Tokyo

Airbnb Inc. aims to promote “minpaku” private lodging service in Japan with a boost from next year’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the head of its Japan unit said Tuesday.

“It would be great if we can introduce new ways of enjoying the Olympics and Paralympics,” Yasuyuki Tanabe said at a press conference in Tokyo.

The comments came a day after the International Olympic Committee and the U.S. home-sharing service provider announced a major sponsorship agreement.

Airbnb plans to cooperate with local governments in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures, where most of the 2020 Games venues are located, to encourage local people to host guests.

The company’s plan is expected to help address accommodation shortages during the event period.

Airbnb said the number of people who stayed in Japan during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, held between Sept. 20 and Nov. 2, using its service came to 650,000, generating an economic effect of 7.1 billion yen.

Jiji Press