Society

Airbnb to offer one-stop support for rental hosts in Japan

Feb 13 (Nikkei) - U.S.-based Airbnb will start a comprehensive support service for hosts in Japan in an effort to ensure a sufficient number of local listings amid an upcoming regulatory change and growing competition.

A new company under Airbnb partner Evolable Asia will serve landlords who want to outsource holiday rentals on the Airbnb platform. By working with about 15 businesses, this new company will handle everything from regulatory filings and furnishings to cleaning and guest support on behalf of property owners.

For instance, administrative scriveners will be available to file the proper paperwork. A Tokyo Tatemono subsidiary will clean the properties and supply fresh linens. To make the rentals more attractive, Bic Camera will help deliver electronics and furniture, while SoftBank Group will provide communications services like Wi-Fi for guests. A call center will be set up to field complaints and insurance will be provided.

Japan will relax regulations on home rentals, known here as minpaku, in June, but the new legal framework requires hosts to register their properties with local authorities and provide adequate services, such as regular cleaning and a customer service hotline for guests.

Airbnb plans to remove noncompliant listings from its website by the time the new law is implemented. The company aims to grow its listings by enabling property owners to get into the home rental business easily.

Takaichi Elected as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Japan’s Diet elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s 104th prime minister on October 21st, making her the first woman to lead Japan and signaling a sharp shift to the right following a turbulent political season marked by party upheavals, coalition realignments, and public frustration over economic stagnation.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Mako Komuro Appears in Six-Page Town & Country Feature

The October issue of the long-established American lifestyle magazine Town & Country features Mako Komuro, the eldest daughter of the Akishino family, on the cover under the headline "Princess Ingognito," dedicating a six-page spread to Komuro and her husband Kei, exploring their life in the United States.