The “Sharing Economy” in Japan

Recent Developments and Pertinent Legal Issues

Abstract

A new type of market, the “sharing economy,” is sparking new legal issues across the world. The two most prwominent companies in the sharing economy are Airbnb and Uber. The development and acceptance of these innovations vary greatly from country to country. The article describes recent developments in the Japanese sharing economy and outlines the novel legal issues that have emerged. It starts with providing a brief explanation as to the concept and background of the sharing economy as well as a basic legal analysis of regulations for the sharing economy. It then highlights recent developments and the pertinent legal issues that have been at the forefront of public debate on the topic. Furthermore, it discusses underlying legal issues that ought to attract a similar level of scrutiny. Finally, it explores expectations regarding the future of the Japanese sharing economy.

(The Editors)