The article (Sankei Shimbun, June 10, 2025) is summarized below.
At a committee meeting on the 9th, Liberal Democratic Party member Satsuki Katayama, chairman of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, raised the issue of private lodgings run by foreigners, citing cases of Chinese owners drastically raising rents and causing residents to move out, and called for a review of legal restrictions on foreigners purchasing residential real estate.
In Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward, an apartment purchased by a Chinese person has had its rent raised to two to three times the market rate, causing about 30% of the residents to move out. It has also been reported that an elderly woman was forced out by stopping the elevator. The ward mayor is calling for the national government to take action.
Katayama said, “Japan’s weak people are frightened by these unreasonable, strong-arm measures,” and called for a fundamental review of immigration and real estate systems. Prime Minister Ishiba also expressed his intention to implement thorough measures, saying, “The safety and security of the people must not be compromised.”
Minpaku refers to private lodging services, such as renting out one’s home or apartment to travelers, similar to Airbnb. While legal minpaku is allowed under Japanese law with certain conditions, there has been a significant increase in illegal minpaku—that is, accommodations operated without proper registration, permits, or in violation of existing laws. These operations are considered a serious problem in Japan, especially in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka.
1. Legal Framework for Minpaku in Japan
There are three main legal routes to operate legal lodging in Japan:
- Hotel Business Act (旅館業法 / Ryokan Gyoho)
Requires a license from the local health authority to operate accommodations for tourists. - Private Lodging Business Act (住宅宿泊事業法 / Jutaku Shukuhaku Jigyoho, “Minpaku Law”)
Enacted in 2018, allows private homes to be rented to guests for up to 180 days per year if registered with the government. - Special Deregulated Zones
Some municipalities have special rules allowing for relaxed regulations.
To operate legally, the host must meet safety requirements (like fire prevention equipment), notify neighbors, and display the registration number publicly.
2. What Makes Minpaku “Illegal”?
Illegal minpaku refers to lodging that violates any of the following:
a) No Registration or License
The most common violation. Hosts operate without applying for permission under either the Hotel Business Act or the Minpaku Law. This is a criminal offense punishable by fines or imprisonment.
b) Overstaying the 180-Day Limit
Even if registered under the Minpaku Law, operating beyond 180 days per year makes it illegal.
c) Violation of Fire and Building Safety Laws
Many private homes or apartments are not structurally designed for guests and may lack emergency exits, smoke detectors, or fire extinguishers—violating the Building Standards Act and Fire Service Act.
d) Breaking Condo Rules
In Japan, many apartment buildings have management rules that prohibit short-term rentals. Hosting minpaku in such properties violates these internal agreements and can lead to lawsuits.
e) Immigration Law Violations
Some foreign nationals use minpaku as a pretext to obtain a visa—such as the “Business Manager” visa—without real business intent. In these cases, it’s considered a violation of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
3. Social Impacts and Real-World Examples
Illegal minpaku creates numerous social problems:
- Noise complaints, trash disposal issues, and safety concerns for neighbors.
- Strangers entering and exiting buildings at all hours, raising security issues.
- Rising rents or forced eviction of residents as landlords turn apartments into minpaku units. In one example from Tokyo’s Itabashi Ward, a Chinese owner allegedly doubled the rent to force tenants out and repurposed the building for minpaku.
- Elderly residents were reportedly targeted, with tactics like shutting down the elevator to make them leave.
These issues threaten the safety and well-being of regular residents, prompting calls for government intervention.
4. Government Response and Future Policies
Japan’s central government is taking stronger measures, including:
- Creating a special task force under the Cabinet to crack down on illegal minpaku.
- Stricter screening for foreign business owners applying for residence visas like the “Business Manager” visa.
- Considering regulations on foreign ownership of residential real estate, especially where misuse is suspected.
- Enhancing coordination between immigration authorities, municipalities, and law enforcement.
Conclusion
Illegal minpaku operations in Japan are more than just unlicensed accommodations—they pose risks to public safety, legal order, and the rights of local residents. While Japan welcomes tourism and private lodging, it must be done within legal and ethical boundaries. Hosts must follow registration rules, safety standards, and respect local communities. For foreign nationals, misuse of the system—such as fake businesses to obtain residence status—can lead to visa cancellation, deportation, or legal action.
By understanding these rules, everyone—guests and hosts alike—can contribute to a safer, fairer, and more sustainable lodging environment in Japan.