Single-story homes are becoming increasingly popular among dual-income families raising children in Japan.

With no need to go up and down stairs and room layouts that allow for efficient housework, such homes match the growing emphasis on "time performance" in daily life.

According to statistics from the land ministry, single-story homes accounted for 17.9% of newly constructed houses in fiscal 2024, which ended in March, more than double the figure from 10 years earlier. In response, housing builders are introducing a variety of designs and features to tap into this rising demand.