Name: Japan-China rift already causing ‘huge loss’ for Tokyo tour firm
Uploaded: 2025-11-18T21:45:46.465Z
Duration: 1 min 58 s
Description: When tensions started flaring up again between Japanese and Chinese governments last week, it was still business as usual for Tokyo-based tour operator East Japan International Travel Service.

When tensions started flaring up again between Japanese and Chinese governments last week, it was still business as usual for Tokyo-based tour operator East Japan International Travel Service.

Tokyo

A Tokyo-based tour operator, East Japan International Travel Service, has experienced a sharp increase in cancellations after China advised its citizens not to travel to Japan amid diplomatic tensions. The company, which relies heavily on Chinese clients, reported that recent cancellations account for about 80 percent of its market this year, posing a serious threat to its business operations.

The travel advisory and the resulting drop in Chinese tourists have also impacted Japan's tourism sector more broadly, with tourism-related stocks falling and multiple Chinese airlines offering refunds for Japan-bound flights. The diplomatic dispute was triggered by comments from Japan's prime minister regarding Taiwan, and efforts to resolve the tensions have so far shown no progress.

Japan-China rift already causing ‘huge loss’ for Tokyo tour firm

It was business as usual for this Tokyo-based tour operator until a major diplomatic clash deepened between Japan and China. And once Beijing urged its citizens not to travel to Japan, East Japan International Travel Service's Vice President, Yujin Jin, said cancellations began to climb. During this period, the impact has actually been quite huge. Yesterday we had about six group bookings cancel on us, which is roughly 10 percent. Today, 10 more cancelled on us, so in total, about 20 bookings have already been cancelled. This accounts for about 80 percent of our market this year. The company itself mostly relies on Chinese clientele, specialising in tours for cultural, corporate and government exchanges. Yu explained that these trips are strained by the growing rift between the two powers. So first of all, this is a huge loss for us. Additionally, our fixed monthly expenses are about 10 million yen. If this lasts for one or two months, we can manage. But if the situation continues to worsen, it will obviously have a major impact on our business operations and management. The impact will fall on more than one tour operator and could deal a blow to Japan's economy. Official data shows Chinese people form the largest number of tourists to Japan, accounting for nearly a quarter. After China's travel announcement, tourism-related stocks in Japan plunged. Chinese state media said over 10 of the country's airlines have offered refunds on Japan-bound routes until December 31st. Japanese Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi sparked the dispute after suggesting that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response from Tokyo. Beijing asked Tokyo to retract the comments, but an official suggested Tokyo was in no mood to do so. A Japanese envoy met his counterpart in Beijing on Tuesday to try and dispel tensions, but there were no signs of breakthrough.

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