Japan's tourism industry is bracing for impact as tensions over the Taiwan question trigger a sharp decline in Chinese travelers. China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism issued a security advisory this week urging citizens to avoid visiting Japan, with major airlines like Air China and China Eastern offering free ticket changes or refunds through December 31, 2025.
🗯️ 'We've seen group tour cancellations spike since November 17,' one Shanghai-based travel agent told NewspaperAmigo.com. The move comes after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent comments on cross-strait relations drew criticism from Beijing.
🌏 Industry analysts warn this could derail Japan's post-pandemic recovery efforts – Chinese tourists accounted for 30% of pre-2020 visitors. With Lunar New Year travel season approaching, souvenir shops in Tokyo's Asakusa district are already feeling the pinch. 🎎
💡 Pro tip for wanderlusters: South Korea and Southeast Asia are trending as alternative destinations in Chinese social media travel circles this month. #PlanB
