Today's Close-Up S2024E05 - Five-star Gold Rush: Impact of Foreign-operated Hotels on Japanese Society

Five-star luxury hotels have long been somewhat of a rarity in Japan. But more are popping up around the country as foreign-based operators look to cash in on a tourism boom. Japan's government is fully on board and aims to more than double the number of foreign visitors to 60 million by 2030. But the surge in tourism is causing side effects for domestic travelers and local communities. We speak to an expert about what can be done to ensure the hotel gold rush doesn't just benefit the affluent but also contributes to a brighter future in Japan.

Guest:
Sawayanagi Tomohiko (Specially Appointed Professor, Rikkyo University)