business

Island dispute takes bite out of Chinese tourism to Japan

59 Comments
By Kyoko Hasegawa

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© 2012 AFP

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59 Comments
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Good job Ishihara!

16 ( +19 / -3 )

The shops should thank their former governor for helping cut their income by stirring up a non-issue into an international furor. Will he take responsibility? Err, a politician? Doubt it.

11 ( +16 / -5 )

“Until September, we had many Chinese customers and you could hear Chinese spoken in our shop,”

Yeah, thank the idiot Ishihara "Bokehara" for this... why exactly would the rich chinese now want to spend any money in Japan is beyond my comprehension

9 ( +16 / -7 )

I don't think anyone with a clue is shocked at this. Perhaps the public should look at who is running in the election and think for a moment just how much Japan needs China and their business? Vote in Abe or Ishihara and you can kiss much more business goodbye. Ishihara is hurting people with all this crap. Japanese people. China certainly isn't suffering for tourists or business.

Japan is its own worst enemy. Why the public doesn't smarten up and demand that these right wing gits be thrown out of the government or be ignored by the media is beyond me.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

What'd they think was going to happen?

6 ( +10 / -4 )

Ishihara published the book The Japan That Can Say No" と言える日本, "No" to Ieru Nihon book back in 1989. He has not realized that "Ginza can not afford to say No to PRC tourists". He does not understand about the economic impact of ultra national pride. Japan can say No to other nations. Not to China because it is a largest whale on that earth. There is no other market like that.

He may be able to say "No" but he does not dare to think about its consequences. What a short-sighted buffoon. Saying "No" does not automatically equal benefit for Japan.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The posturing, unpleasant little man who helped create this situation isn't fit for politics. Business is suffering ( including the company I work for ) and livelihoods are at risk. Stick to writing erotica.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Who wants to spend money for sightseeing in fear? Isn't it supposed to be a pleasant experience?

w

4 ( +5 / -1 )

As much as I don't support china's thuggery over this issue I am sure that what ever economic gains Japan expects to get from these islands will be very little when compared to the amount of revenue lost in trade and tourism from China because of this dispute.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Probably because they didn't get visas.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Jan it all happened because the Communist Party of China wanted it to happen.

Yes, the Chinese communist party was hoping Ishihara would once again open his big, fat mouth and cause problems. "Red China" isn't to blame for this Yuri. You're right wing nuts are. Is it NK, Russia's and Korea fault as well that they all can't settle island claims and issue with Japan as well? Open your eyes.

Mind you, you're safe in the US so what do you care anyway?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Can`t believe, the country that was known for its electrical and mechanical instruments, now depends on tourism. WOW

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Ishihara did a "good job" for his Tokyo... I just hope the Japanese people will understand and not vote for such politicians again!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Politicians from both side screwed up common-people livelihood, over and over again.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

In Yokohama, Chinese population has existed for more than a century. They are Japanese Chinese like American Chinese. However the nature of business is making money. Whether customers is ugly, rude, pushy and demanding, it is tolerable for business. they are the source of income for surviving of business.

Japan lack the natural resources, land and competitiveness right now. It has been recession since 1991. Surviving from that vicious cycle needs a reinforcement such as market, capital flow and cheaper workforce. Otherwise good old days of 1970s and 1980s will never come back.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I could not understand that why people alway appeal peace, but they acting is not peace. I hope the world would be just one country, then the world all people would be a country's citizen. Then they donot need to fight for a island. People could be happy. Peace maybe come true.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

On the other hand, I'm a little surprised that Chinese tourism only fell by about one third. Considering the intensity of the riots etc., I would have expected Chinese tourism to fall 95%.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Ishihara published the book The Japan That Can Say No" と言える日本, "No" to Ieru Nihon book back in 1989. He has not realized that "Ginza can not afford to say No to PRC tourists". He does not understand about the economic impact of ultra national pride. Japan can say No to other nations. Not to China because it is a largest whale on that earth. There is no other market like that.

