Driven by an increasing sense of loneliness, the concept of a shared house is being adopted by Japan's young singletons. Yet with so many people in Japan struggling with social anxieties, how are these micro-communities forming?

They say that you never forget your first love, especially if it looks like a big wad of cold hard cash. Wait… what? According to a new survey, when asked whether love or money is more important, Japanese 20-somethings are firmly choosing cash over kisses.

‘No sex please, we’re Japanese!’ Sensational headlines suggest that Japan’s sexual appetite is waning; half the population aren’t having sex. But as a country that boasts more sex establishments than there are McDonald’s outlets in America – with 1.4 million couples visiting them daily – is this lack of libido a myth?

With a culture that emphasises a strong work ethic, the lifestyles of people in Japan are becoming increasingly busy. And it’s stopping them getting sufficient shut-eye. A third of people in the country don’t sleep enough, which can have negative effects on both mental and physical wellbeing.