In a surprising development, the Japanese city of Osaka has reported an all-time high in applications for Airbnb residences located within its designated Special Economic Zone. Matching global trends, this surge shows a clamor for alternative lodging options beyond traditional hotels. The increase transpires amidst Japan's government efforts to bolster tourism and stimulate local economies.

This news is significant as 'Minpaku,' or private lodging services such as Airbnb, are regulated in Japan under the Private Lodging Business Act. The regulation aims at reducing neighborhood disputes and ensuring safety standards. Applications in special zones matter as these areas, like Osaka, can form their own rules, somewhat bypassing national restrictions, hence widely celebrated.

In contrast, in the US or EU, Airbnb regulation is usually more localized, depending on each city's or country's policy rather than national law. For instance, in San Francisco, Airbnb rentals are capped at 90 nights per year when the host is not present.