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© KYODOHopes grow for win-win effect of inbound tourism in Japan, weak yen
By Noriyuki Suzuki TOKYO©2025 GPlusMedia Inc.
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sakurasuki
Those tourists won't wore mask for obvious reason. Japan will shock about this.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2022/02/14/maskless-super-bowl-56-celebrities/6781502001/
Good
Masks will still be a significant deterrent to inbound tourism.
ifd66
"Win-win"?
overcrowded destinations and public transport, continuing to ignore the critical issue of rising global emissions - when urgently and drastically need to be reduced.
John-San
I have always reminded myself that the Yen has been over valued for the last decade. I can not see the Yen reaching the mark of 105. At best in the next decade that will be lower like 120 yen to the USD. At the moment JOB will not move on lifting the rate so The Yen will weaken again next month when the USA rise their rates again and my estimated is 150 yen to $1 USD.
Steven Mccarthy
Mask ? Will it also be the jgovs fault that itnl airfares are 3-4 x higher than they were just a year ago ?
Mark
I DOUBT doubt it, Japan just can't do anything the simple way.
A friend of mine just returned from a Vacation in Hawaii and she told me that upon her return at Narita she was stopped and asked if she has a QR code for Quarantine and of course she did not and no body said anything about it when leaving Japan nor did Hawaiian airlines website mention anything about it, she only had her Vaccination Certificates. which was checked twice upon leaving Japan to H0awaii, and at Honolulu airport upon returning to Japan.
so she was told to go to a separate section were she was held for 28 minutes filling out an application on line to get a QR code, then they checked it. then she has to move to the next station where they checked the very same QR code that she just received on her smart phone, then she was given a blue and a white papers to show to customs, then immigration, then she has to run to collected her bags hopping to catch her train, , by the time she was finished she was was late and missed her Narita express and connecting shinkansen of course was delayed by 2 hours in total.
BertieWooster
Awa no gaijin:
What cigarette smoke?
I don't know where you are in Japan, but it's quite rare to see someone with a cigarette where I am.
factchecker
Those I've seen here already (on some sort of visa) aren't wearing masks.
dagon
A win for foreign tourists with strong currencies with leisure time.
A win for the capital holding rentier owners of Japanese inns, hotels, travel related businesses.
A lose for the laid off travel and hospitality industry workers.
Who did not benefit from coronavirus stimulus subsidies and many of whom were forced to retrain, change industries or engage in a severe downgrade of their lifestyle.
Discarded by LDP policies
Mark
If you are about to come to Japan or even thinking about leaving Japan then returning, better get your health Ministry QR code installed on your smart phone, and if you AINT got a smart phone better get one or check with the health ministry.
Monty
and allowing visa-free short-term visits
This is a big point.
Japan must go back to the 90 days visa free stay.
Most of my friends and business partner overseas said that the necessary visa is the most troublesome point, and therefore they don't want to visit Japan.
*Yubaru
Seems to me this "line" has shifted quite a bit over the past few decades. When it was around 100 yen to the dollar, the same thing was said, then 110, then 120, and now as it sped downward to around 145.
I also seem to recall the same things were said when it was on it's way up as well. Starting at around 200 or so back in the day. Things got really "psychologically scary" when it dropped under 80 yen to the dollar too.
Whomever comes up with this "psychologically important line" should really just stop!
Mr Kipling
What they "save" on meals and souvenirs the tourist will pay on air fares. Win win?
canigetawhatwhat
Weak yen is great, but most people dont want to come here on a tour. They need to just open the borders instead of just talking about half measures.
Phil
We are not on the main overseas tourist trail, but we did get coach trips from the cruise ships. Local news interviewed a couple of people involved in the tourist industry and they are looking forward to the return of Chinese and Korean tourist. For them it was quiet simple, they spend the most money. So even if Japan opens fully tomorrow, it could be a slow recover.
Antiquesaving
I guess only the USA counts as a comparison.
You should check out other countries not just Japan vs USA.
Try going to Canada or returning.
Makes the Japanese process look simple and if you didn't get the needed stuff before you cannot do it on arrival meaning welcome to quarantine or a massive fine.
At least Japan let's your friend do the needed process once here, places like Canada and others it is do it before or you are out of luck.
indigo
Tourists will do what??? buy mask??
Yubaru
Neither is "emigration" responsible either. BUT the airlines, responsible or otherwise, should be informing their passengers about any requirements to fly to Japan, PRIOR to boarding! Just as they check to ensure you have proper documentation.
Immigration can be a pain anywhere in the world!
Antiquesaving
The airfare seems higher if you live in Japan because the yen is low.
