In comparison to what? It seemed pretty affordable to me when I was there, and based on some data points as well [1].

[1] https://resources.realestate.co.jp/living/cost-living-single...

Oh, it is, far more affordable than most of the US cities. Not only that, but over the past 20 years, the housing prices have increased just slightly above inflation.

https://www.ft.com/content/023562e2-54a6-11e6-befd-2fc0c26b3...

https://www.weetas.com/article/rent-income-ratio-17-major-ci...

If you compare by price per sqm you are probably right, but places are just generally smaller so you are in the same boat as everyone else. People can typically afford to rent their own apartment.

I think it also comes out unfavorably if you compare average income to average rent, but I admit it's been years since I have really looked into it.

Not really:

https://www.weetas.com/article/rent-income-ratio-17-major-ci...