(1) Japan was affected by the decline in shopping spending
According to the research data of Japan's "Asahi Shimbun", an important reason why Chinese tourists no longer go to Japan is the decline in shopping spending. Over the past few years, shopping has been the most important part of the spending structure of Chinese tourists in Japan. However, as time went on, shopping consumption gradually decreased, and accommodation expenses became the main expense, leading to a contraction in the shopping business. This change is mainly attributed to the decrease in luxury purchases by Chinese tourists.
According to 2019 data, Chinese tourists account for a large proportion of the foreign tourists received in Japan. The amount spent by Chinese tourists in Japan is 22 trillion yen, accounting for 37% of Japan's total inbound tourism spending. This data shows the strong purchasing power of Chinese tourists in the Japanese market. However, by 2023, the number of tourists from Chinese mainland has dropped to 2.42 million, accounting for 92%, which is lower than the 4.2 million people in Taiwan Province and the 5.53 million people in South Korea. Moreover, the main purpose of tourists from Taiwan Province and South Korea is not shopping.
(2) The impact of the snub in the relationship between the two countries on the choice of Chinese tourists
In addition to the decline in shopping spending, the slump in relations between the two countries is also one of the important reasons why Chinese tourists no longer visit Japan. Tensions between China and Japan have led Chinese tourists to choose other countries as their travel destinations, such as Southeast Asian countries, Singapore, and Vietnam. The tension in Sino-Japanese relations stems mainly from economic competition and setbacks in national pride. Since 2010, when China's GDP surpassed Japan's for the first time, China's rise in economic, political, military, and cultural fields has had a huge impact on Japan. The rise of Chinese products in the electronics industry, such as mobile phones, TVs, air conditioners, washing machines, etc., has left little room for Japanese brands to survive. In addition, China has also surpassed Japan in the development of new energy vehicles. All these factors have led to a sharp deterioration in Sino-Japanese relations.
3. Japan should face up to history and reconcile with China
In order to re-attract Chinese tourists, Japan** and the people should face up to the historical problems and take concrete actions to show sincerity and friendship to the Chinese people. Japanese dignitaries have repeatedly visited the Yasukuni Shrine, hurting the feelings of the Chinese people. If Japan can break with militarism, face history squarely, and dismantle the war criminals enshrined in the Yasukuni Shrine, then Sino-Japanese relations will have a bright future. Mutual tolerance and acceptance are the keys to achieving a win-win situation. We hope that Japan** and the people will recognize this and take positive measures to improve relations between the two countries.
The fact that Chinese tourists are no longer visiting Japan reflects the cold relations between the two countries and the impact of China's economic rise on Japan. In the past few years, Chinese tourists have been an important supporting force in shopping in Japan, but over time, shopping spending has declined and accommodation costs have risen, leading to a contraction in the shopping business. At the same time, China's economic rise and industrial upgrading have put enormous pressure on Japan, straining relations between the two countries. As a developing country, China has achieved today's achievements through independent innovation and the enhancement of its own capabilities on the basis of learning from advanced countries with an open mind and learning from advanced countries. In the spirit of tolerance, acceptance and learning, we should live in harmony with other countries and jointly promote the prosperity and development of the world. At the same time, Japan, as an important East Asian country, should also reflect on history, face up to historical issues, and take positive actions to improve relations with China and achieve a win-win situation.