If Japan can make annual trade worth 340 billions with PRC every year, it can make more than a trillion dollar trade within 3 years. Exploring natural gas and minerals from that rocky Island will takeat least 10 years for making a trillion dollar. It will require investment of billions of dollars. May be that Islands will not worth for more than a trillion dollars.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

In the very beginning of all this, one of my students said that Japan should let China have the islands. The economic impact is far greater than the value of these islands. This is really hurting Japan.

But this isn't about economy... this isn't about wins and losses... this is about emotion! There is no rationality involved here!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Business is declining because of right-wing nuts in power, yet they will benefit big in the upcoming election, are Japanese shoveling there own (economic) grave? Sure, politics in Japan are very lightheaded and not able to accomplish much but better have a party which does "nothing" than a party which fights it's the neighbor country which by coincidence also happens to be one of the biggest economy in the world. Maybe Japan has to be hurt first until somebody smells the coffee!?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Ginza is paying for having given him all the power to do whatever he did. Everyone was already aware about his views and demeanor and all the risks involved in having him represent the whole of Tokyo before they voted in his every election.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Its true that business has suffered quite a lot because of Ishihara but dont forget that this issue with the Islands are about much more than daily business. China is now trying to positioning itself as the master of the region and Japan needs to think what relationship it wants with China in the future, one based on respect or as a puppet. Over time they will try to dictate your do:s and don't:s as any other rising superpower would. The next strategical step for China will be to claim parts of the Ryukyu islands closer to Okinawa because these are better positioned for defense positions against the pacific (the US). If you are willing to give it all up for your daily business then withdraw and give up the Islands and prepare to be told what to do, if not stand firm and let China understand that they cant push Japan around. If they want something they should come to you and offer something better.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

@Yuri 'Less Chinese in Japan is a good thing' Tell that to the shop owners. There are jobs at stake here.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

mdepaiva-san,

The average Chinese will do as their government tells them to do.

Your "average Chinese" refers to what?

The guys in Taiwan?

The 1% of Chinese superrich, who jet set all over the world.

The millions of Chinese in various countries around the world, Sydney, LA, London, SIngapore?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

First thing first. Chinese government doesn't equal Chinese people. There are many cases where the general populous are protesting against construction projects in China. They hold slow walks (the government actively discourages mass protests) to avoid arrest. Secondly, most media in Japan as in other countries have a biase. So does China. In China's case it's a lot more biased. So it stands to reason most Chinese people buy the government line on most issues. Hence people staying away from Japan.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So sad so sorry am sure the amount of Japanese tourists on the Peoples Republic has gone down as well. Really if it is not the islands something else would come up. Shrines, schoolbooks or WWII. Japans population is going own perhaps it is just as well. Japan becomes just another country, Japan Corp is just about past tense.

0 ( +9 / -9 )

In the very beginning of all this, one of my students said that Japan should let China have the islands. The economic impact is far greater than the value of these islands. This is really hurting Japan.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

“Once Chinese people start coming here again, they will be relieved to find out they are not treated as badly as Japanese people in China have been.”

So far I haven't seen so much as a peep from the Chinese travel-related businesses concerning the revenues from Japan they've surely lost over this affair -- which I suspect are also substantial. Perhaps AFP's bureaus in China might deign to enlighten us?

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I don't think Ishihara caused it alone but perhaps the Chinese ambition to take control over the sea and lands. Also the global recession.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

//they just use JAPAN to make money,

On balance, teaching English in South Korea is more profitable as the company mansion is free and the cost of living is lower, so I have some serious doubts that many people come to Japan just to make money.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Well, Chinese tourists are not rare in Okinawa.

Shintoshin Main Place, Shuri Castle, Kokusai Dori - there are plenty of places where you can hear Chinese.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Well, Ginza will be more peaceful then.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I wonder why I got a minus point for this:

Well, Chinese tourists are not rare in Okinawa.

Shintoshin Main Place, Shuri Castle, Kokusai Dori - there are plenty of places where you can hear Chinese.

Someone doesn't believe there are plenty of Chinese tourists in Okinawa?

