Mayors of Special Wards Jointly Submit Request for Optimization of Private Lodging Business to MHLW
Key facts
- Mayors of Special Wards Jointly Submit Request for Optimization of Private Lodging Business to MHLW
- On June 4, 2026, mayors of Tokyo's special wards, including Toshima Ward, submitted a request to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the optimization of private lodging (minpaku) operations. Citing issues like noise and unlicensed operations due to increased inbound tourism, they are pushing for effective legal reforms.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 5, 2026
Direct answer
On June 4, 2026, mayors of Tokyo's special wards, including Toshima Ward, submitted a request to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the optimization of private lodging (minpaku) operations. Citing issues like noise and unlicensed operations due to increased inbound tourism, they are pushing for effective legal reforms.
- Citation
- Mayors of Special Wards Jointly Submit Request for Optimization of Private Lodging Business to MHLW (June 5, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 5, 2026
On June 4, 2026, mayors of Tokyo's special wards, including Toshima Ward, submitted a request to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the optimization of private lodging (minpaku) operations. Citing issues like noise and unlicensed operations due to increased inbound tourism, they are pushing for effective legal reforms.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 5, 2026 at 01:51
- 🔍 Collected: June 4, 2026 at 17:05
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 5, 2026 at 01:53 (8h 47m after Collected)
Today, June 4, Miyuki Takagi, Mayor of Toshima Ward, along with the mayors of Shinjuku (Kenichi Yoshizumi), Taito (Yukio Hattori), and Edogawa (Takeshi Saito), visited the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to submit a 'Request for Optimization of Private Lodging Business' addressed to Kenichi Ueno, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
This request was prepared jointly by the mayors of 21 wards who agree on the issue within the Special Ward Mayors Association, and four of these mayors delivered it to Hirofumi Niki, State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.
They also plan to submit the request to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Background in Special Wards
The number of registered private lodging properties in the special wards has increased significantly due to the recent rise in inbound tourism, now accounting for over 40% of the nationwide total. However, issues such as noise from guests and improper garbage disposal are negatively impacting the living environments of local residents. Furthermore, there are ongoing cases where operators cannot be contacted for necessary guidance, and unlicensed operations persist.
In light of this, to achieve harmony with resident life, the mayors argue that strengthening regulations according to regional circumstances and implementing effective measures are essential. They strongly requested an immediate review of the private lodging system, including legal reforms.
Comment from Toshima Mayor Miyuki Takagi
Regarding the submission, Mayor Takagi stated, 'In our ward, we revised the "Toshima Ward Ordinance on Ensuring Proper Operation of Private Lodging Business" last December to secure a living environment where residents can live with peace of mind. While we are currently conducting guidance and issuing adverse actions against improperly operating businesses, the number of complaints continues to rise. Therefore, we believe a review of the system, including legal reforms, is necessary to enable region-specific regulations and effective countermeasures.'
Outline: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 14:30–14:45, Office of State Minister Hirofumi Niki, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
FAQ
What is the content of the request letter submitted by the Special Ward Mayors' Association to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare?
It is a request letter for the proper management of the residential accommodation business (minpaku) and calls for an early review of the system, including legal amendments, to address adverse impacts on surrounding residents.
Why is the proper management of the residential accommodation business necessary?
Due to the fact that over 40% of the registered residences in special wards account for the national total, issues such as noise from guests, improper waste disposal, inability to contact operators, and unregistered operations have become prominent, threatening the living environment.
Who submitted the request letter?
Four mayors visited the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as representatives: Toshima Ward Mayor Miyuki Takagi, Shinjuku Ward Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi, Taito Ward Mayor Masao Hattori, and Edogawa Ward Mayor Tatsuo Saito.
Are there plans to submit the request letter to other ministries?
Yes, there are plans to submit this request letter to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as well.
Has Toshima Ward implemented its own measures?
Last December, Toshima Ward amended the 'Toshima Ward Ordinance for Ensuring Proper Operation of Residential Accommodation Business' and has been conducting guidance and imposing penalties, but complaints continue to increase, leading to the request for legal amendments.