[Roundup Article] Interviews with Social Apartment Residents (Opening Members Edition)

Social apartments are community-oriented rental buildings featuring well-equipped common areas, such as lounges. They offer a lifestyle where diverse communities naturally form—ranging from casual interactions among residents at just the right distance to deeper connections built on shared hobbies and values—rather than simply providing a place to live.

With approximately 50 properties across the Kanto and Kansai regions and about 3,000 residents, Social Apartments hold as many stories as there are residents.

In this article, we’ve compiled interviews with six residents who experienced being “opening members” at new properties.
We’ll share their stories about the special bonds formed by starting from the same starting line and their experiences as the community took shape.

Neighbors Saginuma Alumni Interview | Yacchan: “What I’d Like to Tell My Past Self”

Yacchan shares her story of truly savoring her “adult youth” through casual evening drinks in the lounge during the early days and weekend events. She says, “There’s absolutely nothing I left undone!” So, what is the “secret to enjoying a social apartment” that she’d like to share with her past self from those early days...?

Neighbors Saginuma Alumni Interview | Shigeto: “The Role of Connecting the Charms of the People Who Gather Here”

Shigeto moved in because, as he puts it, “my desire to connect with people exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Originally shy, he was encouraged by the welcoming atmosphere unique to the opening phase. Read about his journey from planning events on his own to becoming the community’s “mastermind,” as well as the transformation that led him to find lifelong friends with whom he can share his true feelings as an adult.

What Is the Appeal of Being an “Opening Member”? We Asked Residents of Three Osaka Properties | Mr. Nakagawa of Neighbors Esaka

Mr. Nakagawa has experienced being an opening resident at multiple properties in Osaka, including Terminals Takatsuki.From a unique perspective as someone who’s been there, she shares the true appeal of being an opening resident—including the “strong bonds, like being in the same class,” that arise precisely because everyone starts on the same footing, as well as the friendships that endure even years after moving out, with residents still gathering and attending each other’s weddings.

All It Takes Is Curiosity and a Little Guts | Hiroki and Mao from Neighbors Gotanda

This is the story of two residents living in a small-scale property (30 households) that recently opened, who decided to move in to break free from the “monotony of daily life” caused by remote work. Interacting with residents from different industries broadens their professional horizons and lowers the barrier to taking up new hobbies—it’s full of opportunities for personal growth and discovering a new side of themselves, all while staying at home.

If I Could Bridge Japan and the U.S. | Neighbors Shibuya Kamiyamacho: Mr. Yamakawa

Yamakawa, who frequently travels between the U.S. and Japan and has extensive experience living in share houses, shares the real-life daily experiences at a 50-household social apartment complex. Natural interactions spring from shared hobbies such as “watching movies,” “cooking,” and “sports.” How do residents make the most of the common areas while maintaining a comfortable sense of personal space?

This is a gathering of “Givers.” People who give live here with compassion | Terminals Ibaraki—Ms. Nogawa

Ms. Nogawa, who recently returned from Singapore, moved in seeking a “just-right distance” that allows for interaction while maintaining personal space. Residents share a spirit of consideration (Give) with one another and have built strong relationships with the housekeeper. Furthermore, this interview highlights the positive energy and potential of the community—from finding a business partner during morning activities in the lounge to launching a new venture.

Keep an eye out for upcoming new properties!

Social Apartment has several new properties set to open in the near future.
“Neighbors Yokohama Tsurumi,” scheduled to open in March 2027, is currently accepting reservations for its pre-opening tour. With a total of 126 units and featuring luxurious common areas and amenities, why not become one of the opening members?

▶ Click here for details and reservations for the “Neighbors Yokohama Tsurumi” pre-opening tour