The novel coronavirus pandemic is dramatically transforming the landscape of the sharing economy in Japan as people look to reduce their risk of infection by steering clear of services that bring them into close contact with others.
But if businesses providing cowork spaces or private lodgings have seen a sharp decline in demand, other businesses such as delivery services are thriving. Experts say the trend is likely to continue until a vaccine or treatment becomes available.
Chen Lirong, 32, who rents out eight rooms near Tokyo's Asakusa tourist area through Airbnb, which lists private properties where guests can stay, said the occupancy rate has recently hovered at under 10 percent, down from nearly 100 percent before the pandemic.