Family in Canada are going to Europe next month the airfare is higher as the Canadian dollar being down also.
The USA dollar is flying high, so this offsets the hike in airfare.
Even traveling domestic in the USA or Europe airfares are up.
So in any case the cost is higher so give the choice to travel to Japan where your Dollar or Europe but you more with the low yen or take a trip to the USA or Europe were no such benefit exists, many will choose to get cheaper hotels cheaper food, cheaper travel in country despite a slightly higher airfare.
Antiquesaving
Boy it is a collection of negative whining complaining comments here.
"They won't wear masks", what will they buy, masks?" "Why will they come " airfare too high" etc....
I am high risk got all my shots will get omicron next month and looking forward to tourist coming to my shop, free water refill if they bring their own bottle, free WiFi, and place to rest and check out my antiques and my work.
My friends and business acquaintances are thinking and doing the same.
Enough is enough, we have done what we can so let's get back to living and not cowarding in our homes.
Bruce Kidd
We have a house over there we haven't seen in 3+ years. Open the country up and I'll buy our plane tickets the same day. Best exchange rate and low tourist volume sounds good to me.
Andy
We all know Japanese love wearing their restrictive masks . Maybe the unmasked tourist's from progressive thinking countries might change the mind set of the locals.
wallace
Bruce Kidd
I think you could have applied for an exemption.
noriahojanen
Before the pandemic people were addressing the problem of over-tourism in major sightseeing spots, especially in Kyoto. Then "fewer people, more targeted and (ideally) more spending" strategy was sought. We shouldn't forget the basics.
A weak currency-induced economy cuts both ways. The covid spread in Japan via inbound visitors (evidenced by several analytical studies). A weak currency often suffers economic warfare, and even during peacetime other key industries and the general public get troubled with rising costs. It's not a win-win.
The UK, Norway and Switzerland are relatively successful in earning a lot by tourism although they don't belong to the eurozone and their currencies are more expensive than key base currencies. A strong currency doesn't necessarily lead to hampering tourism businesses.
John-San
I book a fight for Feb 2023 with JAL from Sydney to Tokyo return and It the cheapest fare I pay in 15 years of traveling to Japan. $940 is cost while the AUD was 71c to the USD $1 back in 2012 is cost $1350 while the AUD was $1.05 AUD to the $1 USD. Also fuel prices were at $1.50 a litre at the pump were today its $1.80 a litre. Go figure that.
Chabbawanga
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These indicators have proven a very reliable way to trade foreign currencies, commodities, and stocks.
tora
Dear Japanese policy makers
It takes MONTHs if not YEARS to prepare a travel plan. With your dilly-dallying around, people are not going to come back any time soon in the numbers you expect.
And by the way, how many vaccines will one need? At least three, right? And then the new one. And will one need masks and a tracking app?
Then forgeddabodit!
Fred Mcgowan
Speaking for myself i don't see major tourism returning until ALL the restrictions are lifted. That includes masks, visas, required vaccinations, etc. As a American who did not take the "jab" and does not intend to i do not see myself retuning to Japan in the near future. We owned a condo in Kobe and lived there part of the year before the China Virus came along and just sold it this month because i have not saw it for 2 years, I love Japan and its people dearly but sometimes wonder how it gets by with the political system it has. We want to plan a trip for next year but as of now everything is on hold!
smithinjapan
Whaaaaaaat? Lifting the cap and other restrictions and allowing in foreign tourists will be a boon for Japan's economy? How could we not have known this when... uhhh... people starting saying it months it not years ago? I love the genius quoted in the middle of the article who says, basically, "When the yen is weaker, foreign tourists tend to spend more." I wonder how long it took that detective to figure out.
Kaowaiinekochanknaw
Many people in other countries had a harrowing expetience with lockdowns, mandatory vaccines for wotk and fines or public screaming and aggression for not wearing asks.
Many of these places have already seen the error of their ways and have abandoned these failed policies, especially due to Omicron.
Many people will be reluctant to travel to a country where Covid restrictions such as PCR tests before arrival even for 2 dosed people, or go to a country where masks are seen all over the place. Masks and the hiding of smiles or faces is off putting to many other cultures.
People want to go somewhere peaceful and fun and forget their past 2 years trauma.
Not relive aspects of it in Japan.
Until Japan can grow up in these matters and fear driven policies, I fear the tourists won't come in droves.
socrateos
Mark:
Indeed. However, it will surely happen soon or later. Yen is too cheep to ignore and travel restrictions have been too long. The whole world want to travel and Japan is an enticing place due to the devallued currency.
wallace
Even if they open the gates without restrictions it will take several years to reach the numbers we had prior to covid.
