Japan is experiencing major changes in tourism, economy, and culture. In 2024, 37 million foreign tourists visited including Tokyo, …

hi I’m M from Chu in this video I will share with you the top nine new updates you need to know before traveling to Japan Japan is experiencing major changes in tourism economy and culture in 2024 37 million foreign tourists visited boosting the economy but also causing over tourism issues in Kyoto and mat Fuji meanwhile rural tourism is struggling due to population Decline and labor shortages at the same time soaring rice pric are forcing restaurants to raise menu prices Additionally the Japanese esta system set to launch by 2030 aims to streamline entry for foreign visitors let’s explore what lies ahead as both challenges and Innovations shape Japan’s future we have started offering private tours in Osaka as well as too if you are interested please contact me through the link below okay then let’s go number one Japan’s over tourism in 2024 the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan reached a record high of approximately 37 million 5 million more than in 2019 and over 11 million more than in 2023 tourism in Japan has grown quickly again proving it is still a popular destination however the impact of over tourism is also becoming more serious crowded roads not enough hotels and conflicts with locals in Kyoto M Fuji asakusa and other areas have made it necessary to improve tourism facilities and spread out visitors according to JTB forecast the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in 20125 is expected to reach approximately 40 million however the pace of recovery is expected to slow somewhat in a JTB survey about 30% of people supported tourism for its economic benefits while around 40% worried that tourist Behavior would get worse how to reconcile the economic benefits of increased tourism with its impact on local community remains a key issue to make tourism suitable I think we need to improve physical facilities and educate them on responsible behavior number two Japanese food prices Skyrocket soaring rice prices have affected people’s lives the restaurant industry and the tourism industry causing restaurants to raise their menu prices one after another in December 2024 the selling price was approximately 1.6 times higher than in the same month the previous year the Ministry of Agriculture forestry and Fisheries is investigating the whereabouts of approximately 210,000 tons of rice that has not been distributed in the market retailers profits are tight due to Soaring purchase prices the price of rice which was 2,000 Yen per 5 kg in the fall of 2023 has now risen to about 3,400 Yen this price is even higher than during the 2021 rice riot in the market some Traders and producers have stockpiled rice in anticipation of higher prices leading to a decrease in the volume of rice in circulation which is believed to be the main reason for the price increase however as Supply increases there is a possibility that prices will fall and some believe that the stockpiled rice will eventually be released into the market in response to this situation the Japanese government plans to sell its rice stock pile to increase market supply and stabilize prices number three m visit places in Japan by New York Times the New York Times a leading American newspaper announced its list of 52 destinations to visit in 2025 the Top Choice was the south of England the home of novelist Jane Austin who is being celebrated this year on the 250th anniversary of her birth from Japan Toyama and Osaka were selected as the 30th and 38th destinations OA selection is thought to have been influenced by the Expo being held this year but why was Toyama chosen the New York Times website praised Toyama for its cultural surprises and delicious Cuisine while avoiding the crowds and highlighted local Delicacies such as the oaz no Bon Festival a traditional event held in early September as well as the combination of Odin and wine it also mentions the notto peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day 2024 reporting that efforts are being made to attract tourists as part of the recovery efforts the aim of promoting lesser known places is clear as concerns about over tourism grow worldwide actually some people have questioned how the locations were chosen still we hope this list will help attract more visitors to different regions in Japan number four por Japan sex industry atart St foreigners I’m often asked this question by Foreign tours during my tours and I’m sure you have seen flashy trucks in Tokyo these were job advertisements and promotional vehicles for the sex industry commonly seen in areas where many miners congregate while the Japanese advertising regulatory agency J regulated exaggerated claims it was reluctant to regulate sexual expression in response the Tokyo Metropolitan government revised its Outdoor Advertising ordinance in 2011 requiring design reviews however the regulation only applied to vehicles with Tokyo Li plates allowing advertising vehicles with non- Toyo license plates to exploit a loophole which was seen as problematic therefore the ordinance was revised again in June 2024 extending the regulation to non-metropolitan license plates as well as a result flashy LED advertising trucks have almost disappeared however from the standpoint of freedom of expression adult entertainment advertising itself is not prohibited and is permitted if certain criteria are met so there are limits to the regulation nevertheless the number of sexually oriented advertising vehicles in Tokyo has decreased demonstrating a certain regulatory effect since this issue is related to Tokyo’s reputation and image F regulation is expected in the future number five new immigration system