One of the nicest things about traveling to Japan is that you really don’t have to worry about your safety, compared to just about anywhere else in the world. Well, China (the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China) seemingly has a different take, and is recommending that citizens not travel to Japan, out of concern for their safety… or something.
In this post:
China warns of safety risks with traveling to Japan
On November 14, 2025, China’s Embassy in Japan issued a travel warning, telling citizens to avoid travel to Japan. As flagged by LoyaltyLobby, here’s the translated memo published by the embassy:
Since the beginning of this year, public security in Japan has been unstable, with a high number of criminal incidents targeting Chinese citizens. Multiple cases of assaults on Chinese nationals in Japan have occurred, some of which remain unsolved. The overall security environment for Chinese citizens in Japan has continued to deteriorate. Recently, Japanese leaders openly made provocative remarks concerning Taiwan, further worsening the atmosphere for China-Japan people-to-people exchanges and posing significant risks to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens in Japan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in Japan solemnly remind Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Japan in the near future. Chinese citizens already in Japan should closely monitor local security conditions, enhance safety awareness, and strengthen self-protection. In case of an emergency, please promptly contact local police and reach out to the Chinese Embassy or Consulates in Japan for assistance.
What’s China’s real motive for this travel warning?
It’s not too hard to make sense of what’s going on here. Japan’s new Prime Minister has made it clear that the country is supportive of Taiwan, in the event that China would attack. This is hardly the first time that China has issued a politically motivated travel warning when a country doesn’t take its side, with little basis in reality.
I can’t help but wonder if any Chinese citizens actually heed this warning, or if they know this is propaganda. Suggesting that the political disagreement between the two countries is “posing significant risks to the personal safety and lives of Chinese citizens in Japan” is quite a claim to make. As a visitor, you’re safer in Japan than just about anywhere else in the world, so that’s wild to me…
Bottom line
Chinese citizens should apparently be concerned for their safety when traveling to Japan, as the country has become “unstable, with a high number of criminal incidents targeting Chinese citizens,” and the “security environment” has “continued to deteriorate.” Let’s see if there’s a significant decrease in tourism to Japan…
What do you make of this travel warning?
With JPY breaking above 155 to the dollar, the one thing Japan is definitely not worried about is a collapse in tourism.
If Chinese can't go then it's their loss and plenty of other nations will be happy to plug the gap.
"plug the gap".... that's what Xi said!
Ben,
You have no knowledge of China's history and culture and your comment that claiming it is unsafe to travel in Japan is wild to you. The warning is from Chinese government to Chinese citizens travelling to Japan only. You are clueless about
the atrocities the Japanese military committed against Chinese in the 1940s. I remember vividly more than a decade ago you claimed why there was a heavy restriction traveling within China...
Ben,
You have no knowledge of China's history and culture and your comment that claiming it is unsafe to travel in Japan is wild to you. The warning is from Chinese government to Chinese citizens travelling to Japan only. You are clueless about
the atrocities the Japanese military committed against Chinese in the 1940s. I remember vividly more than a decade ago you claimed why there was a heavy restriction traveling within China to Xinjiang -- should not it be like flying from east coast to west coast. It is best for you to keep it simple by stating China and Taiwan. Fascist Japan committed atrocities against all East Asian countries from Korea to Indonesia, but Thailand escaped its wrath and all other European powers colonization. Koreans who live in Japan for two three generations do not acquire Japanese citizens.
Japan does not have a military to assist US fighting China. Japanese government is a reflection and representation of Japanese population. It is highly irresponsible, undiplomatic and shameful for a newly minted female PM to utter such public statement. She may have to eat her words soon under pressure of powerful big businesses and constituencies when China boycotts Japanese exports, like the US now. China is not interested in military intimidation, aggression and confrontation. It uses its economic strength to cut off Chinese imports while staving off western economic warfare. Nixon agreed with Mao not ever to intervene in China-Taiwan issue before normalizing diplomatic relations with China. If Trump can turn on NATO and pick a fight with Canada, no other non-European country should roll a dice with the illusion of US protection and solidarity. Israel is the only exception because it owns the US and Americans, according to Yitzhak Shamir, not my words.
