Living Happily Through Connection and Dialogue: Inoji’s Interview (Part 2)

Hello.
I’m Inoji from Kobe Share House WARAI.

In the second half of his interview, owner-resident Inoji speaks candidly about conflict in shared homes, the role of trust and direct dialogue, and his vision for a community where different people can live freely and peacefully.

Read the Japanese version

Watch the full interview

This article has been edited for clarity while preserving the meaning of the original interview.

Conflict, Trust, and the Future of WARAI

When Shared-Living Problems Become Difficult

The hardest situations arise when a resident brings Inoji a complaint but does not want to speak with the other person directly. Common concerns include bathrooms, garbage, cleaning, and sound.

Everyone has a different line between comfortable and uncomfortable. Problems become more manageable when both people can say what feels comfortable to them, listen to the other person, and discuss the difference without treating either standard as absolute.

Sound Is Often Also About Relationships

A sound can feel unbearable when people do not trust each other or cannot express how they feel. The same person may feel completely at ease hearing a close housemate hum, play music, or practice guitar.

For that reason, a complaint that appears to be about volume or cleaning may also involve trust and communication. Inoji encourages honest conversation while WARAI continues to learn through trial and error.

A Place Where Different People Can Be Happy

Inoji does not want every resident to pursue one fixed project. His vision is simpler: different people spending their time in ways that feel happy, peaceful, and connected. They may join activities or simply enjoy ordinary daily life.

Who Is a Good Fit for WARAI?

He welcomes people who can enjoy differences in values and opinions and who want to keep talking when perspectives do not match. Residents should be emotionally and financially independent enough to manage daily life, but WARAI welcomes people of any age, gender, or nationality.

A Dream for Organic and the Neighborhood

Organic has a large combined kitchen and living room. Inoji dreams of residents occasionally using it as a small café or community food space. Someone could try running a café with lower risk, residents could share extra food, and neighbors could stop by.

Come and Experience the Atmosphere

Inoji encourages interested people to visit. Viewing events include dinner with current residents, while the monthly market and English café offer a casual way to experience the community before deciding whether to move.

Interviewed by Kuboken, a resident of Arch.

Read Part 1: the values behind WARAI

Explore WARAI

• See the Organic property page
• Watch more WARAI videos on YouTube