Story perspectives

Japan Faces First Visitor Drop Post-Covid Amid Tensions

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

In January 2026, Japan saw a 4.9% decline in inbound visitors, the first drop since Covid-19 restrictions ended.
This decline was largely due to a 61% decrease in arrivals from China, influenced by rising tensions and travel warnings from Beijing.
Comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan worsened the situation.
Although visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, and the US increased, they could not compensate for the losses.
Japan's government targets 60 million inbound visitors and ¥15 trillion in tourism revenue by 2030.

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Story summary

In January 2026, Japan saw a 4.9% decline in inbound visitors, the first drop since Covid-19 restrictions ended.
This decline was largely due to a 61% decrease in arrivals from China, influenced by rising tensions and travel warnings from Beijing.
Comments from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan worsened the situation.
Although visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, and the US increased, they could not compensate for the losses.
Japan's government targets 60 million inbound visitors and ¥15 trillion in tourism revenue by 2030.