Tokyo police referred a private lodging operator in the capital and two Chinese nationals, including its leader, to public prosecutors on Tuesday for offering services on weekdays in violation of local regulations and ignoring an improvement order. The suspects have admitted the allegations. The company's 34-year-old leader stated he believed the operations were acceptable because other operators were doing the same.
Tokyo police referred the minpaku private lodging operator K-carve Life, based in Shinjuku Ward, and two Chinese nationals—including its 34-year-old male leader—to public prosecutors on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The company and individuals are suspected of breaching Japan's private lodging law by providing services on weekdays, which violates a local regulation, and ignoring an improvement order issued by authorities.
During questioning by the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspects admitted to the allegations. The leader told investigators that he believed the operations were acceptable "because other operators were doing the same." The MPD has urged prosecutors to indict them.
This case highlights ongoing enforcement in Tokyo's tourism sector, particularly involving the Chinese community in Arakawa Ward. Private lodging, or minpaku, has grown popular in Japan but faces strict regulations to ensure compliance with residential and safety standards. Authorities aim to deter such illegal activities through prosecutions.