Below is an article about the topic but pay close attention to the very last paragraph of the article.
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/11/17/japans-tourism-linked-stocks-plunge-amid-spat-with-china
Woah, easy there. Do not conflate Imperial Japan (pre-1945) and Modern Japan (post-1947). Likewise, let's not conflate modern Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) with Nazi Germany (the totalitarian state from 1933–1945, the Third Reich).
The reality is that there is economic fallout due to the ongoing tensions and trade war between the CCP-occupied Peoples' Republic of China and the USA (and its allies, including Japan).
The Japanese Prime Minister Sanae's recent suggestion that Japan's military (SDF)...
Woah, easy there. Do not conflate Imperial Japan (pre-1945) and Modern Japan (post-1947). Likewise, let's not conflate modern Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland) with Nazi Germany (the totalitarian state from 1933–1945, the Third Reich).
The reality is that there is economic fallout due to the ongoing tensions and trade war between the CCP-occupied Peoples' Republic of China and the USA (and its allies, including Japan).
The Japanese Prime Minister Sanae's recent suggestion that Japan's military (SDF) would intervene in a Taiwan contingency (if the CCP attacked) is a good sign for global peace, because it is a valuable deterrent. Other allies, the Republic of Korea, Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere have said and should continue to say something similar.
Your suggestion that 'Japan does not have a military' is absurd. While the post-war constitution limits its ability to wage offensive war, Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are one of the world's most capable militaries. Xi should be concerned, and back off any thought of taking Taiwan by force.
Your absurd statement that "China is not interested in military intimidation, aggression and confrontation" is laughable, contradicted by its actions and statements regarding Taiwan (e.g., threat to "strike back forcefully") and its regular military incursions in the South China Sea and around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
Your claim that Nixon promised something back in the 1970s... has to be a joke. The US did not agree "not ever to intervene."
As to Israel, you misattributed that quote. It wasn't Shamir. It was Ariel Sharon who said it. Regardless, no, Israel doesn't 'own' the USA; we're allies, yes, and even friends disagree on somethings sometimes. Don't read into that much. Yet another whataboutism and distraction tactic by the CCP. Try harder.
>Japan does not have a military to assist US fighting China
Bruh, the JMSDF is easily one of the best navies on the planet. Their fleet is modern, especially their DDGs and newer FFGs, their crews are professional, they have excellent diesel subs, and they now have "jeep" carriers capable of operating F-35s. The JMSDF by itself may only be 1/3 the size of the PLAN on paper, but the PLAN has a LOT...
>Japan does not have a military to assist US fighting China
Bruh, the JMSDF is easily one of the best navies on the planet. Their fleet is modern, especially their DDGs and newer FFGs, their crews are professional, they have excellent diesel subs, and they now have "jeep" carriers capable of operating F-35s. The JMSDF by itself may only be 1/3 the size of the PLAN on paper, but the PLAN has a LOT of small and aged ships still in the fleet. Could the JMSDF take the PLAN on alone? No. But in conjunction with Taiwan's navy and the US Navy, they turn a knock-down drag-out fight over Taiwan into a likely victory for the US/Japan/Taiwan.
Whoever wrote one the previous messages has no idea what they’re talking about. China may appear to be modern but it’s as backward as they come. As black person I’ve never had an issue traveling in Japan. But Chinese are racist. Some took pics of me in China without my permission like I was some animal or tourist attraction. Insulting. Will never go to China again.
(Same goes for those with blond hair...)
Eh, there is misbehavior and bigotry in every society; so, I wouldn't call all Chinese racists; that would be similarly and unnecessarily prejudicial.
