More companies in Japan are turning to shared office space to shorten employees' commuting times and offer them a better work-life balance.
Shared spaces are also expected to foster new businesses by providing budding entrepreneurs chances to network with people from different industries and come up with fresh ideas.
"Before, I was forced to cut the time I spent working whenever I had to take my children to see the doctor," said Mami Adachi, 35, who is trying to raise twin daughters while working at trading house Sumitomo Corp.