Why does japan hate windows?

or rather, why do japanese people always keep their windows covered? Everywhere there are windows more or less permanently covered. Ive never seen any of my neighbors ever unblocking their window.

24 comments
  1. I’m not Japanese and I also want my windows to always covered for privacy. Not that I always use a thick curtain though. In the afternoon I cover the windows with thin white curtains to allow light to come through.

  2. I cover my widows in my Condo most of the time. Even though I’m on the top floor, my building is lower that the buildings around me, except for the one right next to me. Best I ever do is open the main curtains, but keep the privacy curtains closed, so the light passes through.

    I enjoy my privacy.

  3. Whatever the opposite of [Calvinism](https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/dutch-windows/index.html) is.

    (this article goes on to draw links between the Dutch’s preference for big—ass windows without curtains or blinds and an “I’ve got nothing to hide” ethos moored in their brand of Christianity.)

    Right or wrong, privacy and discretion are fairly common refrains about the culture. I’m sure you’ve all heard the one that goes something like, “the function of X as a language to communicate truth rapidly; whereas the function of Y is to conceal it.”

    While we’re at it, I have to imagine consistent temblors and other bad shakes aren’t great for enormous panels of glass.

  4. If I didn’t have curtains blocking my windows all the time, anyone walking down our street would be able to clearly see into our living room. I like to sit in there in roomwear and less and don’t want perverts seeing me.

  5. Privacy and the sun is fucking hot in the summer. In winter, they seem to think those metal shutters are good insulation. They usually aren’t.

  6. Turk:

    Why do windows hate Japan? Hublah!”

    Nobodies going to get the reference…

    I’ll see myself out.

  7. Because there are people almost everywhere almost all of the time?!

    Mine are covered for privacy and a bit of heat blocking. Most of the year I cover (from the inside, with painters tape) tinted transparent vinyl. I get the light, but not the loss of aircon or heat. Plus I can pop over to the washing machine without much worry (poor planning. I’m working on it).

  8. You have weird neighbors. In my neighborhood everyone opens the curtains in the morning, then closes the curtains in the evening. And that’s been the case in every neighborhood I’ve lived in over my 40+ years in Japan.

  9. Because of weather I’ll say based on what i am currently experiencing. Too humid on summer and very cold on winter seasons. My window blinds have uv penetration and cold penetration so it keep the temperature of the room in normal level at least

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