Kazureza, the popular host known for his engaging discussions on various topics, recently took to the YouTube platform to share insights on consumer habits, urban redevelopment, and pressing housing issues affecting contemporary Japan. On March 3, 2025, he featured his usual co-host, Matsuyamadera Tairyu, on their channel, "Kazureza to Matsuyamadera no Chiru Room" to dissect the impulsive purchases they often make at convenience stores and their broader societal impacts.
During the episode, Kazureza revealed his go-to item when he finds himself at the convenience store: gloves. He explained, "(When I ride) LUUP or electric rental bicycles, the wind makes my hands super cold," leading him to buy gloves for about 500 yen, but he often loses them, needing to repurchase several times each season.
Shifting from light-hearted consumer discussions, the tone of the program darkened when Kazureza's subsequent show, "Kazureza to Manabu、" aired on March 4. This episode delved deep under the surface to reveal the transformative urban redevelopment sweeping through Tokyo. Engaging urban policy expert Professor Chie Nozawa from Meiji University, Kazureza addressed the significant redevelopment plans underway primarily impacting city centers like Akabane. The proposed development included the demolition of historic locales such as the Akabane Ichibangai Shopping Street, known for its vibrant post-war culture and affectionately referred to as "Senbero Street."
Highlighting the scale of these projects, Professor Nozawa noted, "Currently, there are 63 redevelopment projects underway, with total costs projected at 7.2 trillion yen." Kazureza echoed the concerns raised during these discussions, particularly pointing out the questions about preserving the community identity as older neighborhoods vanish under modern edifices.
He also engaged with Okari from the comedic group Okazukurabu, who posed the thought-provoking question, "Can’t we create another Senbero Street with earthquake-resistant structures with the redevelopment?" This expressed worry over losing culturally rich hotspots resonates deeply with locals and urban advocates alike.
Professor Nozawa emphasized the shift seen with higher floor area ratios and the consequences of redevelopment policies, explaining how different ratios are influenced by city planning aimed at enhancing public benefits. With infrastructural upgrades often aligning with increased profits for developers, some locals fear the traditional charm of neighborhoods will be irretrievably altered.
While these urban changes are unsettling, Kazureza’s program went on to touch upon another growing concern within the housing sector. During the same episode, architectural designer Yoshito Nagai presented alarming insights about the increasing prevalence of mold issues within newly constructed homes. Termed the "mold crisis," these problems stem chiefly from high-insulation designs following upcoming revisions to Japan's Building Energy Conservation Act.
Kazureza highlighted the ambitious efforts made to improve insulation properties, reflecting on how, "Japan's buildings have low insulation properties, so they’re trying to fix it." He noted how recent construction trends, which frequently prioritize high airtightness over natural ventilation, ironically create optimal conditions for mold growth.
Nagai pointed out the ideal temperature and humidity levels for mold thrive at 20-35 degrees Celsius with 60-80% humidity, coinciding perilously with those maintained by newer high-efficiency homes. This has caused homeowners to unwittingly set the stage for mold infestations. Nagai cautioned against conventional wisdom: "Ventilation fans can actually increase mold growth." This unexpected harsh reality presents challenges for homeowners who believe they are improving indoor air quality.
He illustrated how too many ventilation installations, after sealing windows to prevent external moisture, can lead to trapped humid air circulating throughout walls and ceilings. This results not just in mold but potentially high costs for remediation and repairs. Kazureza, along with Nagai, emphasized the appropriate ventilation frequency, ideally around once every two hours, maintaining freshness without encouraging mold.
Collectively, these discussions invite viewers and urban planners to contemplate the balance between modern necessities, sustainability, and the preservation of cultural identity. The urgency of tackling both urban and housing crises resonates through Kazureza's compelling question of how society can pave the road forward without erasing the past.