Furnishing a Room in Japan for ¥20,000: 100-Yen Shops, Thrift Stores & Student Discounts

Your first night in a new Japanese apartment. You unlock the door, flick on the light, and see four walls, a tiny kitchen, and a bare floor. Many Bangladeshi students sleep on the floor that first night—no futon, no blanket, just a jacket as a pillow. I did the same when I first arrived. But furnishing a room in Japan doesn't have to break your bank. With careful planning and the right shops, you can set up a comfortable space for just ¥20,000 (about 14,000 BDT, exchange rates vary).

What You Actually Need

Japanese apartments come unfurnished. Here's your starter kit:

• Futon (mattress)
• Blanket or quilt
• Pillow
• Small table
• Cooking pots and dishes
• Storage boxes
• Light bulb
• Cleaning supplies

Buying all new would easily cost ¥60,000+. But with smart shopping, ¥20,000 is plenty.

100-Yen Shops: Your First Stop

Japan's 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do) are a student's best friend. Almost everything is ¥100 (plus tax, so ¥110 now).

What to Buy There

• Kitchenware: plates, bowls, utensils, knives—each ¥100
• Storage boxes: all sizes
• Cleaning supplies: broom, mop, dusters
• Bathroom items: toothbrush holder, soap dish
• Kitchen tools: cutting board, pan, pot
• Light bulbs (at some stores)

I often tell students: take ¥3,000 to Daiso first. Get your dishes and cleaning basics sorted.

Thrift Stores: For the Big Items

Futons, blankets, tables, chairs—these aren't at the 100-yen shop. Head to a thrift store. Popular chains include:

• Hard Off — electronics, furniture
• Book Off — books, some household goods
• Treasure Factory — all kinds of used items
• Second Street — furniture, blankets, clothing

A used futon costs ¥2,000–3,000. A blanket ¥1,000–1,500. A small table around ¥1,500.

One of my students, Rakib, found a futon for ¥2,500, a blanket for ¥1,200, and a pillow for ¥800 at a Second Street near Hachioji Station in Tokyo. Total: ¥4,500 for a full night's sleep.

Student Discounts & Free Stuff

Students get perks in Japan. Use them.

1. University Bulletin Boards

Departing students often give away their belongings. Look for "Free" or "Give away" notices—you might score a futon, table, or even a rice cooker.

2. Senpai and Seniors

Ask your university's Bangladeshi community. Many will pass things on.

3. Mercari App

Mercari is Japan's popular second-hand app. You can find futons for ¥500, blankets for ¥300. Delivery costs extra.

Budget Breakdown: ¥20,000

• Used futon: ¥2,500
• Used blanket: ¥1,200
• Pillow: ¥800
• Kitchenware (100-yen shop): ¥2,000
• Storage boxes (3): ¥900
• Cleaning supplies: ¥1,000
• Used small table: ¥1,500
• Light bulb: ¥800
• Bathroom items: ¥1,000
• Miscellaneous: ¥2,000
• Total: ¥13,700

Keep the remaining ¥6,300 for emergencies.

What to Watch Out For

Not everything cheap is a good deal.

• Inspect used futons carefully—avoid mold or smells.
• Thrift stores don't accept returns.
• Mercari can have scammers—check seller ratings.
• Buy blankets before winter, or prices spike.

Also, don't feel embarrassed about buying used. Japanese students do it all the time. And if you're thinking about study abroad with part-time job, Japan is one of the few places where you can legally work and cover these costs.

For more on part-time work rules and opportunities, see our part-time jobs guide. And for a full picture of daily life, check our living in Japan guide.

If you're still deciding, look at the cost of studying in Japan from Bangladesh. And to compare cities, see our Japan cities page.

Ready to start? I counsel students at our Narayanganj (Chashara, College Road) office—visit our Narayanganj branch for one-on-one advice. To apply, explore our study in Japan service.