When this happened to South Korea in 2018 in retaliation to their talks about hosting US nuclear weapons, the Korean economy suffered a big blow and the country was forced to reverse course. I expect the sa,e happening to Japan. Their retail sector is literally being propped up by their weak yen and by Chinese shoppers. This could hurt.
On South Korea, that's not accurate; in 2018, the conflict between PROC and ROK was not over nukes, it was over ROK's deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system, which China viewed as a threat to its national security. The economic retaliation from China (unofficial boycotts, restrictions on tourism, and other non-tariff measures) started in 2017, immediately following the THAAD deployment decision, not in 2018 in relation to nuclear talks. ROK was not forced to do...
On South Korea, that's not accurate; in 2018, the conflict between PROC and ROK was not over nukes, it was over ROK's deployment of the THAAD anti-missile system, which China viewed as a threat to its national security. The economic retaliation from China (unofficial boycotts, restrictions on tourism, and other non-tariff measures) started in 2017, immediately following the THAAD deployment decision, not in 2018 in relation to nuclear talks. ROK was not forced to do anything; they did agree to no additional THAAD, among other things, but the initial THAAD is still deployed.
On Japan, there is real economic vulnerability (more so because of demographics, global trade), regardless of PROC's threats. Sure, foreign visitors spending on retail is helpful, but it's not the main source of their problems. Besides, Americans (and the rest of the world) are flocking to Japan to fill that 'retail' gap already anyway. If PROC were to attempt to coerce Japan by restricting rare earths (as they've been doing to others), or abuse tariffs (like Trump is doing to others), that'd be a bigger issue for Japan.
Generally, the current geopolitical flashpoint (between PROC and Japan and USA, etc.) isn't nukes or specific weapons, it's over the future of Taiwan, which Xi wants to forcibly reunify with the mainland, which would threaten the free people of Taiwan and the Republic of China's continued independence and sovereignty.
A more helpful analogy would be to compare this to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, after Russia went to South Ossetia (Georgia, 2008), before annexing Crimea (2014). It's like 2012 in E. Asia these days. *gulp* (Japan, ROC, Philippines, AU, NZ, etc. are like the EU, and we're still the USA, all together like NATO, but less organized, AUKUS, The Quad, but Trump pissed off Modi, etc.) Lots goin' on. Hopefully Xi can see that it doesn't go well for the aggressor (see Putin's Russia, +1 million casualties, still hasn't prevailed, even though he expected 'just three days.')
Americans have opinions on everything.
That's what... Xi said.
Lets hope this extends into next year and spreads to every other country ine the region! :D
Is that what Xi said?
PM Sanae said, “If China launches a military invasion of Taiwan, Japan may take military action together with the United States.” China reacted with strong anger. However, as long as China does not attack Taiwan, nothing will happen. It is true that a Chinese tourist was stabbed in Kyoto in June, but the arrested suspect was also a Chinese national. Meanwhile, Japanese children living in China were killed by Chinese individuals last year — a 10-year-old...
PM Sanae said, “If China launches a military invasion of Taiwan, Japan may take military action together with the United States.” China reacted with strong anger. However, as long as China does not attack Taiwan, nothing will happen. It is true that a Chinese tourist was stabbed in Kyoto in June, but the arrested suspect was also a Chinese national. Meanwhile, Japanese children living in China were killed by Chinese individuals last year — a 10-year-old boy was murdered in front of the Japanese school in Shenzhen, and a boy and his mother were stabbed on a school bus in Suzhou. I understand that there are many wonderful people in China, however, the CCP and its supporters are destroying peace in the world. I hope that those who are fortunate enough to have access to the free world will not be swept away by Chinese propaganda.
May? We'd better defend the free, sovereign people of Taiwan against an unlawful aggressor.
That's not what Xi said
Teehee.
Japan is probably happy about this as they are already getting "over touristed" and the behavior of chineses visitors isn't always the best.
