JAPAN vs CANADA

Japan vs. Canada

1. Comparison of Capital Cities:

- Greater Toronto Area: Population of about 6.7 million.

- Tokyo: Population of around 14 million, but occupies less space than Toronto.

- Despite being a major global hub, Tokyo’s average house prices are lower than Toronto’s.

2. Japan’s Property

- The government changed zoning rules in late 80's.

- This allowed properties to be repurposed, leading to lower prices.

3. Building Houses in Japan:

- Few bureaucratic and political obstacles to building houses.

- Local governments cannot block new development.

- Property owners have flexibility in how they use their land.

- Result: Japan builds more houses cheaply and abundantly.

4. Mixed-Use Neighborhoods:

- Japanese cities mix residential, industrial, and commercial areas.

- This variety includes small businesses, restaurants, cafés, and shops.

- Higher density makes public transit more efficient and cities more walkable.

5. Health Benefits and Cost Savings:

- Walkable cities lead to more active lifestyles.

- Japan spends less on health care despite an older population.

6. Land and Housing in Canada:

- Canada has more land, leading to larger homes with big yards.

- This results in higher costs due to extensive infrastructure needs.

- Car-based cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver are less efficient and more costly.

7. Social and Economic Impacts:

- Low-income people in car-based cities have limited opportunities.

- Japanese homes are smaller but well-located near amenities.

- Lower property costs make dining out and socializing affordable.

- Abundant social opportunities can boost productivity through idea exchange.

8. Canadian Challenges:

- Canada’s urban model is based on sprawl and car-based transit.

- Leaders have maintained this model, causing ongoing problems.

- Increased density, fewer obstacles to development, and better transit are needed.

- Canada’s crises in housing, health care, and productivity can be addressed.

- The issues persist due to political choices, not intractable problems.

- Leaders should acknowledge their decisions and work towards better solutions.

Japan’s Centralized Housing Policies

Centralized Control:

- Japan’s national government has strong control over land use and buildings, more so than other wealthy democracies.

- This centralized system has kept Japan’s housing regulations simple, uniform, and more open to different types and sizes of homes.

Local vs. National Control:

- Local governments in Japan allocate land among different zones, but their plans need approval from the national government.

- This allows the central government to overhaul zoning rules nationwide.

Building Codes:

- Japan’s national government also controls building codes, which include regulations on building height, setbacks, and sunlight access.

- The Ministry can change building regulations without parliamentary approval.

Housing Density:

- Half of Japan’s metropolitan land allows for residential development without height limits, integrating stores and workplaces.

- The typical Japanese residence is an apartment in a mixed-use, mid-rise neighborhood, close to transit and amenities.

Administrative Changes:

- New rules excluded basements from floor area calculations, allowed private consultants to authorize permits, and introduced flexible building regulations.

- The Urban Renaissance Policy, introduced in 2001, fast-tracked high-rise developments in city centers.

Housing Abundance:

- Tokyo Prefecture built 145,000 new residences in 2018, a figure Toronto can only dream of achieving.

- Most new homes in Tokyo are built within existing neighborhoods, minimizing the need for new land.

- Japan’s rapid housing replacement cycle allows for frequent updates and larger buildings, contributing to abundant housing.

Centralized Control:

- Japan’s national housing policy decisions ensure affordable housing in walkable neighborhoods.

- The increased application of robotics could lead to safer work environments, reduce the physical strain on workers, and expedite construction timelines, ultimately driving down costs and improving project delivery outcomes.

Construction Technology:

- Construction technology is improving risk management in construction projects by providing real-time visibility into project progress, enabling more accurate forecasting and planning.

- While 3D printing of buildings has been taking place internationally for many years in regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Canada is still in the early days of adopting the technology, which Canadians should adopt faster.

Japan’s approach to housing regulation,

characterized by strong national control and

frequent updates to building codes,

has resulted in affordable housing in dense,

walkable neighborhoods.

Adopting similar centralized policies in Canada, potentially at the provincial level rather than municipal,

could address housing and productivity crises effectively.

Emphasizing advanced construction technologies like 3D printing and robotics could further enhance efficiency and affordability in the housing sector.

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