Study of Communication & Social Space at ‘Salons’ in the Aged Society of Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to understand the meaning and role of salons, a social space operating in Japan, which has recently become a super-aged society. The data for this study were collected through a literature review and through field visits. The literature survey analyzed 23 cases of salons in detached housing areas, and the field survey was conducted at salons in five apartment housing complexes with an elderly ratio of more than 40 percent in Tokyo, Japan. The survey details include the use of salons, operation methods, modification status, appearance characteristics of buildings, facilities and spaces, and activities. According to the analysis of the 23 salons in the detached housing area, the uses of these spaces included child care, rest for caregivers, multi-purpose utilization for conversations and meetings, hobby activities, a library, and a gallery. There were multiple functions of the five salons at the apartment housing complexes, included for conversations, gatherings, meals, and to obtain information. Based on Japan"s various salons, it is believed that the use of idle resources such as salons in the regions under study can continue to have the effect of preventing social problems such as loneliness caused by the isolation of the elderly to realize a more prepared aged society in the future.