Chinese tourists shun Japan over holidayLUNAR NEW YEAR: The Japanese prime minister’s refusal to relent over Taiwan comments on defense brought more criticism and travel warnings from BeijingThe GuardianChinese tourists are continuing to shun Japan in large numbers, with the country falling out of the top 10 destinations for those celebrating the Lunar New Year with a trip abroad. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi smiles as she enters the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Friday last week. Takaichi’s remarks led to an angry response in China, where officials urged tourists and students not to travel to Japan. Instead, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan during the Lunar New Year holidays is expected to fall by up to 60 percent from the previous year. On Sunday, the Chinese consulate general in Osaka again urged Chinese nationals to refrain from traveling to Japan after a fatal stabbing in the city.

Source: Taipei Times February 17, 2026 18:45 UTC