Japan shop owners say China’s travel warning won’t hurt them as other tourists fill the gap
China warned its citizens to avoid Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, sparking a major diplomatic escalation.
Beijing framed Japan as unsafe for Chinese nationals, urging travelers and even students to stay away.
Airlines in China began offering refunds and free changes to cancel Japan trips, signaling a sharp drop in Chinese tourism.
But on the ground in Japan, many shop owners say they simply don’t care about losing Chinese tour groups.
One lady said, “If Chinese tourists don’t come then Japanese and Taiwanese will,” reflecting a growing sentiment in tourist districts.
Locals say business has stayed steady thanks to Taiwanese, Southeast Asian, American, and domestic travelers.
Some shops even prefer the calmer crowds without massive Chinese bus tours dominating shopping streets.
Despite Beijing’s warning, many in Japan insist their tourism industry is healthier and more balanced than before.
Err.... I thought the japanese businesses will hugely suffer intensely due to a loss of 7 million tourists from chinkland? Or is it just chinkland think too highly on themselves..a self inflated ego.