Travel

Osaka Mayor Considers Suspension of New Private Lodging Permits

OSAKA, Sep 19 (News On Japan) - Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama said on September 18th that the city is considering halting new applications for so-called special zone minpaku, or private lodging businesses, in response to a string of neighborhood disputes.

Special zone minpaku, authorized in areas designated under the national strategic special zone framework, are heavily concentrated in Osaka, which accounts for about 90 percent of such facilities nationwide. The spread of these operations has triggered repeated problems over noise and garbage disposal. The city has set up a project team to identify issues, but Yokoyama indicated that if problems cannot be quickly resolved, suspending new applications remains an option.

“At the municipal level we will discuss whether to suspend applications or restrict certain areas, and then submit the matter to the national zone council for a final decision,” Yokoyama said around 4 p.m. on September 18th.

The city plans to outline its course of action on September 30th. If applications are halted, officials will also discuss criteria for resuming acceptance in the future.

Source: KTV NEWS

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

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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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