area. Photo: Sohu |
Nachiko's sleeping area. Photo: Sohu
Nachiko grew up in an affluent family; her maternal grandfather was the CEO of a publicly listed company. She lived a life of luxury and never did housework. Her husband, who worked in education, was not as wealthy as her parents, but ensured she didn't have to do any chores.
Akane recalled her father often taking the family on trips abroad, enjoying the finest food and amenities. “He loved our family very much," she said. "He cooked for us, and we had a housekeeper. We even had a dog. We were very happy.”
Three years ago, after their father passed away, Akane's older siblings moved out, leaving her and her mother alone. With no one to cook or clean, their lives gradually spiraled, transforming their home into a scene of disarray.
“It’s not that we don’t want to change," Akane admitted, "it’s just that we don’t know where to start.”
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The mother and daughter have accumulated belongings for years without cleaning. Photo: Sohu |
The mother and daughter have accumulated belongings for years without cleaning. Photo: Sohu
The program sparked a wave of comments on Japanese social media. Many criticized their lifestyle: “They have the ability and the money, why live like this?” Others commented, “With the rental income and inheritance, they could easily hire help, but perhaps they've lost their motivation to live.”
At the end of the program, the mother and daughter sighed, “Maybe it’s time to clean up.”
Bao Nhien (SCMP/Sohu)
