Japan’s tourism scene might be in for a bumpy ride: economist Hideo Kumano of Dai-ichi Life Research Institute recently warned that if the current state of China-Japan relations persists for more than a year, spending by tourists from the Chinese mainland could drop by over ¥2 trillion (around $12.8B). 😲
This would be a major hit for Japan’s travel industry, which relies heavily on visitors from the Chinese mainland — think bustling Tokyo districts like Shibuya and Kyoto’s famous temples. The pandemic shake-up already taught us how fragile tourism flows can be, and this latest forecast underlines the stakes if diplomatic ties don’t improve by late 2026.
What could this mean for young pros and travellers in South and Southeast Asia? Budget airlines and travel apps you use are likely to launch new deals to fill the gap — expect more flash sales on regional routes and creative 'off-the-beaten-track' packages in places like Kyushu or the Japan Alps. 📱✈️
On the flip side, Japan’s domestic tourism push is already ramping up. Local governments are offering discounts and digital vouchers to get people exploring hidden gems closer to home. So whether you’re planning a winter ski trip in Hokkaido or a foodie crawl in Osaka, keep an eye out for deals that make your travel budget go further. ❄️🍜
While the ¥2 trillion figure sounds alarming, it’s also a call to diversify and innovate. From virtual reality temple tours to eco-friendly stays, Japan’s tourism sector is poised to adapt — and that could mean more unique experiences for travellers everywhere. 🌏✨
Reference(s):
Japan set to lose 2 trillion yen from tourism: Japanese economist
cgtn.com
