On the one hand, Japanese cities are much denser than North American cities, they have more pedestrians and far less private vehicle traffic, so they can support that kind of thing. In fact, some commercial (retail/nightlife) districts in towns like Osaka and Tokyo would be practically non-viable without that sort of stacked arrangement. I don't know if American downtowns, which are often office districts that are deserted by night, can viably support such an arrangement. They have a different kind of energy.
On the other hand, the zakkyo is popular in Japan, even where it doesn't need to be. Traveling through the country, I was struck by the fact that even small towns, like Abashiri (pop: 35000) in the most distant northeastern corner of the country, have 'em. Here, for instance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6KPReptvyvXxPsP8
I'm of two minds on this.
On the one hand, Japanese cities are much denser than North American cities, they have more pedestrians and far less private vehicle traffic, so they can support that kind of thing. In fact, some commercial (retail/nightlife) districts in towns like Osaka and Tokyo would be practically non-viable without that sort of stacked arrangement. I don't know if American downtowns, which are often office districts that are deserted by night, can viably support such an arrangement. They have a different kind of energy.
On the other hand, the zakkyo is popular in Japan, even where it doesn't need to be. Traveling through the country, I was struck by the fact that even small towns, like Abashiri (pop: 35000) in the most distant northeastern corner of the country, have 'em. Here, for instance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q6KPReptvyvXxPsP8
And: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7D9gCGQWVHnohaUm8
> I don't know if American downtowns, which are often office districts that are deserted by night, can viably support such an arrangement.
I mean, it's kind of a chicken and egg situation, right? American downtowns are deserted at night because they're mostly just offices.