Airbnb looks to convert Japan's empty homes into tourist lodgings

Search for space intensifies as weak yen spurs surge in foreign visitors

TOKYO, Nov 30 (Nikkei) - Private lodging operator Airbnb is looking for ways to house travelers in the growing number of homes left empty in Japan as the population declines, its manager for the country told Nikkei Asia.

The number of unused houses -- known in Japanese as akiya -- has almost doubled during the past two decades, to nearly 3.5 million in 2018, according to an official survey. As the population of the world's third-largest economy ages, that figure is expected to reach 4.7 million in 2030. The government says these unused houses could cause security and sanitary problems as they decay. ...continue reading

Safety Warning After Elderly Man Chokes on Mochi

An elderly man in Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward died on New Year’s Day after choking on mochi, prompting the Tokyo Fire Department to issue a safety warning.

Year-End Jumbo Lottery Drawn

A draw for the Year-End Jumbo Lottery, with a total prize of 1 billion yen for the first prize and related prizes combined, was held in Tokyo on December 31st.

Rodent Infestation A Growing Concern Across Japan

Reports of rodent infestation have surged nationwide in recent years, posing increasing challenges for homeowners. The issue, which is particularly evident during the year-end season, has left many families struggling to find effective solutions.

Foreign Residents in Japan Exceed 3.5 Million, Tokyo's Indian Community Thrives

This year, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million, marking a record high. In Tokyo’s "Little India," there may be clues on how to build a harmonious coexistence.

Flu Infections Reach Alarm Levels in Tokyo for the First Time in Six Years

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

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Graffiti Found Inside Imperial Palace; Man Arrested

During the first general audience in two years at the Imperial Palace, attended by over 60,000 people, the Imperial Guard arrested a 46-year-old man from Zama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, on suspicion of defacing a restroom on the palace grounds.

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The only child in Japan's 'puppet village'

Kuranosuke Kato is the only child in the Japanese village of Ichinono, a community that has become so depopulated that locals joke it is home to more puppets than people. Two-year-old Kato is the first child being raised in the village in two decades. (South China Morning Post)

Harsh Realities Faced by Japanese Women in the Unification Church

The shadowy practices of the former Unification Church, involving Japanese female members, have come under scrutiny in recent months. From forced adoptions to missionary assignments and massive financial contributions, these practices highlight the harsh realities faced by these women.

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