There is ongoing political debate about the future of Osaka, which is second only to Tokyo as a hub of the Japanese economy. The region was once at the center of the national economy. It was home to Japan's first world's fair in 1970, as well as the headquarters of many corporate giants. Things are changing and its importance on the national economic scene has dwindled. The gap between gross regional production in Osaka and Tokyo has been widening for 60 years.

Japan is grappling with some new trends in the tourism industry. While some of the new features benefit visitors not everyone is finding it easy to adjust. Japan is expected to welcome more than 19 million foreign visitors this year. That's more than ever. They'll all be looking for a place to stay which is driving a surging demand in private lodging services.