Japan's tourism suffers after PM comments on China's Taiwan

Japan’s tourism sector has experienced a slowdown after China’s government advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Japan, following remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.

The Prime Minister stated in parliament that Japan could respond in certain “survival‑threatening situations” involving Taiwan. The advisory, published by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism in November, cited concerns over safety for Chinese visitors and tensions sparked by the prime minister’s statements.

Tomomi Ogawa, manager of Cocomo Tokyo, a kimono rental shop in Asakusa, said the business had seen a noticeable drop in customers. “The town has somehow become quieter. We’ve seen a big drop in the number of customers. If people stop to come, the overall energy just isn’t there,” she said.

Chinese tourists often make up 20 to 30 percent of clients for local businesses, particularly in popular areas such as Asakusa. Some travel operators and airlines have offered refunds on Japan-bound flights, and flight schedules from China have been adjusted as a precaution.

Despite the slowdown in Chinese tourism, overall visitor arrivals to Japan were still rising in November, though growth from China has softened. Authorities and tourism businesses are monitoring the situation ahead of the spring travel season, which typically attracts high numbers of international visitors.

Kansai International Airport in western Japan reported reduced flights from China, while hotels in Osaka noted a drop in bookings from Chinese nationals, affecting occupancy rates in some areas.

Japanese and Chinese officials have been in contact to manage tensions, with the prime minister emphasising the importance of maintaining tourism and trade ties.

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