Japan's Reluctance to Travel Post-Pandemic

A recent survey conducted by Morning Consult highlights a significant reluctance among Japanese citizens to travel, with approximately 35% indicating they will "never travel" again. This sentiment starkly contrasts with other countries, where travel enthusiasm is on the rise. For instance, 15% of South Koreans and 14% of Chinese respondents expressed similar sentiments, while 14% of Americans and 11% of Mexicans reported they would not travel again. The survey, which included 16,000 adults across 15 countries, was conducted in April and July 2022.

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Several factors contribute to this reluctance among Japanese travelers. Cultural tendencies towards risk aversion play a significant role, as noted by Hideki Furuya, a professor at Toyo University. He suggests that peer pressure may deter individuals from traveling, especially if there is a perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Additionally, financial considerations, particularly the impact of a weaker yen, are influencing travel decisions. Tetsuya Hanada, managing director of Tabimori Inc., emphasized that financial constraints are a more significant factor than the pandemic itself.

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Historically, the number of Japanese citizens traveling abroad has stagnated since the mid-1990s, despite global growth in international travel. In 2019, only 23% of Japanese citizens held passports, the lowest rate among G7 nations. Factors such as language barriers, limited consecutive holidays, and challenging work environments that discourage taking paid vacations contribute to a preference for domestic travel. Furuya noted that the attractiveness of Japan's own culture and natural beauty further incentivizes staying within the country.

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Despite the current reluctance, there are indications that Japanese citizens may eventually return to international travel. Furuya anticipates a resurgence in demand for travel akin to pre-2020 levels, influenced by observing the travel habits of Westerners. Hanada echoed this sentiment, suggesting that societal pressures could shift in the coming years, leading to increased travel among Japanese citizens.

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While the survey reflects a significant portion of the population expressing a desire to avoid travel, it is essential to recognize that not all individuals share this sentiment. Some travelers from other countries, such as British artist Miles Takes and Singaporean Daniel Chua, have also reported a loss of interest in international travel due to various personal reasons, including anxiety and environmental concerns.

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The Japan National Tourism Organization reported that only 386,000 Japanese travelers went overseas in August 2022, a stark decline from the estimated 2.1 million who traveled abroad in August 2019. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing challenges in the travel sector and the need for further analysis of the factors influencing travel behavior.

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• “It could be said that the pandemic has reduced the number of Japanese who decide to travel abroad, but I think the weaker yen has had a greater impact.” — Tetsuya Hanada, Managing Director, Tabimori Inc.

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• “The Japanese are easily swayed by the majority, a sentiment that will change in five years,” — Tetsuya Hanada, Managing Director, Tabimori Inc.

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• “After seeing and hearing how active Westerners are, we expect to see a return to the pre-2020 demand for international travel sooner rather than later,” — Hideki Furuya, Professor, Toyo University.

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