Tokyo wants more Russian tourists

Jan 25 (NHK) - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has held its first tourism promotion event in Moscow.

Representatives of about 65 firms, including Japanese and Russian tour operators and Japanese hotels, came together at a hotel in the Russian capital.

The head of Tokyo's Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, Yuji Fujita, said the city has been making dramatic changes in preparation for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

Officials showed off the city's sights and promoted the country's culinary delights, traditional culture and natural treasures.

About 77 thousand Russian tourists visited Japan last year. That's up 41 percent from 2016. Officials say the increase was helped by an easing of visa requirements.

Even more Russian visitors are expected in 2018, which is designated as a year of Japan-Russia exchange.

An official of a tour operator in Moscow said he hopes the opening of a branch in the Far East region will lead to the creation of more Tokyo tours.

Takaichi Elected as Japan’s First Female Prime Minister

Japan’s Diet elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s 104th prime minister on October 21st, making her the first woman to lead Japan and signaling a sharp shift to the right following a turbulent political season marked by party upheavals, coalition realignments, and public frustration over economic stagnation.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Strengthens Over South China Sea, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 201st show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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