Nakagawa Shintaro (中川晋太郎), Airbnb’s new president, is pursuing a governance strategy to eliminate illegal private lodging businesses amid problems such as late-night noise and illegal dumping of garbage. The economic impact of private lodging in Osaka Prefecture is estimated at ¥107 billion, and the company is reported to be working to foster responsible operators.
Despite the continued presence of illegal operators in legal gray areas following the enforcement of the Private Lodging Business Act, Nakagawa Shintaro (中川晋太郎), who became representative director of Airbnb Japan, is emphasizing a governance strategy centered on eliminating violators. As part of efforts to promote legal compliance and responsible operations, the company is rigorously checking notification numbers and permits when registering new listings, while building cooperative relationships with local governments and residents.
The company is working with local governments to establish contact points for residents and clarify response procedures when problems arise. This is intended not only to address incidents but also to build trust with local communities and promote a healthier private-lodging market.
As an example of its cooperation with Osaka Prefecture, the company prepared a report quantifying the economic impact of private lodging. The annual economic impact of private lodging in Osaka Prefecture is estimated at ¥107 billion, positioning the sector as a catalyst for regional revitalization. In Iida, initiatives including Airbnb School have reportedly helped revitalize the area by supporting new business openings and increasing the number of people relocating there.