Voices from the Residents / FAQ

Voices from the Residents

Minoru, 7

I am Minoru and have one younger brother. We have 12 children altogether at Kankanmori followed by the baby just born recently. We play together after school.

Minoru, 7
M. T., a female in her 30’s

I lived in the countryside until I graduated from college. I was worried to live by myself in the middle of Tokyo where there are many accidents and trouble. I had no chance to be part of community living in an apartment alone. Moving to Kankanmori solved my insecurity about living alone. Hearing someone say to me, in the end of a long tiring day, “Welcome home” makes my fatigue go away. Kankanmori is splendid for the way that you can have a nice time just by getting together.

M. T., a female in her 30’s
Katsuji Yutaka, 76

It’s been nine years since I moved in and I am one of the original members to enjoy living at Kankanmori. This way of living lets you greet and care for each other every day even though you all came from different places. This community might help overcome different opinions to bring harmonious comfort. Cheers to the people who love a community! This is a tanka I wrote about Kankanmori:

“Seeing flowers in the Common Garden,
I’m used to living now,
How much fun do I have.”

Katsuji Yutaka, 76

FAQ

Q
Who cleans the Collective House?
A
Each one of us takes turns. One’s turn comes once every two to three months and he or she can clean a designated spot anytime in a designated month.
Q
I don’t like fish. What would I do with common meals?
A
You could pass on the fish menu, or maybe be privileged to have an alternative of vegetables or meat if the cooks could prepare it.
Q
Could I live here when I need elderly care?
A
This place is not specifically designed for providing elderly care so we don’t “provide” such care in a professional and serious way, but it’s certainly an issue to consider for the near future. We would need to discuss the necessity of creating a system where we would hire caretakers or how we might help each other to a small extent.
Q
Would I have to participate in the group activities?
A
You would, at least in two groups. There is a wide range of groups（ncluding the Common Meal Group, the Laundry Group, and the Library Group. Some are necessary for daily life and others feature more hobby-associated activities.
Q
Can I keep a pet?
A
You can under some conditions, although you are not allowed to unleash your pet in the communal spaces. You would also have to be a member of the Pet Group.

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