Japan’s new law threat to Airbnb bookings

Japan, which just months ago had tens of thousands of Airbnb and homesharing properties available, has approved only about 150 before a new law kicks in next week, meant to bring order to the market and create more lodging options for foreign tourists.

Yesterday, Airbnb said the Japanese government had ordered it on June 1 to cancel reservations made even before the law came into force. Airbnb had said in March it would remove listings without government approval by June 14. Tourists who have booked with Airbnb may now have to find alternative accommodation.