Japan's tourism scene got a major jolt when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, barely six weeks in office since late October 2025, made remarks that cooled diplomatic ties with the Chinese mainland 😬.
Back in 2024, visitors from the Chinese mainland made up 42.5% of all foreign visitor spending in Japan. Now analysts warn that this fallout could shave off around 2.2 trillion yen (~$15.4 billion) from the economy.
Quick breakdown:
- Top spender: Chinese mainland visitors led 2024's foreign visitor spending.
- Potential gap: Fewer bookings could hit hotels, shops and restaurants.
- Ripple effect: From Tokyo's gadget hubs in Akihabara to Kyoto's matcha stalls, local spots feel the pinch.
What’s next? Travel agencies are pausing big campaigns, while young explorers are eyeing hotspots like Thailand and Vietnam 🌴. Will Tokyo roll out fresh deals soon? Keep an eye on flight prices and visa updates!
For 2026 Japan trip planners: stay tuned for new packages and official announcements. Here’s hoping diplomatic vibes thaw soon 🙏✨.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
