Seven Osaka Municipalities to Withdraw from 'Tokku Minpaku' Special Zone Homestay Program Amid Rising Complaints
It was revealed on the 29th that seven municipalities in Osaka Prefecture have expressed their intention to withdraw from the "Tokku Minpaku" (Special Zone Homestay) program, established under the National Strategic Special Zones system. Amid a barrage of complaints from residents regarding noise, waste problems, and deteriorating public safety, the ryokan and hotel industry is also calling for the abolition of the system, raising renewed questions about the future of Tokku Minpaku. The seven municipalities that have expressed their intent to withdraw are Ibaraki City, Daito City, Minoh City, Fujiidera City, Shijonawate City, Shimamoto Town, and Toyono Town. In response to a survey conducted by Osaka Prefecture targeting 34 municipalities without their own health centers, these seven municipalities stated they would terminate all special zone measures related to Tokku Minpaku throughout their areas. The Context: Understanding Tokku Minpaku The "Tokku Minpaku" (Sp...