Hideomi Kuze
Sooner or later, Japanese society will repeat pandemic, government will do nothing as ever, it will force overwork to medical workers, and many patients will be killed without even getting medical service by incompetence of government.
Antiquesaving
Amazing how many negative Nellys there are.
"It takes months, even years to plan a trip"
*Even if they open fully it will takes years untill pre covid Numbers."
Etc...
Yep and if we don't start at some point nothing and no one will come!
And the "it takes months/ years to plan a trip" not in the 21st century with the internet.
My 80+ years old parents just decided to take a trip from Canada to Europe last week.
Booked the flights, Airbnb, airport pickup ( their old no longer drive) etc. . all in a few days online.
They leave mid October for 2 weeks.
And if you really want to save get last minute space available tickets a bit of a risk but major savings,
My parents used to always fly that way, retired and no real schedule to care about this was fine for them.
TriniinJapan
The few people talking about mask. The world has move on… Japan will get there. Mask are optional first of all.
qazwsx
Even if regulations for entry are relaxed from October, not requiring a visa anymore, tourism will get nowhere close to what it was pre-Covid until the Chinese tourists can come back. They can’t because of their own country’s strict restrictions.
As a resident of Tokyo, it’s going to be strange, having lots of tourists back again. Frankly, from my own domestic tourism standpoint, it was quite nice these past few years. Visited all four islands plus Okinawa. Did more traveling in Japan these last three years than I did in the previous 27.
El Rata
It's not a crime not to wear one. I never wear them, never had a problem. Just ignore the recommendations.
Sanjinosebleed
Yeh a bit of the horse bwefore the cart much!!?? They need to actually open the borders first not just the tour group joke which is so tiresome noone wants to come anyway.
As for the CoCOA app wasn't that discontinued just recently because it was basically useless!!??
Probably just haven't told anyone on the frontline yet in usual Japanese bureaucratic slowness...
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/13/national/covid-app-end/
vendingmachinemusic
Japan has only had visa restrictions up until now, and they say they will be lifted shortly.
There were no mask restrictions. There is no forced vaccine mandates.
People wear masks out of culture, and their tendency to be polite. There is no legal restrictions. A private company, can make rules for their shops if they want, as it is private property.
Without a mask, you may get glanced at, and the Japanese will think, "oh, there is another foreigner without a mask, and forget about you 5 seconds later." An elderly Japanese gentleman, may grumble angrily at you in passing, but don't worry about him, or no need to react to him. He has bigger issues in his life than you have in your's.
As for those complaining about their houses they owned in Japan being un occupied for two- three years. I hope you can get back to your homes shortly. There will probably be a lot of maintenance that needs to take place. Japan cycles of humid and dry weather age things much faster than they do in dry N. American or European climates.
Therese Sayers
As a hopeful independent traveller, I have absolutely no problem wearing a mask. I'll be doing so regardless of the rules to lessen the risk of contracting covid on my travels and having my holiday spoilt with illness and a quarantine period in a hotel room. I don't know why people think travellers won't want to wear a mask, particularly in crowded places. Covid is here to stay for a while yet, so taking as many measures as I can to guard against it is my own mandate for my independent travel in Japan. Bring it on - ready to come in autumn and there will be a lot of Aussie snowboarders and skiers ready to come in winter. Drop the visa, open the door for independent travellers - make it a lot easier for us to visit and assist with Japan's economy.
Johnken6
One of the safest countries to visit. People are masked (even before COVID) and respect others by and large. Much better than going somewhere that has disrespectful people sneezing and coughing all over the place.
Are Japanese more conscientious due to a background in Buddhism or are they less prone to be hooked on conspiracy theories from their Facebook feeds? My observation is both!
Hermitage Nads
Other than the ridiculousness in China, Japan is just about the only country left where people still bother with masks. My parents recently came to visit and, after I assured them it was not mandated, did not wear a mask the entire time here.
Kaerimashita
Just get rid of all the ridiculous restrictions and caps. The pandemic is over, or at least the ridiculous reaction to it should be.
Garthgoyle
Far from the truth. I traveled to Korea and Puerto Rico within the last two months and you can't go anywhere indoors without a mask. Not the law but business owners will ask you to mask up our leave. Also people wear masks everywhere in public transportation.
That'd be 4 countries... ish that still bother with masks.
Hito Bito
lol. You see? Win-win! There's no downside!
lol. No, your savings didn't lose almost 30% in value compared to other currencies. No, your paycheck, if in yen, won't lose more a further 10% purchasing power again come October, when 95% of food producers raise their prices by that much. And no, your heating, gas and energy bills won't wise any more than they've already done this winter. Even if they will...look on the "bright side!"
