Society

Airbnb cancels bookings for unregistered hosts

Jun 09 (NHK) - Airbnb says it has been obliged by Japanese authorities to cancel thousands of bookings ahead of the introduction of new rules.

New regulations on privately-owned temporary lodgings go into effect on Friday next week. People running such businesses without registering them will be fined, and providers such as Airbnb will be prohibited from listing unregistered hosts.

The Japan Tourism Agency says Airbnb has brokered about 40,000 bookings for the latter half of June and they suspect most are for unregistered properties.

The company has set aside 10 million dollars to compensate affected users by offering full refunds and coupons that can be used on its website.

But Chinese travelers, who top the list of foreign tourists visiting Japan, are unhappy. On Weibo, a Chinese version of Twitter, Airbnb users have expressed frustration and shock with the decision. Some say they cannot book a hotel room with the refund.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, 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 20th 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.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

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.

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