Chinese Advised Not To Visit Japan

[PeterRS]

This might be a good time for those considering visiting Japan. Not only is the ¥ at very low levels (today US$1 - ¥154), the Chinese tourists who have been arriving in Japan in droves recently have just been advised by their government not to visit. 

The reason is a result of recent remarks in parliament by Japan's new right-wing and China-hawk Prime Minister that a military response from Tokyo might be necessary if China were to invade Taiwan. Previous Prime Ministers have always maintained a policy of "strategic" ambiguity over the Taiwan issue. 

Chinese tourists to Japan have risen to become second in number only to Americans. If Chinese numbers quickly fall, even by a relatively small amount, the tourism industry in Japan may have to resort to lowering prices to attract others. That will be my hope, anyway.

[Moses]

3 hours ago, PeterRS said:

If Chinese numbers quickly fall

It will not. Chinese never pay attention to state advises, they pay attention to prices. And prices are low as you mention.

[Keithambrose]

22 hours ago, Moses said:

It will not. Chinese never pay attention to state advises, they pay attention to prices. And prices are low as you mention.

Mind you the 'advice' is pretty strong, and includes Macao and HK. Chinese Airlines are offering free refunds, so there could be an impact. Would be interesting to follow this, to see how far Xi can impose his 'advice'!

[Keithambrose]

Just now, Keithambrose said:

Mind you the 'advice' is pretty strong, and includes Macao and HK. Chinese Airlines are offering free refunds, so there could be an impact. Would be interesting to follow this, to see how far Xi can impose his 'advice'!

PS. Phrasing this as an issue arising from lawless Japan etc, danger to life, seems pretty dumb. 

[Moses]

3 hours ago, Keithambrose said:

Mind you the 'advice' is pretty strong, and includes Macao and HK. Chinese Airlines are offering free refunds, so there could be an impact. Would be interesting to follow this, to see how far Xi can impose his 'advice'!

I have about a dozen Chinese friends of various ages, from 20 to 50, and even more acquaintances. The words "cheap," "sale," and "discount" have a magical effect on each of them.

Therefore, unless Xi imposes specific fees, taxes, bans, or restrictions, such as reducing the number of flights to Japan, the Chinese won't care about the government's recommendations, because they can travel to Japan cheaply now.

The exception is CCP members, but most of them are already prohibited from leaving China without permission from their party branch.

[PeterRS]

You and the Chinese may not be concerned, but Japanese stockholders most definitely are. 

Japanese stocks related to tourism and retail fell on Monday after China warned its citizens not to travel to the country as Tokyo and Beijing remain locked in a row over Taiwan . . .

Shares in Japanese department stores were hit hard, with the parent company of the Mitsukoshi and Isetan chains plunging by almost 12%. Other well-known brands like cosmetics company Shiseido also fell sharply. China has consistently ranked among the top sources of tourists visiting Japan.

Shares in department store chain Takashimaya, and the owner of global fashion chain Uniqlo closed more than 5% lower.

Carriers Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings were also down.

Shares in Oriental Land, the theme park company that runs the Tokyo Disney resort, ended the day 5.8% lower . . .

Chinese airlines - including China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China - offered refunds for flights to Japan.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y9n25r0qyo

[macaroni21]

Given how excessive numbers of Chinese tourists have in recent years annoyed the local Japanese, I have a feeling many locals think fewer Chinese will be a good thing; never mind the stock market.