That's... what... Xi... said...
LoL about the USA. VPOTUS said that Germany is unsave to travel at the MSC in Feb. 2025. Look at the homizide numbers of the US and Ger and you know where it's save or not. I don't agree with China but the US must "clean first in front of their doors".
Nice false equivalency and whataboutism you got there. I don't even 'like' this current administration (including that couch-lover VP), but even I become a rabid 'patriot' anytime anyone throws 'shade' at the United States of America, especially if they're doing so to promote the CCP.
Meanwhile…
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/17/china-travel-warning-for-japan-sends-shares-in-tourism-and-retail-companies-plunging
JPY also took a hit overnight against the USD and EUR
GSHLGB, I've been following that as well; nearly back up to 1 USD to 160 JPY like in February. Good time for a visit.
Oh what a hypocrisy.
When one bully cartel impose sanctions, tariffs, ban airspace, freeze assets, block SWIFT, arming puppets with advanced deadly weapons etc.
When one country issues a much milder travel warning to tourists.
Politics is obviously not your forte. The Chinese government sent a signal to Japan. If you keep making statements about Taiwan, you are de facto threatening the Chinese people ( the government.) Ergo, back off.
We found another brainwashed hypocrite.
Obviously everyone knows this is all bullshit politics.
It's the justification and magnitude of response that brainwashed hypocrite like you don't understand.
If only we could please see a decrease in Chinese visitors in Japan, since they are generally the rudest, most self-entitled tourists here! They have no problem cutting lines or being rude in general. It's also common to find Chinese travel bloggers monopolizing areas of hotel lounges and breakfast areas taking videos and hundreds of pictures (of literally everything), while interfering with other guests' privacy and enjoyment. Be gone!
Sounds like you are describing many American tourists in Europe.
I cannot agree. Chinese is the worst beside Russians ( that are no more here, thanks god!)
That’s funny all the viral social media moments of disrespectful tourists humping statues, men “investigating women’s only carriages and filming dead bodies…have been western tourists.
@Jonester, maybe that's because Chinese by and large do not participate in western social media, especially tourists from mainland China. Seems like selection bias to me. I have first-hand seen bad behavior from non-western tourists in Japan and it seems to be more common than Americans or Europeans in my experience.
i think other countries should put-out warning about main-land Chinese tourists. Here in HKG and all around Europe; people are getting fed-up with their uncouth behaviour, the lack of etiquette and high entitlement. (With the Culture-Revolution, gone are those old 'polite and considerate' Confucius tenets) With Japan; the Chinese have been (and still are) educated/indoctrinated to hate Japan, due to historical atrocities. It is so bad; that sometimes you see the Japanese flag painted by...
i think other countries should put-out warning about main-land Chinese tourists. Here in HKG and all around Europe; people are getting fed-up with their uncouth behaviour, the lack of etiquette and high entitlement. (With the Culture-Revolution, gone are those old 'polite and considerate' Confucius tenets) With Japan; the Chinese have been (and still are) educated/indoctrinated to hate Japan, due to historical atrocities. It is so bad; that sometimes you see the Japanese flag painted by a doorway....and used as a proverbial 'door-mat'.
Hey China, Taiwan is a separate county!!
Now, can you please tell your tourists not to visit my country as well? Thanks!
The Taiwanese government is the rightful government of the entirety of China.
Yeah, enough of the CCP-occupation of the mainland, aka, 'west Taiwan'...
This is actually great for other tourists in Japan! Less crowd and less competition for dinner reservations! Plus didnt Kyoto complained too many tourists? Now crowd will be more manageable with less people! It’s a win for most.
ur not chinese or japanese. why are u having a tone of sarcasm and superiority? I love ur travel content but please stay in ur lane on this topic. Ur way out of your depth on this topic in terms of history and murky waters of tension and bad blood.
