According to a survey by Professor Yoshihisa Matsumura of Hannan University, as of late last year, 41% of Osaka’s 5,587 certified "special zone minshuku" were operated by Chinese individuals or Chinese corporations.
This trend has accelerated post-pandemic, with a sharp rise in both the number Chinese-run minshuku and Chinese residents in Osaka holding "Business Management" visas.
This visa is relatively easy to obtain by meeting capital requirements, facilitating immigration through minshuku operations.
Osaka City statistics show that by the end of last year, there were:
* 5,044 lodgings under the "Residential Accommodation Business Act" (commonly known as Minpaku Law)
* 5,587 lodgings under National Strategic Special Zones
These figures increased by 25% and 73% respectively, compared to the end of 2020.
Professor Matsumura examined the corporate registration documents of all 5,587 special zone minshuku operators.
The results revealed that 2,305 (41%) were Chinese-operated or had registered addresses in China. 99 (2%) were operated by other foreign entities. 2,343 were Japanese-operated while 840 had undetermined ownership.
The number of Chinese-operated facilities surged after the pandemic, with more than half obtaining city certification since 2022.
This trend is most pronounced in Nishi-Nari Ward, which has the highest concentration of special zone minshuku in Osaka—1,417 properties, of which 807 (about 60%) are Chinese-operated.
The number of Chinese nationals holding "Business Management" visas in Osaka is growing rapidly. According to foreign resident statistics (as of June 2024):
* Osaka Prefecture recorded the highest increase in Japan, adding 2,889 Chinese residents in five years—over 1,000 more than Tokyo, which ranked second with 1,862.
* Chuo Ward in Osaka City topped all municipalities nationwide, followed by Naniwa Ward and Nishi-Nari Ward. Osaka's wards dominate the top ten rankings, with seven making the list.
