Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi raises her hand to answer a question during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee at the National Diet in Tokyo, Japan on November 12, 2025. Photo: VCG
Following the warning issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan in the near future, the Ministry of Education also released an overseas study alert on Sunday, pointing out that there are frequent cases of crimes against Chinese citizens in Japan and advising Chinese students to plan their studies prudently. On the same day, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism also issued a travel notice for Chinese tourists. These warnings have attracted widespread attention, with some outsiders attempting to interpret them as a form of “diplomatic pressure.” However, a rational examination of the current environment of China-Japan relations and the various changes taking place in Japan leads to a clear conclusion: These warnings are based on realistic considerations of the personal safety and basic dignity of its own citizens, and are a necessary measure taken by the Chinese government to fulfill its responsibilities.
As China’s close neighbor, Japan has long been a major destination for Chinese tourists and students. China does not want personnel exchanges between the two countries to be hindered, but such exchanges must be based on security. After taking office, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has fueled a strong military expansionist agenda by inciting the “China threat” rhetoric, which has severely damaged mutual trust between China and Japan and undermined the stability of bilateral relations. This political manipulation is like a toxin that has substantially eroded the foundation of personnel exchanges between the two countries. The Chinese government’s early warning measures are a necessary response to this escalating risk. From an international perspective, many countries issue travel or overseas study alerts at different levels based on the security situation of the target country. This is a common international practice.
Chinese citizens should indeed avoid traveling to Japan in the near future, and should carefully plan any long-term study, investment, or other arrangements in Japan. The main reasons are as follows: First, Takaichi’s rise to power may accelerate the transformation of Japanese political hostility toward China into social discrimination and harassment. This year, Chinese tourists have been repeatedly subjected to violent attacks in Japan, exacerbating public concerns about their personal safety when traveling there. Now, with the Japanese leader openly provoking China and China forced to take necessary countermeasures, some extreme populists among the Japanese public may be misled by public opinion and blame China for the problems. It cannot be ruled out that a few extremists may direct their anger toward Chinese citizens.
Second, xenophobic sentiment is emerging within Japan, and Takaichi herself is one of the advocates of “Japanese first.” In recent years, xenophobic rallies organized by some far-right groups have occurred frequently in Japan, and discriminatory remarks against foreigners on social media have been escalating. This sentiment has been amplified at the political level, with far-right forces, represented by Takaichi, taking the opportunity to promote “Japanese First,” linking foreigners to issues such as rising crime rates and community disorder, further exacerbating social antagonism. Chinese nationals in Japan may face more obstacles in employment, entrepreneurship, and life.
Third, the implementation of new visa and tourism regulations by the Takaichi administration is seen as making life increasingly difficult for foreigners. According to a previous report by Nikkei, the Japanese government is considering raising the visa fees, which currently stand at about 3,000 yen for a single entry, far below rates charged by other major destinations such as the US or the EU. The report suggests that under the Takaichi administration, there has been further tightening of regulations on foreigners, with high-tech professionals, international students, and investors facing stricter scrutiny. Additionally, Chinese residents in Japan have reported that difficulties in opening bank accounts and stricter company reviews are emerging as hidden barriers.
Fourth, the cost of traveling to and studying in Japan may continue to rise. Starting in 2025, Japan began implementing a “dual pricing system” at some major tourist attractions, which some call a “foreigners’ high price” policy. It is possible that this will be widely adopted nationwide. The cancellation of the tax refund policy for international tourists is also under discussion. Furthermore, the ongoing inflation in Japan is continuously driving up the costs of food, accommodation, and transportation for tourists. In the context of intense competition in the international tourism market, the future competitiveness of travel to Japan in terms of experience, comfort, and cost-effectiveness is uncertain.
Ultimately, this is a result of the amplification of the negative aspects of Japanese society under the influence of right-wing conservative forces such as Takaichi. Takaichi’s policies since taking office have reinforced Japan’s self-isolation and xenophobia, leading to an increase in harassment and discrimination against Chinese nationals and foreigners, and a significant deterioration in the environment for travel and long-term living in Japan. Clearly, Japan is no longer necessarily a suitable destination for Chinese people and international travelers.
On November 15, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara made the so-called “protest” regarding China’s travel warning, urging China to take “appropriate measures.” This is clearly because the spending of Chinese tourists in Japan is crucial to the country’s economy. If Japan sincerely wishes to benefit from China-Japan relations, it must demonstrate genuine willingness and take immediate action, seriously reflect on its erroneous words and deeds on historical issues and the Taiwan question, retract its offensive remarks, stop provocations, and rebuild a positive atmosphere for personnel exchanges between the two countries.