[Steko]

> if housing is so affordable in Japan, why are there still people who don't own homes?

Mostly because they don't need or want their own house and/or they spend their money on other stuff.

> Can an average McDonalds worker in their 20-ies just go and buy a home easily

The median McDonalds worker in Japan is 17 and lives with their parents. And maybe 3/4 of the ones who aren't teens are freeters.

If you don't make a lot of money you can certainly buy something but it won't be the nicest or in the best location.

> without applying for a lifetime-long mortgage?

Many people buy with cash, many get nicer homes with 35-year mortgages at super low interest rates.

[qwerty456127]

Now I feel happy there is such a place where that is this way and people live without worrying about where to live. Thank you for sharing this knowledge.