Airbnb Rolls Out Proactive Disaster Housing Program Across Japan in Collaboration with Airbnb.org
(IN SHORT) Airbnb has launched a proactive disaster preparedness initiative, in collaboration with Airbnb.org and local nonprofit organizations, to provide emergency housing within 24 hours of a major natural disaster across all 47 prefectures in Japan. This initiative, Airbnb’s first globally preemptive disaster program, aims to offer swift, coordinated housing support for displaced individuals and emergency personnel. Building on past efforts in Japan, this initiative underscores Airbnb’s commitment to helping communities in crisis and strengthening Japan’s disaster response capabilities.
(PRESS RELEASE) SAN FRANCISCO, 2025-Jun-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Airbnb, in collaboration with Airbnb.org and local nonprofit organizations, has announced a new proactive disaster preparedness initiative aimed at providing emergency housing within 24 hours of a major natural disaster across all 47 prefectures in Japan. This marks Airbnb’s first globally preemptive disaster response program, building on the expertise gained through years of supporting Airbnb.org’s crisis housing efforts. The initiative is designed to offer faster, more coordinated assistance when disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis strike.
Through this initiative, Airbnb will leverage its extensive network of hosts to activate emergency housing for displaced individuals and emergency personnel in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of Airbnb, has already established partnerships with key organizations, including Peace Boat Disaster Relief Center, Japan Platform, and Peace Winds Japan, to ensure that the housing logistics can be deployed quickly and effectively throughout the country.
“We have witnessed firsthand how access to emergency housing can create a foundation for recovery in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb. “This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to helping communities in need. By collaborating with local nonprofit partners, we’re able to ensure that temporary housing is available swiftly, supporting displaced individuals and emergency workers alike. We’re honored to be able to contribute to this essential work.”
Airbnb’s proactive disaster preparedness program builds on Airbnb.org’s successful past efforts, including its work in Japan following the Noto Peninsula earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture. Through these initiatives, Airbnb.org has provided over 1.6 million nights of free, temporary housing for more than 250,000 people globally, including in response to wildfires in South Korea, floods in Brazil, and earthquakes in Thailand.
Airbnb’s commitment to disaster preparedness in Japan is underscored by its recent courtesy visit to Minister Manabu Sakai, the Minister of State for Disaster Management, where Chesky briefed the minister on the program’s launch. Minister Sakai expressed his support for Airbnb’s efforts and welcomed the initiative as an essential step in bolstering Japan’s disaster response capabilities.
This proactive approach is part of Airbnb’s broader commitment to using its platform and resources for social good. Airbnb.org is an independent nonprofit organization that connects people in need of temporary housing with hosts willing to share their homes. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide free emergency stays in times of crisis, ensuring that those displaced by natural disasters or other crises have a safe place to stay.
Media contact:
press-jp@airbnb.com
SOURCE: Airbnb
