Impact of Diplomatic Tensions Between China and Japan Hits Japanese Tourism Industry

Agency: The diplomatic dispute between China and Japan has negatively affected Japan's tourism industry. Last month, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that a hypothetical attack by mainland China on Taiwan could provoke a military response from Tokyo. China reacted aggressively to this comment.

Although China quickly denied Takaichi's statement, Chinese citizens canceled a large number of Japanese products and services. As a result, one of the most severely impacted sectors is Japan's tourism industry, which local media report is currently experiencing a decline similar to that during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Osaka to Okinawa, arrivals on flights, hotels, tours, shopping, and restaurants are reporting drops in bookings and revenue. According to local business owners, the number of tourists has clearly decreased, with individual tourists dropping by more than 50%.

According to statistics released by the Japan Tourism Agency, tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong SAR accounted for approximately 30% of total domestic tourism spending in Japan during the first three quarters of the year. (CCTV Plus)