Daily Life

A shortage of housing and food affected the lives of most Japanese in the aftermath of the War. By 1948, rice production had increased and food, for some, became more readily available. Housing shortages continued, however. In 1949, the first public coop housing became available in Tokyo. Thousands of people stood in line to apply for 30 available units. During this period, the life of students began to return to normal. Young people gathered in cafes, permed their hair, and took advantage of the more relaxed social conventions that were introduced with democracy.