OSAKA, Jun 22 (News On Japan) –
Because the variety of international vacationers visiting Japan continues to rise, Osaka is seeing a speedy enhance in “particular zone personal lodgings.” In Konohana Ward, a 212-unit residence constructing has been totally transformed into short-term leases, sparking battle with close by residents. Opposing the plan, neighbors have submitted a petition to Osaka Metropolis.
The operator insists there aren’t any authorized violations and says it’s in search of coexistence with native residents, however consultants level to flaws within the system’s design.
Based on the newest knowledge launched by Japan’s authorities tourism company, the variety of international guests to Japan final month was roughly 3.69 million, up 21.5% from the identical month a yr earlier. With the Osaka-Kansai Expo approaching, Could noticed a document excessive for that month. Whereas tourism income is rising, the scarcity of lodging is turning into more and more severe. This has fueled the expansion of particular zone personal lodging, a system that permits bizarre residences for use as lodging beneath sure situations.
In areas like Nishinari Ward, these particular lodgings are increasing quickly. Buildings lined with short-term leases now dominate some streets. As of the top of April this yr, Osaka Metropolis had 614 registered particular zone lodgings, accounting for about 95% of the nationwide complete.
Nonetheless, the surge in demand for inbound tourism has introduced issues. One outstanding case entails a 14-story, 212-unit residence constructing in Konohana Ward, which is being completely transformed into short-term lodging. An area resident defined that whereas the operator initially deliberate to transform solely a part of the constructing into leases, earlier this yr they instantly introduced the whole constructing could be was trip leases.
The resident expressed concern, saying, “There are security and catastrophe response points, particularly if a significant earthquake like a Nankai Trough occasion happens. With so many foreigners staying, preliminary catastrophe response may very well be extraordinarily tough. That burden would fall closely on us as neighboring residents.” Based on the residents, the operator notified them in March that the constructing could be totally transformed and deliberate to open by the top of June.
“What was as soon as a quiet space might quickly see round 500 individuals each day, every dragging massive suitcases. Frankly, it makes me need to transfer out,” one neighbor stated. Rising more and more anxious, residents submitted a petition to Osaka Metropolis on June fifth demanding the plan be withdrawn, citing frustration over the last-minute change and inadequate rationalization to residents.
In response to questions from TV Osaka, the operator acknowledged that it couldn’t maintain explanatory conferences till the residence registration was finalized. It emphasised that there aren’t any authorized issues and that discussions with native residents are ongoing with a constructive angle towards coexistence.
Consultants argue that the basis of those disputes lies within the design of the particular zone lodging system itself. One knowledgeable famous, “Most individuals think about personal lodging as working only one unit in an residence constructing, however this case, the place the whole constructing is being transformed, is uncommon. Below regular circumstances, they need to have been required to acquire a resort or ryokan license. The issue is that cautious discussions had been missing when designing the system. That’s the largest situation.”
Supply: Television OSAKA NEWS
