Airbnb has removed 80% of listings from Japanese hosts who had not gained clearance for private home sharing under a law set to take effect on 15 June. The number of properties listed has fallen from about 13,800 to 62,000 after the law, called minpaku, demanded hosts obtain a permit or certification in a special economic zone. Airbnb removed the listings earlier than expected because the Japan Tourism Agency told home sharing firms they must cancel bookings for unregistered hosts. Other home-share operators may follow suit.
Airbnb has removed 80% of listings from Japanese hosts who had not gained clearance for private home sharing under a law set to take effect on 15 June. The number of properties listed has fallen from 62,000 to about 13,800 after the law, called minpaku, demanded hosts obtain a permit or certification in a special economic zone. Airbnb removed the listings earlier than expected because the Japan Tourism Agency told home sharing firms they must cancel bookings for unregistered hosts. Other home-share operators may follow suit.