Chinese tourism to Japan has plummeted nearly 45% in December, coinciding with escalating diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Tokyo over Taiwan's security. The decline follows remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, suggesting Japan's potential military involvement in a conflict over the self-governing island, which China considers a part of its territory.

Impact of Diplomatic Strain
The number of tourists from mainland China fell to approximately 330,000 in December, a significant drop from the same month the previous year, according to Japan's transport ministry. This decline is attributed to a diplomatic row sparked by Takaichi's comments, which implied that Japan might deploy its self-defense forces if a crisis in the Taiwan Strait posed an existential threat to the nation. The remarks were made shortly after Takaichi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Apec summit, where both leaders expressed a desire for stable relations.

China's Response
In reaction to Takaichi's statements, China has advised its citizens against traveling to Japan, citing safety concerns. The Chinese government has also discouraged young people from studying in Japan and has canceled cultural exchanges, including the release of Japanese films in China. This backlash highlights the fragility of Sino-Japanese relations, which have been historically strained over territorial and historical issues.

Tourism Industry at Risk
Japan's tourism sector, which set a record of 42.7 million foreign visitors in the previous year, heavily relies on Chinese travelers. In the first nine months of 2025, nearly 7.5 million Chinese tourists visited Japan, accounting for about a quarter of all foreign visitors. These tourists contributed significantly to the economy, spending approximately $3.7 billion in the third quarter of last year alone. The average spending of Chinese tourists was notably higher than that of visitors from other countries, raising concerns about the financial implications of the current decline.

Government's Optimistic Outlook
Despite the drop in Chinese tourists, Japan's transport minister, Yasushi Kaneko, remains optimistic. He emphasized that the overall number of foreign visitors exceeded 40 million for the first time, calling it a significant achievement. Kaneko expressed hope that Chinese tourists would return soon, noting that Japan continues to attract visitors from other countries and regions.

Wrap-up
The ongoing tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan's status are likely to have lasting effects on tourism and bilateral relations. As Japan navigates this diplomatic crisis, the future of its tourism industry, particularly its reliance on Chinese visitors, remains uncertain.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team