Someone doesn't like there being plenty of Chinese tourists in Okinawa?

Something else?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Steven424 'If money is your only motivation, move to China' Yep, a Chinese salary is exactly what money-motivated people crave.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The pattern is fairly consistent - giving ground to China does not lead to a better life for all, it just feeds a superstate's already dangerously inflated ego.

Inflaming with China does not lead to a better life for all too. Media from both side promote the confrontation. In the globalized world, no nation on earth make the prosperity without trade, tourism, capital flow and market. Many Japanese descents of Brazilians went bank to Brazil because it is booming. Japan is dooming. Unlike Japan, Brazil is not barking with any nation. Brazil welcome Chinese investment, tourism and trade. The result is better tomorrows for new generation.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Ishihara did a "good job" for his Tokyo.

Um, you mean by opening a bank under hsi name and stealing all the money from the people and giving it to his family? All the taxpayers money wasted on Olympic bids? Sorry, what was this good job you are speaking off?

You are saying it every time you try to lay the blame for this fiasco at the feet of Ishihara while excusing the conduct of the communist chinese. Anyone who thinks the leaders of communist china aren't 10X worse than Ishihara needs a lesson in reality.

Not what I am saying at all. I just don't join in the pity party some posters on here like to have while ignoring the big, fat blinking idiot who poked the hornet's nest.

@Yuri 'Less Chinese in Japan is a good thing' Tell that to the shop owners. There are jobs at stake here.

Tell that to Toyota, Honda and all the other companies that need China to buy their goods. Yuri, like Ishihara thinks Japan should only have Japanese folks living in it. Funny coming from a Japanese person who lives... in the US.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@ realmind

" Those rich shops are owned by American and European brands. It is not going to help the ordinary Japanese much"

Wrong. When I was touring Osaka, Kyoto , Nara and nearby resorts there were bus loads of Chinese and they are spending money on the local Japanese shops, whether they are food, tourist monuments or souvenir and that do not include hotels.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@yuriotani The majority of Ordinary citizens, in any country, are innocent, aren't they ? What they do care are bread-&-butter issues close to themselves. Communism or other ideologies are irrelevant to the subject matters ?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Another reason why the dispute needs to be solved peacefully.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Those rich shops are owned by American and Europe brands. It is not going to help the ordinary Japanese much.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

The average Chinese will do as their government tells them to do.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Care to point out where ANYONE said such things?

You are saying it every time you try to lay the blame for this fiasco at the feet of Ishihara while excusing the conduct of the communist chinese. Anyone who thinks the leaders of communist china aren't 10X worse than Ishihara needs a lesson in reality.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Tessa, they want the money, just not the people.

And sorry but who is dumb enough to poke the hornet nest?! You always get stung doing something so stupid. Everyone with a brain knows that.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

the country that was known for its electrical and mechanical instruments, now depends on tourism. WOW

What's so "wow" about that? By many measures, tourism is the world's biggest industry. The world's most technologically advanced countries like Switzerland, Singapore and France have long had lucrative international tourism industries.

Ignoring or dismissing international tourism as Japan once did...now THAT deserves a "WOW."

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I don't know but from the last line of the article you can infer "we are better then you (Chinese)." Do see that as helping promote Chinese tourism to Japan. As for why Chinese tourism hasn't dropped more, maybe they are spies looking into good invasion points and resistance potential. Not they are in any hurry since Japan can't mount a defense anyway. As for Ishihara, you have to forgive a poorly educated person. Education in Japan was almost no existent during is middle school to high school time. His first book was probably somewhat autobiographical. What ever he learned in college didn't seem to have improved him. For such an egotist (saying he would have been better than Kurasawa), his time in Vietnam seems to have returned him to his militarist roots of his childhood. Problem is that today's China is nothing like China of the 1930's. China is on par with the US and Russia. Maybe he and those like him should remember the old Japanese saying, to paraphrase " you can't win against the Chinese".

