A STUDY ON THE LIFESTYLE OF FOREIGN PEOPLE IN A SUBURBAN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE

The aim of this paper is to clarify the usefulness of public housing estate for ‘new commers’. The result of field surveys in Ichyo public housing estate and analysis are as follows; 1) By using environment both inside housing estate and in the suburbs, foreigners can gain many opportunities to meet someone, buy, or eat something. 2) “Tatami” is unsuitable for foreigners and covered by plastic film or rugs. It is necessary to let foreigners understand the japanese traditional style of living. 3) There is much customization in an apartment, for example, many walls painted blue or white by foreign residents and curtains fixed instead of Japanese sliding doors. In case a household having only children less than 15 years old, the apartment is used as one space. But, if it has a child over 15 years old, a room is assigned to him. And, living, dining, and kitchen are set to spaces following the lifestyle of residents.