In a significant move, Osaka local government has put a halt to new licenses for private accommodation in 29 municipalities. Known in Japan as minpaku, private lodging is prevalent in designated "Special Zones." The decision, aimed at easing residential apprehensions and preserving community harmony, comes at the wake of growing concerns over the impact of the private rental market on Japan's housing and hospitality industries.

In Japan, the rise of private accommodations has been facilitated by "Special Zones" that relax regulations for innovative businesses, including short-term rentals. However, concerns from local homeowners about noise, garbage, and the influx of tourists in residential areas stirred complaints. In Osaka, particularly, community harmony is highly valued and any industry disruptions are taken seriously by the local government.

In the US and EU, private accommodations like Airbnb are also prevalent and face similar issues of regulation. In many urban areas, the surge of short-term rentals has led to housing shortages and conflicts with existing lodging industries. Like Osaka, many cities in the US and EU have taken steps to regulate the private rental market to address these issues.