White privilege. That’s the reason. Whites decide they don’t need to be Chinese or Japanese to comment. Then they ridicule Chinese and Japanese people for thinking only Chinese and Japanese can comment. Then, whites pat themselves on the back for their inclusiveness and non-bigotry. 太好笑了吧
（我是跟阴茎有关）
Lucky, I think it’s time to ban this user named Gen Yinjing Youguan (in Chinese characters 跟阴茎有关) - just translate and see what it means please.
Talking about your buddy penis.
My goodness, are you sitting in a CPC basement writing these rants?
There is no tone of superiority in the artcile, nor is Ben ridiculing anyone except the Chinese government which is very well deserved (along the sarcasm towards their basless warning). Unlike people in the areas controlled by PRC, we live in a free society where everyone is allowed to comment on whatever they please, including criticising governments.
Found the shills
Or, Chinese tourists behave like such insufferable assholes in Japan that even the hyper-polite and tolerant Japanese have begun striking out in retribution?
Pete, take your bigotry and go to hell. Does AU mean Down Under? You need to be six feet under.
Proving the point here.
Found the bot.
No, Gen Yinjing Youguan, you meant to say... "Keep Yourself Safe."
It's the douchenozzle formerly known as Arps. We all know it. Don't feed the trolls.
Thanks for making the remark that it is "the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China"! Really appreciated.
It's important to note that CA, MU, CZ, etc. have all issued waivers giving free cancellations to those going to Japan from Mainland China.
It’s a false remark. Are you Taiwanese?
I am Taiwanese. I don't find your handle funny.
Nobody seems to like this CPC bot, totally counterproductive posts .
Good time to travel with few, feral mainlanders. I am sure Singaporeans, Hong Kongers and Taiwanese are just as embarrassed by them.
"Multiple cases of assaults on Chinese nationals in Japan have occurred". Where are the newspaper articles showing the wounded and beaten Chinese tourists? It hasn't happened! Maybe they've been told off for being rude and loud in temples or onsen but then they deserve that. Hardly assault!
Besides which all the Japanese I know will be delighted if there are fewer Chinese tourists since they find them to be too loud and pushy which...
"Multiple cases of assaults on Chinese nationals in Japan have occurred". Where are the newspaper articles showing the wounded and beaten Chinese tourists? It hasn't happened! Maybe they've been told off for being rude and loud in temples or onsen but then they deserve that. Hardly assault!
Besides which all the Japanese I know will be delighted if there are fewer Chinese tourists since they find them to be too loud and pushy which is amplified as they travel in such large groups.
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/chinese-tourist-stabbed-in-japan-after-street-altercation-4896265.html
a quick google search gives one example. Is it more than normal? Perhaps not. But can't say there haven't been any incidences
Yes, it was the crime targeting a Chinese tourist… however, it was a Chinese national who was arrested.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/1mu5k17/a_chinese_national_was_arrested_on_suspicion_of/
lol the Japanese police is going to side with the locals no matter what. A few years ago a Japanese guy was bothering my buddy (white guy), it escalated and the police had to be called. Even though the jap started it, the police sided with him because “Japanese don’t lie”.
It was a Chinese national who was arrested for the crime.
https://www.reddit.com/r/japannews/comments/1mu5k17/a_chinese_national_was_arrested_on_suspicion_of/
The proletariat continues to post totally unsubstantiated allegations about people who they know nothing about, people who live in countries which they have never visited and yet they disseminate propaganda which is about as accurate as a cheap Chinese watch. One has to pity them for it is clear that they know nothing about what life beyond their own environs is really like.
That’s what Xi said.
Says the guy who is known for doing that exact same thing repeatedly. The difference between TD and you is, TD is probably self aware of his lunacy but you, you ride high on the horse of hypocrisy
Ben I think you are getting into a tricky subject that is difficult to untangle. Both China and Japan have some deep rooted nationalistic tendencies that are at work here. Yes the communist party can be clumsy with their image and PR work. End of the day though, it has very little to do with how safe foreigners feel in Japan. You can find the whole situation ridiculous. And I get it why an outsider...