Win-win! A boost in tourism which accounts for less than 3% of GDP in total. And you get to work harder for less equivalent cash and purchases each week. What's not to like?
Antiquesaving
I live in Japan over 30 years now.
Anyone saying that people are smoking everywhere haven't lived here in years.
Most restaurants now ban smoking completely the rest have closed in smoking areas.
Smoking in public on the roads while walking has been prohibited in most cities and wards and will get you a fine if caught.
I haven't seen an office or business that still permits smoking in at least 5 years and those that do have a dedicated location usually outside.
Malls etc.. have designated rooms far From the general public if even that now as most are closed and now moved outside hidden behind the mall someplace.
This is not the Japan of 30, 20, or even 10 years ago, things have changed.
Peppe
the Japanese people shouldn't go out from Japan , only vaccinated should go out and foreign should visit Japan only if they are also full vaccinated with test before and after arrive . NO VISA , no mask like in all country G7 . It is not fear and doesn't make any help to stop the tourist , now the yen is weak and they are looking for the tourist to help the economy , big mistake to close the board for so long .
tora
Yeah but for us working folk or students (basically non-retired people), we plan well in advance. So Japan just not on the list this year when other places are fully open for business.
If they think that flinging the doors open (still with some restrictions or some strong "urging") is going to suddenly bring hoards of tourists, they're mistaken. Japan is just too much trouble.
kurisupisu
I’ve been in and out of Japan at least 5 times in the last two years and like a Pavlov dog , I actually feel queasy and irritable when the plane door opens and I see several uniformed officials scrutinizing the departing passengers, the long hike through the airport , the shuttered lifts and lavatories and the further scrutiny of a ream of papers etc.
For a tourist,it would most certainly not be a fortuitous start to a holiday.
Harry_Gatto
Absolutely right.
As for this:-
Accusing someone of lying when they are so obviously right and you are so obviously wrong beggars belief.
Chico3
tourism - win
merchants - win
Japanese economy - win
The Japanese residents - I'm not sure, due to inflation with low to stagnant wages.
However, the saying goes that nothing is forever, so I have hope.
falseflagsteve
Antiquebloke
Great to see you having a PMA regarding the current situation, good luck to you. Great idea about getting visitors to your business.
Bertie Wooster
I would estimate 50% of adults smoke in the area in which I reside, though about half of them have switched to e cigs. About half the bars and cafes permit smoking and it’s normal to see smoking in the streets. I do travel the country and know that this is different to most places though.
RonJB
I think I'll hold off on my next trip until 2024.
Yubaru
This is an overly general, mistaken due to ignorance or what, I dont know, wrong statement.
Japanese did not "mask up" as country until covid. The only one's that did, were folks who were sick with a cold, or wanted to prevent catching one, otherwise, no one wore masks on a daily basis.
tmtfly
Act fast on the complete reopening without any restriction including the type of vaccines allowed entry. Don't dilly-dally on the issue.
Antiquesaving
It has been a long wait, the business has been on the recycle reuse platform since before covid but without tourism no point in remaining open, we offer free filtered water refill to help stop the use of plastic bottles, and a place to cool down in the summer heat or warm up in the winter.
A win win for everyone.
Now that enough people are vaccinated as well as myself and my family, there is no longer any reason to remain closed both for myself and the country.
If 50% smoke in your area then that would be 2.7 times the national average as of 2019 18% of adults in Japan smoked.
In theory any established opened after April 2020 cannot permit smoking there are a few exceptions.
Tokyo-to in theory bans smoking indoors exception are private homes and private clubs.
Most Tokyo cities ban outdoor smoking unless in designated areas.
Osaka has non smoking areas a like most Tokyo wards walking while smoking is prohibited but yes we do see it every day anyway.
I live near Asakusa and 10 or 20 years ago at night it would be full of smokers, today they huddle together in the few places still permitting smoking or at the designated smoking area.
Things have changed very quickly on this subject in Japan.
CrashTestDummy
Yeah, I agree. The COVID regulations and documentation at the airport is a big deterrent for traveling not only to Japan or anywhere. COVID policies and regulations are really complicated, keep changing, and different for every country. Since the regulations keep changing, it is difficult to know if you have the right information. Then when you get to the airport, you realize you have long process of going through all the regulatory departments that take a long time. Ugh.
Temyong
Japan should fully open its borders for tourism because that will boost the demand for yen thus, increasing its value.
John-San
Mask! Why are people so negi on masks. If you live in Japan before Covid mask were worn by 50% of the population. I used to laugh about Japanese wearing mask in the car while alone in the car. This was before COVID. It so to protect the car interior surfaces. Very considerate of them was my first thought.