Some 2,700 applications filed for 'minpaku' lodging biz under new law
Jiji -- Jun 15
The number of applications to conduct "minpaku" lodging business under a new Japanese law totaled 2,707 as of a week before the minpaku law goes into effect on Friday, according to Japan Tourism Agency officials.

The total was far fewer than had been expected, given that tens of thousands of private housing units across the country are thought to be being used for the minpaku business, industry sources said.

The smaller-than-expected number seems to be partly because local authorities were preparing to introduce their own rules under the minpaku law, including restrictions on where and when minpaku services are allowed.

By prefecture, 883 applications were submitted in Tokyo, 559 in Hokkaido, and 161 in Osaka.

Of the total, 1,134 applications had been accepted by Friday.

News source: Jiji