Core Viewpoint - The Osaka government is set to implement a significant policy change that will effectively end the "Special Zone Minpaku" (special area minpaku) system, which allowed foreign investors to operate minpaku year-round, in response to rising complaints from local residents about disturbances caused by the influx of tourists [1][7]. Summary by Sections Special Zone Minpaku Overview - The "Special Zone Minpaku" policy was introduced to allow investors to operate minpaku for 365 days a year, bypassing the restrictions of the "Residential Accommodation Business Act," which limited operations to 180 days [3][6]. Current Situation and Changes - As of July 2024, the number of minpaku in Osaka surged to 6,696 from just over 2,000 in 2019, with 95% of Japan's special zone minpaku located in Osaka [6]. However, a recent administrative document indicates that the application for new special zone minpaku will cease after May 29, 2026, with only a few areas remaining open for applications [7][8]. Reasons for Policy Change - The Osaka government cites local resident complaints as the primary reason for the policy shift, with complaints increasing from 88 in 2021 to 556 in 2024, highlighting issues such as noise and improper waste disposal [8][9]. The local government aims to balance the needs of residents with the tourism industry's demands [9]. Impact on Foreign Investors - The special zone minpaku system has been perceived as a loophole for foreign investors, particularly from China, to obtain "management visas" for long-term residency in Japan. Approximately 40% of special zone minpaku in Osaka are operated by Chinese investors [12]. The government is concerned that this system has become an overly convenient immigration pathway [12]. Broader Trends in Japan - Other regions, including Tokyo's Sumida Ward, are also tightening regulations on minpaku, with new proposals that could effectively discourage investment in this sector [13]. The adjustments are seen as a means to protect local residents and potentially favor traditional hotels, which have seen significant price increases in recent years [15]. Future Investment Landscape - The Japanese hotel investment market is expected to exceed 1 trillion yen in 2024, marking a historical high. The first quarter of 2025 saw hotel investments reach 173 billion yen, an 81% increase from the previous year [16]. The government aims to encourage compliant and standardized hotel investments rather than unregulated minpaku operations [16].
日本“清场”民宿，给酒店让路？
3 6 Ke·2025-11-13 11:42