Chinese media Guancha.cn on the 1st published an article stating, "Japan has fallen out of the top 10 travel destinations for Chinese tourists during the Golden Week (China's National Day) holidays; last year it was number one."

Citing Japanese reports and information from Chinese travel service company Tuniu.com, the article reported that Japan was excluded from the top 10 travel destinations for this year's Mid-Autumn Festival and Golden Week holidays. It noted that during the same period last year, Japan was at the top of the ranking.

Furthermore, it explained that as background, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks in November last year regarding a "Taiwan contingency" received "strong criticism from various quarters." It reported, "Subsequently, advisories were issued regarding travel to Japan and studying in Japan, citing (the Japanese side's) public security issues, and product quality and safety, and imports of Japanese seafood were also temporarily suspended."

The article introduced a Chinese tourist interviewed by Japanese media who said, "Considering the current atmosphere, it's certainly true that some people find it difficult to choose Japan as a travel destination," and then reported that according to statistics from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of Chinese visitors to Japan in the first half of this year significantly dropped by 56.4% compared to the same period last year.

In response to this report, Chinese netizens commented with voices such as: "That's a good thing," "(The number of Chinese visitors to Japan is) still high," "I can't believe hundreds of thousands of people are still going every month!", "There are still people going despite repeated warnings from the authorities," "Japan only has Mount Fuji and Hokkaido, right?", and "Someday, if China bans travel to Japan and demands the return of all Chinese residents in Japan, what a sight that would be."

Meanwhile, comments such as: "How many times has Japan's tourism industry 'ended' now? (A sarcasm implying it hasn't actually ended, but people are rushing to declare it has)", "Japan is happy. They don't care at all," "Do you have the courage to tell the 'real reason' (why Chinese visitors decreased)?", "Don't be childish. Japan isn't afraid at all," and "I have friends who go to Japan every year for Golden Week" were also observed.

In addition, comments such as: "I've been to Japan, but apart from shopping, it wasn't particularly interesting," "Japan is certainly an attractive travel destination, but considering the current situation, it's probably better to hold back," "Airline tickets are soaring and visa fees have also been raised, so I want to go, but it's a bit difficult," "As an anime lover, I love Japan and really want to go," and "The off-season is precisely the target" were also posted. (Translation/Editing by Kitada)