Internet Cafe Refugees

The term" Internet cafe refugees" refers to people who don't have a fixed dwelling place and constantly stay in Internet cafes.

It began to appear in the media from early 2007, and now is used to show one of Japan's social problems.

Before we consider the issue, perhaps we'd better explain what the Internet cafes are like in Japan.

Internet cafes in Japan are not just a place to connect to the Internet.

They also have a massive amount of comic books and magazines, and some are equipped with comfortable reclining chairs, video games, or even shower rooms!!

People can enjoy reading comics, netsurfing, playing video games or just relaxing very cheaply, while taking advantage of a wide variety of free drinks.

During the night is especially reasonable- you can use a small compartment all night for only about 10-15 dollars.

So,it may be no wonder that people use the Internet cafes almost as their dwelling place.

But you may also be wondering why those people don't rent a cheap apartment instead.

Actually, renting an apartment in Japan costs a lot.

With all kinds of fees, gratuities and deposits, you usually need the equivalent of three～six times your monthly rent just to pay for moving!!

That means you need to have a about

1,800～3,600 dollars to move into an apartment that costs 600 dollars a month.

So it can take some people a long time to save enough money to be added to move.

It might not be so bad

If it was only young people staying in the Internet cafes temporarily but among Internet cafe refugees are also people in their 30's 40's or even their 50's and above.

It is said that many of them work part-time, but some don't have a jobs and still stay in Internet cafes.

Japan has been known as a "RICH" country for a long time, but when you talk about the quality of people's lives, maybe the richness is relative.

(。◕‿◕。) When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.

By Henry Ford