What's happened
Japan's total international arrivals in 2025 surpassed 39 million, driven by domestic travel and increased overseas trips, especially to Europe and Hawaii. Chinese visitor numbers grew slightly in November despite diplomatic disputes, while Vietnam set a new record for foreign arrivals. The travel industry remains resilient amid geopolitical tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The resilience of Japan's tourism sector highlights its ability to adapt to geopolitical challenges. Despite diplomatic tensions with China, Chinese tourists still comprise nearly a quarter of visitors, indicating strong economic ties. The slight decline in Chinese arrivals in November reflects diplomatic strain, but overall growth remains robust. Vietnam's record-breaking foreign visitor numbers demonstrate Southeast Asia's rising appeal, driven by natural beauty and cultural heritage. The increase in domestic short trips in Japan suggests a shift in consumer preferences, possibly influenced by ongoing economic uncertainties and currency fluctuations. The tourism industry’s ability to sustain growth amid geopolitical tensions indicates a strategic diversification of source markets and destinations, which will likely continue to shape regional travel patterns in 2026.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Japan's total arrivals exceeded 39 million in 2025, with growth driven by both domestic and international travel, despite diplomatic tensions with China. Reuters highlights that Chinese visitors to Japan increased slightly in November, even as diplomatic disputes over remarks on Taiwan caused a temporary decline. Vietnam's tourism boom, with 20 million foreign arrivals, underscores Southeast Asia's rising popularity, according to Reuters. These contrasting reports illustrate the resilience of regional tourism, with Japan maintaining overall growth despite diplomatic challenges, and Vietnam capitalizing on its natural and cultural appeal to surpass previous records.
How we got here
Japan's tourism industry rebounded strongly in 2025, with total arrivals exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The increase is partly due to longer holiday periods and a shift toward domestic short trips. Diplomatic tensions with China, sparked by remarks on Taiwan, temporarily affected Chinese travel to Japan, but overall Chinese visitor numbers remain high. Meanwhile, Vietnam's tourism continues to grow, setting new records for foreign arrivals, fueled by its natural landscapes and cultural sites.
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