"Can you put us up?" Homemaker in Japan laments flood of springtime requests for free lodging from acquaintances

[The Financial News] A woman living in Japan complained that every spring she is bombarded with messages from acquaintances asking for "free lodging."
On the 6th, Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (JTBC)'s program "Incident Chief" featured a story from A, a housewife in her 40s living in Japan. She said, "Around this time of year, when the cherry blossoms are at their peak, people around me constantly say things like, 'I'm so jealous you live in Japan.' In fact, you can easily see cherry blossoms in full bloom just by stepping outside my home, and there was a time when I also felt excited and happy every year during this season."
A said, "At some point, spring in Japan stopped feeling so welcome to me. The reason is the flood of messages I get every March and April," she confessed.
She recounted, "One day my aunt contacted me and said, 'Next week I'm going to Japan with my family. You live in Tokyo, right? Is it okay if we stay at your place for one night?'" She continued, "I turned her down, saying, 'We don't live in Tokyo, and our home is very small.' But she kept insisting, saying, 'Don't worry about it. We'll come late at night, quietly sleep in the living room, and leave. Really, don't worry about it,' and kept asking."
This situation has repeated every year, not only with that aunt but with various relatives and friends. A said, "Every spring, guests from Korea come almost every week. For them, it might be a once-in-several-years trip, but for me this happens every year, so it's exhausting," she lamented.
She went on, "Of course I can refuse, but I once turned down a friend and then lost contact with her. Because of that, when this season comes around, I end up distancing myself from acquaintances altogether. I can't go on like this every year. What on earth should I do?" she said, expressing her frustration.
In response, lawyer Son Su-ho commented, "It's important to maintain good relationships with relatives, family, and friends. But this situation does seem a bit difficult. The home is small to begin with, and there is her own family to consider. Taking all that into account, I think these requests are unreasonable. There are also many inexpensive hotels in Japan. If she explains that her home is not suitable and offers to help them book a hotel room instead, they should be able to understand."
Psychology professor Sanghee Park also said, "When I was younger, I didn't realize it, but as I get older, I feel that this kind of thing is really draining. Everyone has a daily routine, and when that routine is disrupted, it takes a toll. I think the answer is to look for affordable hotels," she said in agreement.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter