What the rise of laundromats says about Japan's changing lifestyles

Machine-washable suits lead to more washing instead of dry cleaning

20240923N laundry

More young people in Japan are living without washing machines at home. (Photo by Keiichiro Sato)

MANA KUBOTA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Self-service laundromats -- once an option for students and single people -- are becoming popular among working couples focused on saving time, with their growth tracking the surge in dual-income households.

At a Tokyo laundromat with all-in-one washer-dryers, people load a week's worth of clothing into the drums, start up the machines, and then shop nearby while waiting.

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