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No. of foreign visitors to Japan in April exceeds Japanese departures for 1st time in 44 years

17 Comments

For the first time in 44 years, the number of foreign visitors to Japan in April has exceeded the number of Japanese departures.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors increased 33.4% compared with the same month in 2013, Fuji TV reported Friday. The total number of visitors in April was 1,231,500, the highest number ever.

On the other hand, the number of Japanese people who headed abroad was about 1.1 million, a decrease of 4.4% from April 2013. The last time the number of inbound visitors topped Japanese departures was in September 1970, Fuji reported.

A JNTO spokesperson attributed the increase in foreign visitors to a weak yen, visa waivers for some Asian countries, more flights into Haneda. The largest number -- 257,900 -- came from Taiwan, JNTO said. Greater numbers of tourists also came from China, Malaysia and Indonesia, JNTO said.

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17 Comments
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Thank you Taiwan!

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Back when it was relatively too expensive for many Japanese to fly overseas.
1 ( +2 / -1 )

I don't believe, not for a second that it is Japan's goal to become a tourist country. I believe it is a great country to be a tourist in (apart, perhaps from the high costs) but I doubt there is an actual wish for many foreigners to come here. Sure, they say they want tourists and project increasing tourism as something positive, but they do not market themselves well, at all. Just take a look at the mess that is the JNTO homepage - horribly overcrowded and cramped. Reminds me of my old Japanese teacher's words when we were discussing possible Tokyo Olympics:

"No, I don't want the Olympics here."

"Why not?"

"Too many foreigners will come here."

1 ( +8 / -7 )

that understandable, Japanese dont have the money they use to when traveling, and when the Yen is drops more people will holiday at home, while those other asian countries that have more money will come to Japan as its a cheaper destination. just another reason why a weaker yen is better for Japan than a stronger one. all thats needed now is top restart the Nplants so Japan wont drown in energy imports.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Japan is a consumers wet dream, ‘Omotenashi’ will inevitably find innovative ways of making visitors hypnotically splash the cash.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Congratulations, Mr. Abe. Thanks to your devaluation of your currency, your own people can't afford to travel.

A less diplomatic way of referring to countries who can attract foreign visitors and their tourist money, but whose residents cannot afford to go abroad themselves, is "the third world".

Please stop turning Japan into a poor country.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

And Chinese tourists increased 90% year on year. Who says things are bad between Japan and China! Normal people are alright, it is just the stupid politicians on both sides.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Why are the ticket prices so high to get into Japan? A flight to Singapore is $1K less than a flight to Japan, but it connects in Japan.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@gokai_wo_maneku

Money trumps all

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I think the one of the biggest reason for the increase is due to the fact that the prime Sakura Season is in early April. I know a lot of visitors who flock to Japan just to experience the beauty in person that time of year.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Nice. :)

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I guess Japanese no longer need to study English. Question is, why are native English speakers avoiding Japan?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Hereforever, what makes "English speakers" (i.e., white people) so special? Asian tourists are complete human beings too, as is anyone who does not speak English.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Less Japanese traveling, more foreigners traveling that's the story.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

The Japanese been brainwashed to go local trippings instead, it used to be that it is expensive to go sightseeing locally and cheaper for japanese to go abroad . this time around its cheaper to sightsee locally , i know because i still travel abroad and go trips locally..and find that going local is cheaper ..now!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

gokai_wo_maneku not all native English speakers are white, India, Singapore, West Indies etc all use English as there first lanuage or speak in fluently as a second language. (ie yellow people) are just as important as other colored people, its just the smart ones understand that a good command of English can be very valuable if you plan on being part of the international community

1 ( +1 / -0 )

wtfjapan, well, that completely misses my point.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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