This month, Takaichi’s wrongful remarks sparked a wave of cancellations among visitors from the Chinese mainland. As of mid-November 2025, this group represents one-fifth of Japan’s inbound tourism spending—20% of the total cake 🍰.
Travel agencies and airlines are feeling the pinch: flights are getting cancelled, tour packages are being dropped, and local businesses are bracing for impact. Here’s what we know:
- Visitors from the Chinese mainland account for one-fifth of inbound spending.
- Thousands of flight seats have gone unused as cancellations mount.
- Hotels in popular districts report occupancy rates down by 10–15%.
Industry insiders warn that, if trends continue, cozy ryokans in Kyoto and busy restaurants in Tokyo could see revenue drops as we head into the winter season ❄️.
What’s next? Tourism boards are mulling outreach campaigns and deeper dialogue to mend relations. Will these measures win back trust and fill seats again? For now, Japan’s tourism industry is holding its breath.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story! 🌏✈️
Reference(s):
Takaichi's wrongful remarks weighing on Japan's tourism sector
cgtn.com