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Talk about simple minded logic .... all the posters here still blaming Ishihara for the actions of the chinese. Does Ishihara control the reactions of the communist chinese government and her puppet media? Does Ishihara control the movements of the chinese tourists? Of course not. Its OK for the chinese to dig their heels in and act like children but its not OK for the Japanese to protect their territorial interests? Strange way of thinking if you ask me. If stubbornness on the part of one group is OK then its ridiculous to condemn it from the other side.

@ semperfi

Japan survived before the Chinese inundation of toruist - - - it will regroup & move on - - -

Precisely. Fifteen years ago I seldom saw chinese in the streets and nobody was complaining. I also agree with lachatamber - although I expect that comment will be deleted quite soon - couldn't find a group of louder more obnoxious, ill-mannered tourists if you tried. One more benefit is that it will certainly reduce the number of chinese overstaying to work at convenience stores and set up criminal gangs doing B&Es and stealing cars.

And Japan gets to keep the islands while the communist chinese seethe in impotent rage - sounds like a win for Japan all around.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

You know, for the past couple of years all i've heard is non-stop whining, bleating and moaning from Japanese people about the suppposedly objectionable behaviour of Chinese tourists. And now? They've gone. You got what you wanted Japan. Happy?

Idiots. I just shake my head.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

The flip side of the coin is that the majority of over 140,000 Japanese businesses that have vested operations in China are leaving China and finding other countries from which to operate. . . ...........................The big loser in that is CHINA. . . .........................lots of jobs wil go as J companies close............................so perhaps that will al impact the # of Chinse ourist who can actually afford to go anywhere.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Not what I am saying at all. I just don't join in the pity party some posters on here like to have while ignoring the big, fat blinking idiot who poked the hornet's nest.

Anyone who has ever lived side by side with hornets knows that at some point you have to poke the nest. If you leave the nest grow bigger and bigger (and it will) they are going to sting you someday when you aren't expecting it. Best to poke the nest at a time of your choosing .... whilst holding a flaming torch in the other hand.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

You know, for the past couple of years all i've heard is non-stop whining, bleating and moaning from Japanese people about the suppposedly objectionable behaviour of Chinese tourists. And now? They've gone. You got what you wanted Japan. Happy?

Why yes we are thanks. And its not "supposedly" objectionable behavior, its downright objectionable .... by the dictionary definition.

And sorry but who is dumb enough to poke the hornet nest?! You always get stung doing something so stupid. Everyone with a brain knows that.

Spoken like someone who probably doesn't even know what a hornet's nest looks like. I've burned dozens of hornet's nests in my life and never been stung once while doing so. On the other hand I've been stung plenty of times when I let the nests get too big or didn't notice them soon enough.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Spoken like someone who probably doesn't even know what a hornet's nest looks like. I've burned dozens of hornet's nests in my life and never been stung once while doing so. On the other hand I've been stung plenty of times when I let the nests get too big or didn't notice them soon enough.

You'd be wrong on that but thanks for once again, being wrong on this thread.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Japan survived before the Chinese inundation of toruist - - - it will regroup & move on - - -

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

all i see here are a bunch of money slaves, who has no sense of patriotism and nationalism.

oops, i forgot the majority of these commentators here are GAIJIN. well, a GAIJIN will always be a GAIJIN, they just use JAPAN to make money, and RUN when it cause them trouble. I still remember vividly how many chicken asses abandoned the country after March 11 last year. If money is your only motivation, move to china, there are plenty of asses to be kissed.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Ginza is a small part of Tokyo, they will need to reinvent themselves for normal income people. Ishihara sanma represented the entire prefecture not just the elite business district. Less Chinese in Japan is a good thing and they are doing it all on their own. Then again perhaps the communist government pulled permission for them to visit Japan?

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Jan it all happened because the Communist Party of China wanted it to happen. They think they can cause more harm to Japan than they take. Also remember Japan's population is falling being an industrial giant is not in Japans future. No resources and population crash, Japan needs to retool itself to reality.

-12 ( +2 / -14 )

Japan need to put punitive tariffs on Communist Chinese goods.

-15 ( +5 / -20 )

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