the Japanese government has decided to introduce a Japanese esta modeled after the US electronic system for travel authorization EST by 2030 the electronic travel authorization system has become a global Trend and will be introduced in Japan to both promote tourism and enhance security this system is intended for visitors from countries and regions exempt from short-term visa requirements it requires them to report their purpose of Entry name passport information destination business partners travel agencies used and other details to the immigration Bureau before departure once they pass the pre-screening visitors will be able to enter Japan smoothly without direct contact with immigration inspectors significantly reducing waiting times Additionally the new immigration system will utilize unmanned terminals to collect fingerprints and facial photos if no issues are detected visitors will pass through a walkthrough gate this system is expected to contribute to the government’s goal of attracting 60 million foreign visitors to Japan discussions on specific operations and potential challenges will continue to be closely monitored number six rural tourism at risk the agian crisis in Japan we often hear news about the increase in ound tourism but this mainly applies to Tokyo Osaka and Kyoto in contrast to the situation in rural areas in rural regions the population is declining and aging making it difficult to sustain tourism and the Cris of Tourism Extinction is imminent tourism requires a large Workforce to operate facilities and maintain Transportation infrastructure but labor shortages are becoming more severe due to the decreasing number of young people in some rural areas even the illness of a few bus drivers has led to the suspension of services in particular if the population continues to decline in municipalities at risk of Disappearing securing human resources for the tourism industry will become even more challenging for example the 2024 notto Peninsula earthquake is expected to accelerate the decline of the tourism industry due to population outflow caused by the disaster comprehensive measures by local and National governments are essential to addressing this issue this includes encouraging people to move to Regional areas ensuring enough workers and improving Transportation infrastructure number seven Japanese travel trend Skyscanner has predicted travel Trends in Japan for 2025 and found that artistic travel active travel and reset travel will be in the spotlight in the artistic travel category 40% of Japanese Travelers highly value culture and interest in immersive Art Is On The Rise team lab and other immersive art exhibitions held throughout Japan are gaining popularity in active travel interest in sports is increasing with a rise in searches for airline tickets to Paris during the Paris Olympics travel for the purpose of watching sports and participating in other activities is attracting attention in reset Travel Health Awareness is growing with 40% of 18 to 24 year olds stating that they plan to incorporate healthy activities into their vacations this trend is particularly supported by Young professionals who are prone to work and relationship stress number eight Japan’s latest trends and hot items in Japan osik KATU is booming Oshi KATU is a term that combines Oshi meaning favorite or someone or something you support and katsu which means activity or engagement it refers to actively supporting and expressing love for a specific person character or object and it overlaps with the so-called otaku culture while traditionally associated with idols and anime characters Oshi KATU has expanded to include sports figures pets temples shrines and many other subjects of admiration ation as Oshi KATU gains popularity items for Oshi life are also evolving there is an increasing variety of files and cases for storing merchandise as well as items designed in the image colors of one’s Oshi in particular storage Goods with translucent covers that allow the contents to be seen are gaining popularity their customizability using the clear material to add a personal touch is also an attractive feature stickers featuring Buddhist statues castles animals and other design can be easily added to enhance individuality additionally small containers for carrying can badges a standard Oshi katsu item are also gaining attention Oshi KATU is more than just a hobby it’s a way for people to show their passion meet others who share their interest and enjoy what they love as the culture grows so do the products and activities that come with it number nine fast pass at restaurant in February 2024 table check began offering Fastpass leading to its introduction at some popular restaurants Fastpass is a system that allows customers to skip the line and enter a restaurant at a specified time by paying a fee and purchasing a ticket in advance for example the ramen restaurant ginah haigo which opened in Ginza Tokyo in 2018 is a popular establishment listed in the Michelin guide its signature dish Chinese noodles cost 1,200 Yen per bowl and attracts many customers some of whom wait up to 6 hours to get in with Fastpass you only need to pay an additional 300 Yen on top of the regular price and you won’t have to wait in line for hours with the introduction of Fastpass restaurants can increase profits and prevent unauthorized cancellations by registering credit card information in advance cancellation fees can be charged preventing losses due to no shows as food and labor costs continue to rise fast pass is gaining attention and a new means of securing Revenue in the restaurant industry that’s all for today don’t forget to subscribe and like button see you at the next video [Music]
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