Chinese media outlet Guancha.cn reported on the 10th that the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan has significantly decreased, and that "Japan is anxious."

The article cited Japanese reports, stating that according to the balance of payments statistics for May released by the Ministry of Finance on the 8th, the service balance turned into a deficit due to the decrease in foreign visitors to Japan. Japan had previously offset its digital sector deficit, caused by net payments for overseas IT services, with a surplus in its travel balance. However, while the travel balance for May remained in surplus at 527.9 billion yen, the surplus amount decreased by 16.9% compared to the same month last year.

Furthermore, according to statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors to Japan in May was 3.55 million, a 3.6% decrease from the same month last year. Of these, visitors from China decreased by 60.4% to 313,000 people. "As a result of these impacts, the service balance for May recorded a deficit of 10.3 billion yen, falling from a surplus of 130.9 billion yen in May 2025."

It also stated that "since Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks regarding Taiwan, the number of visitors from China has continued to decrease, putting pressure on a wide range of Japanese industries such as retail, accommodation, and food and beverage." It further reported that "according to JNTO data, in addition to China, visitors from Europe and the Middle East also significantly decreased due to factors such as the deteriorating situation in the Middle East."

Moreover, it was reported that "the impact of the decrease in Chinese tourists is also evident in the financial results recently announced by Japanese companies." The duty-free sales of three department stores in Fukuoka City decreased by 20% year-on-year, and among these, Hakata Daimaru Department Store saw a 39% decrease, resulting in a loss.

In response to this report, Chinese netizens commented: "Really? I just got back from Osaka, and the plane was full of Chinese tourists." "Quite a few people around me are going to Japan." "(I live in Japan, but) I don't get the impression that foreign tourists have decreased. There are many tourists from South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and Europe/America, but there are also quite a few Chinese people. In tourist spots and near hotels, Chinese tourists are everywhere, just like before." "I don't feel like the number of Chinese people has decreased at all. The outbound flight was full, and there were Chinese people everywhere in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto. Chinese was spoken all over Yufuin. Everyone who can travel abroad should go out, and domestic travel should be left to civil servants who don't have freedom."

On the other hand, comments included: "Westerners just do sightseeing. In the shopping street leading from Kiyomizu-dera, only we bought a lot. We only bought snacks, but Westerners bought absolutely nothing and were empty-handed." "It probably means that Chinese tourists' purchasing power is stronger than that of Westerners. Before, I went to Japan on a company trip, and we only visited brand shops. My colleagues bought several necklaces worth hundreds of thousands of yuan, which surprised me. Westerners just drink, eat, and stay." "Honestly, the number of Chinese people has decreased, but the overall number of tourists hasn't decreased that much. Many people are going from South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, in addition to Europe and America. However, Chinese people spend a lot. Especially compared to Western backpackers, their purchasing power is much higher."

Other comments included: "No problem. They probably don't want us to come, right? Isn't it a win-win?" "We (China) significantly reduced flights, and they (Japan) increased visa fees several times. 'Don't go' and 'Don't come' aligns intentions." "The key point is that even though the total number of tourists only decreased by 3.6%, if Chinese people decreased by 60%, department store sales fell by 20-40%. If Chinese tourists stop going entirely, Japanese department stores are finished." "Japan raising visa prices probably has the intention of weeding out price-sensitive segments and attracting wealthier segments who don't care about such amounts."

In addition, comments such as: "The decrease in Chinese tourists is because flights were reduced." "(The decrease in Chinese tourists) is a good thing. Traveling (to Japan) during the pandemic was really comfortable. There was no need to queue anywhere. That's impossible now." "The visa price hike is tough. We are a developing country, and most people don't have the money to go (to Japan). If visa fees were like before, and a round-trip airfare was around 1,400 yuan (approx. 33,000 yen), we could still go." "If it's your first overseas trip, Japan is still the best." "Aside from everything else, Japan's strict tobacco control is wonderful." (Translation/Editing by Kitada)