#Japan #Tokushima #Airbnb Japan #vacant homes

Collaboration for New Economic Opportunities

Airbnb Japan and Tokushima Prefecture have entered into a partnership agreement aimed at transforming vacant homes in the region into new economic prospects. The collaboration seeks to boost local vibrancy and bolster Tokushima's appeal, with a vision for a sustainable future in the region. This agreement aligns with Tokushima's significant initiative, the "Vacant House 5 Strategy Project," which aims to address the increasing number of unutilized properties adversely affecting community living conditions.

Context and Background

The rise of unoccupied homes has become a pressing issue in Tokushima Prefecture, impacting local residents' quality of life. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are approximately 83,000 vacant homes in the prefecture, boasting a staggering vacancy rate of 21.3%, substantially higher than the national average of 13.8%.

Recognizing this challenge, Tokushima Prefecture is committed to promoting tourism and increasing resident engagement by leveraging its dormant real estate as a valuable resource. The purpose of the "Vacant House 5 Strategy Project" is to select private enterprises that will develop successful models for utilizing these properties, thereby showcasing effective ways to manage, renovate, and operate them. This initiative aims to guide and highlight successful case studies, enhancing awareness across the region.

The Role of Airbnb Japan

Airbnb Japan, the local corporation of the globally recognized lodging platform headquartered in San Francisco, California, has been actively signing collaboration agreements with various local governments to revitalize communities and spur economic growth. The agreements previously established in cities like Kushiro and Sado have shown significant increases in lodging numbers, proving the effectiveness of their community-centered initiatives. After forming partnerships, the number of bookings surged by around 1.6 times in Kushiro and about 1.1 times in Sado compared to previous years. The introduction of home-sharing is boosting economic growth in these areas, positively impacting visitor influx and local economies by approximately 1.5 times in Kushiro and 1.4 times in Sado.

Activities Under the Agreement

1. Promoting Vacant Property Utilization

The partners will assist selected businesses with tailored support to ensure the success of the vacant house utilization initiative, fostering learning and sharing of successful examples to promote information exchange across Tokushima Prefecture.

2. Creating New Economic Opportunities

Workshops and seminars aimed at potential entrepreneurs interested in utilizing vacant properties will be organized. This includes targeted training for local accommodation providers to encourage inbound tourism and generate fresh economic opportunities.

Upcoming Seminars

• - November 8-9, 2025: "Utilizing Vacant Homes! Minpaku Startup Seminar" - A hands-on workshop focusing on the intricacies of starting a lodging business, covering risk management and regulatory compliance.
• - Early December 2025: "Interactive Tourism Seminar for Tourism Operators" - This workshop will teach local accommodation providers and tourism businesses how to leverage Airbnb effectively, explore long-stay trends, and engage with the concept of immersive tourism.

About Tokushima Prefecture

Renowned for producing Awa indigo and as the birthplace of blue LED technology, Tokushima is a hub of sustainability, characterized by rich natural resources and culinary treasures. The prefecture aims to be a place where people feel compelled to return, enhancing their charm and broadening their appeal.

About Airbnb

Founded in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests into their San Francisco home, Airbnb has grown to support over five million hosts worldwide. The platform connects travelers with unique accommodations to ensure they experience authentic local cultures and create memorable connections within their chosen destinations.

Note: "Airbnb", "エアビーアンドビー", and "エアビー" are registered trademarks of Airbnb Inc.