Drop in visitor numbers from China a major concern for Japan's tourism

The prospect of further declines in visitor numbers from China to Japan is causing concern for Japan's travel and tourism industry as diplomatic tensions continue, following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on the Taiwan question.

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Sunday advised Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan, citing security concerns. Several Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, all issued notices stating that tickets for travel dates before December 31, which involve routes to Japan and meet certain conditions, can be refunded or changed free of charge. As of November 17, several Chinese travel agencies had reported receiving many cancellations for group tours to Japan.