Japan's modern buildings are designed and built so that they can withstand earthquakes, sometimes by allowing movement and flexibility. The traditional house was built with sliding room dividers as internal walls and its interior design is very clear and uncluttered. Because of the high population density and the high cost of land, most Japanese people live in small homes or apartments. A famous use of small spaces is the capsule hotel found in Tokyo and other big cities. Instead of a hotel room, visitors sleep in cells with just enough room for a bed and a miniature television.
Japan has some of the world's most dramatic new architecture.
Architects such as Richard Rogers, Norman Foster and Philippe Starck all have exciting new buildings in Japan's major cities. With over one hundred and twenty-six million people Japan has one of the highest population densities in the world. Over eight million people live in Tokyo. Japanese have a high life expectancy believed to be connected with their healthy diet. Since population growth is relatively low, the population is rapidly aging.