Human Communication with/after the COVID-19 Era in Rural Areas: Evolution of “Online Lodging” and Future Possibilities

Abstract

In this paper, I introduce human communication in rural areas using online systems. The tourism business, including urban-rural communication, has been fatally affected since 2020, when COVID-19 became a severe pandemic. Under such circumstances, a guesthouse in Wakayama Prefecture has started “Online Lodging”. Similar initiatives have been launched in various parts of Japan. In spite of the tremendous economic damage, people are trying to find a small chance by maintaining human communication. I consider future possibilities from their online efforts.