Japan’s tourism sector is under pressure as visitors from the Chinese mainland, who make up 20% of the country's inbound tourism spending, begin to pull back in response to controversial remarks by Justice Minister-designate Sanae Takaichi. Over the past week, major airlines have seen a surge in flight cancellations, and tour operators in key destinations—from Tokyo’s museums to Kyoto’s temples—report double-digit drops in bookings.
The ripple effect is significant: with mainland visitors contributing billions in revenue each month, hotels and local businesses face tough decisions. 'We rely on travellers from the Chinese mainland for about one in five room nights,' says a manager at a Kyoto ryokan. 'The sudden cancellations are creating real uncertainty heading into the year-end holiday season.'
Industry groups have called for diplomatic dialogue to restore confidence, highlighting that tourism not only fuels the Japanese economy but also fosters cultural exchange. As 2025 winds down, the sector is watching closely to see if policy steps or public statements will reverse the trend ahead of the Lunar New Year, traditionally a peak travel period for mainland visitors.
Reference(s):
Takaichi's wrongful remarks weighing on Japan's tourism sector
cgtn.com
