Foreign Visitors to Japan Surpass 20 Million at Record Pace

Jul 17, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Japan welcomed 21,518,100 foreign visitors in the first half of 2025, exceeding 20 million at the fastest pace ever, according to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on July 16th. The surge was driven by increased travel during the Chinese New Year holiday and cherry blossom season, resulting in a 21% year-on-year increase.

By country and region, South Korea ranked first with 4,783,500 visitors, a 7.7% rise from the previous year. China followed closely with 4,718,300 visitors, representing a sharp 50% increase.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Typhoon No. 25 May Approach Eastern Japan During Silver Week

Large Typhoon No. 25 (Dujuan) formed near the Mariana Islands at 9 p.m. on September 16 and is forecast to strengthen as it moves north, potentially approaching the Izu Islands, eastern Japan and the Pacific coast of Tohoku during the first half of the Silver Week holiday period.

Halloween Jumbo Lottery Goes on Sale With 400 Million Yen Top Prize

Japan's Halloween Jumbo Lottery went on sale nationwide on September 16, offering a combined top payout of 400 million yen for the first prize and its adjacent-number prizes.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

Global Hawk Reconnaissance Drone Missing Off Tottori

A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance aircraft went missing over international waters about 50 kilometers north of Tottori Prefecture on September 15, with floating debris and oil later found in the area where communications were lost.

Japan Aims to Launch First Fully Driverless Taxis in 2027

GO, Waymo and Nihon Kotsu said they aim to launch Japan's first commercial fully driverless taxi service in Tokyo during 2027, using Level 4 autonomous vehicles that can operate without a driver on board under specified conditions.

MEDIA CHANNELS