Breakdowns happen and buildings with the passage of time happen to them like people, they begin to need repairs. I am glad to know that the neighbours have managed to transform an uncomfortable problem for everyone into a reason for rapprochement. The non-concern for what happens to the other is not unique to Japan, the individualistic society carries that. This anecdote you tell us is a breath of hope in the humanity of people. I hope that together you can find the starting point and it can be solved quickly and without much cost.
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