> i wouldn't go below 400. it's just too small...

This is pretty amusing to me in Japan, where 400 square feet is pretty far above the UPPER limit of a usual apartment for a single person. I guess that shows how culture/environment can change perception. :)

I would go so far as to say that a lot of single people live in apartments that are closer to 200-250 square feet here and that 400+ is seen as extravagant. I live in a 600 square foot apartment and people are always blown away and ask what I do with all the extra space; my apartment is intended for a family with kids.

Out of cultural curiosity do you have western furniture like a sofa and love seat? My understanding about Japanese house culture is that it is largely a floor sitting culture. As a result there is less need for space larger furniture space.

I have a western sofa and a big IKEA double bed, but that's because I've chosen to live more like an American. I have quite a few Japanese friends who simply have a bed (or sometimes a sofa that turns into a bed) and a small table, plus a TV and dresser/closet.

It's definitely more of a floor sitting culture here and there are stackable floor chairs, cushions, etc. to make it more comfortable. It's also way easier to deal with guests by bringing out more cushions or floor chairs than it is to keep a bunch of actual chairs and a big table on hand.

Is this in Tokio? In Germany & Austria 37m^2 (~400sqf) will also be seen as small, even in the bigger cities.

It's my experience in both Tokyo and also in the countryside in Gunma. 30 m^2 is usually the upper bound for an apartment for a single guy.