And in Japan an official residential address is now becoming a necessity for those seeking employment. This could make life even more difficult for the homeless there.

But one internet cafe owner near Tokyo has come to the rescue for the job-seeking homeless by offering more than just an e-mail address.

Lets take a look.

STORY:

The usual Internet services include a collection of comic books and unlimited beverage services.
But at Cyber @ Cafe its residents get long-term lodging and even an official registered address.
Many have taken refuge here after being laid off by suburban manufacturers.

Takemitsu Karitachi lost his steady office job and his apartment two months ago.

He says he's relieved to have found a more permanent home even if its a cubicle just slightly bigger than the back seat of a car.

[Takemitsu Karitachi, Resident Internet Café]:

Before I came here, I would sit around on chairs in front of places like supermarkets and eat rice balls during the day. But when I really didn't have any money or work, I had to sleep on park benches at night."

Having an official address is a crucial factor to being employed in this tightening economy.

[Takemitsu Karitachi, Resident Internet Café]:

"Human resources agencies used to hire contract workers like me without an official address, but that has changed. Now you need an official address and a guarantor."




Lodging here costs about 20 U.S. dollars a day, if you can front a month's worth of rent in advance.
And since late October, 50 cubicles in the dimly lit cafe have been packed with jobseekers.

[Akihiro Sato, Owner Internet Café]:
"Customers must prove that they have the will to settle in this neighborhood for more than one month at minimum. We also need to keep track of and properly report our residents entering or leaving our cafe."

Sato says the younger lodgers tend to stay for a couple of months before settling into more permanent housing.

With the economy not likely to improve soon it looks likely the numbers seeking shelter in internet cafes is going to increase.