Travelers to Japan panicked when their Airbnb hosts abruptly notified to cancel their bookings. This happened because of a new law in Japan that requires hosts to obtain a license to be on the listings.
Airbnb hosts had to cancel the bookings made before June 15th, even if they are currently applying for the registration number. As a result, as much as 80 percent of the listings disappeared.
Some of the rules Airbnb hosts need to adhere to, including the Fire Service Act, are difficult for a regular homeowner to follow. Some worry that the new law will significantly reduce the number of Airbnb listings in Japan.
I sat down with Airbnb co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Nathan Blecharczyk.
I asked him about his thoughts on the new law, as well as how the company can ensure growth in Japan.
Yuzuha Oka 