Mao Yishu, a 28-year-old student, persuaded his parents in Shanghai to buy a roughly 20-sq.-meter condominium in Kichijoji, a popular part of the western Tokyo suburb of Musashino, because it will be more economical than renting if he stays in Japan for a long time.
"It's better to buy than rent, isn't it?" asked Mao, who is studying information technology at a vocational school in the area, showing his projections for rent for 10 more years.
His parents bought the condominium in January. "I'm their only child. What else can they do than let me do what I'm eager to do?" Mao asked.