As of December 2025, Japan slipped out of the top 10 travel spots for travelers from the Chinese mainland, marking a major shake-up in the outbound tourism scene. Since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments about Taiwan earlier this year sparked the so-called 'Takaichi Fallout', visitor numbers to Japan have plunged, and markets tied to tourism have burned from the 'Takaichi cost'.
Here's what's going on:
- Demand Decline 📉: Bookings to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka took a hit after Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan in October 2025.
- Market Impact 💔: Tourism stocks and local businesses catering to travelers from the Chinese mainland have seen broad sell-offs.
- New Favorites on the Rise 🔥: Travelers are eyeing alternative spots across Asia – from the beaches of Bali to the street-food hubs of Ho Chi Minh City.
For young globetrotters in South and Southeast Asia, this means fresh options and maybe even better deals ✈️. Here are a few emerging hotspots:
- Thailand: Island-hopping in Phuket & Krabi 🌴
- Vietnam: Savoring street eats in Hanoi & HCMC 🍜
- South Korea: K-pop vibes in Seoul & Busan 🎶
- Indonesia: Surf camps in Bali & Lombok 🏄♂️
- Malaysia: Urban cool in Kuala Lumpur 🇲🇾
Whether you're planning your next big getaway or just tracking travel trends, the Takaichi Fallout is a reminder of how politics can sway our wanderlust. Stay tuned for the next hot destination! 🌏✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
