Sometimes I think one of the main reasons why Japanese love Scandinavian design and vice-versa (I grew up in Copenhagen) has to do with use of space... I remember how 20-30sq m. apartments were pretty common and couples would live in these tiny spaces and yet have everything they needed.
That's interesting. I don't know much about Scandinavian life or design. I didn't realize that space was so limited there. 20-30sq m. isn't much, but it definitely can be enough. Especially when you have places to go and be outside of your apartment. I feel like much of life in Japan is spent away from the home/apartment--mostly at work, school, or some kind of club related space.