Japanese supergroup Arashi's upcoming performance in Sapporo has caused an incredible surge in lodging prices for fans attending the concert. Some capsule hotels, a popular budget-friendly choice, have increased their rates to an astonishing ¥50,000 ($450) per night from their usual rates around ¥3,000-¥4,000 ($27-$36). The high demand due to Arashi's immense popularity has led to concerns of price gouging during such events.

In Japan, Arashi is wildly popular, driving passionate fans to attend their performances scattered over Japan. Accommodation around these concerts are often booked months in advance. The high price reflects fans' devotion but also the controversial exploitation of this demand. It touches upon Japanese social values of fairness in commerce and societal dialogue about consumer protection laws.

In the US and EU, increased accommodation rates during high-demand events like concerts or sports events are common, but there are laws against excessive price surges considered price gouging. When such issues are identified, they often lead to legal intervention and consumer backlash, which is a global similarity to the Japanese context.