The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department announced on the 27th that a 34-year-old Chinese male operator and a 32-year-old female Chinese employee, who ran the "K-Carve Life" guesthouse in Arakawa, Minato, Shinjuku, Sumida, Toshima, and other districts, were referred to the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office on suspicion of falsifying guest accommodation records.
This is the first case of such a violation since Japan's "Private Lodging Business Act" was implemented seven and a half years ago.
Guesthouse operators are only allowed to operate up to 180 days a year
It is understood that since June 2018, Japan has implemented the "Private Lodging Business Act," which stipulates guesthouse operators can operate for a maximum of 180 days per year and must comply with additional local government regulations. In contrast, hotels and inns can operate 365 days a year.
According to Sankei Shimbun, Arakawa Ward in Tokyo allows guesthouses to operate only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, and they must not open on weekdays. However, between June and July 2024, the Chinese operator in question allowed guests to stay at the guesthouse in Arakawa Ward for 49 days, including weekdays. When reporting to the Ward office in August of the same year, he falsely claimed guests only stayed for 8 days during holidays.
The Chinese man in charge has admitted to violating the Private Lodging Business Act, stating he took guests on weekdays to increase income. Additionally, police revealed that since 2022, the Arakawa Ward guesthouse has received 13 neighbor complaints about guest noise, littering, and other issues. (Source: Liberty Times)