Ben I think you are getting into a tricky subject that is difficult to untangle. Both China and Japan have some deep rooted nationalistic tendencies that are at work here. Yes the communist party can be clumsy with their image and PR work. End of the day though, it has very little to do with how safe foreigners feel in Japan. You can find the whole situation ridiculous. And I get it why an outsider could feel that way. I guess I’m just used to you approaching things with more curiosity.
I think he locked into the absurdity pretty darn quick. No he doesn’t need to go to the Harvard Kennedy school to see that this statement is asinine.
I’ll bite, Lxf. Where did he miss?
Okay let me try.
Disclaimer first, I don’t want to see a war involving China. It’s the people that end up suffering. You think this should be a safe thing to say but it would make me unpopular among some Chinese circles. That’s the fervor that we are dealing with. Not judging, only acknowledging.
Now on the Japanese side, guess what? It’s not even about Taiwan. It’s about resurrecting itself as a regional and global...
Okay let me try.
Disclaimer first, I don’t want to see a war involving China. It’s the people that end up suffering. You think this should be a safe thing to say but it would make me unpopular among some Chinese circles. That’s the fervor that we are dealing with. Not judging, only acknowledging.
Now on the Japanese side, guess what? It’s not even about Taiwan. It’s about resurrecting itself as a regional and global power militarily. The slogan is, roughly translated by myself, ‘not to lose again, not to repeat the same mistakes’. Think world war 2 if you are not sure what it means.
You would assume that before the new Japanese leader interjected herself into this hot mess, they would have game played out how China would respond, just as China would have a predefined set of strategies to respond.
It’s geopolitics. It’s not about China caring about its citizens or Japan being a safe place to visit. I don’t presume I have any authority over how Ben should think or write about it. All I said was that Ben always comes off as curious and thoughtful. Somehow this time he was barely scratching the surface
@Lxf
Just going to point out, whether a war occurs over Taiwan is entirely on the Chinese Communist Party. They are the ones threatening to invade Taiwan, they are the ones adamant that Taiwan be reintegrated with the mainland at any cost. Nobody else cares if Taiwan stays independent. It de facto is its own country and its own government. Taiwan isn't about to start shit with the CCP, nor is the US, nor...
@Lxf
Just going to point out, whether a war occurs over Taiwan is entirely on the Chinese Communist Party. They are the ones threatening to invade Taiwan, they are the ones adamant that Taiwan be reintegrated with the mainland at any cost. Nobody else cares if Taiwan stays independent. It de facto is its own country and its own government. Taiwan isn't about to start shit with the CCP, nor is the US, nor is Japan. Especially not Japan given their demographic and economic issues, and just because you can find weird right-wingers espousing 1940s era nationalism doesn't mean it's mainstream or even politically viable.
And to be clear. It's GOOD that Japan will stand with Taiwan. Doing so lowers the chance of the CCP kicking off a major war solely to sate the party ego. Japan isn't saber rattling, they aren't threatening CCP sovereignty, they're saying that if the CCP starts a war, AS THE CCP HAS THREATENED TO DO FOR DECADES, Japan will stand with the victim. It really isn't more complicated than that.
Yes and no, in terms of the complexity.
I agree to a reasonable observer, standing against the communist party and with the threatened are the right things to do. If we want to stop the discussion right here and now, I understand.
If you do have the patience and open to the nuance, maybe let me also point out two facts.
1. Japan sent an envoy to the Mainland for a dialog...
Yes and no, in terms of the complexity.
I agree to a reasonable observer, standing against the communist party and with the threatened are the right things to do. If we want to stop the discussion right here and now, I understand.
If you do have the patience and open to the nuance, maybe let me also point out two facts.
1. Japan sent an envoy to the Mainland for a dialog to 'explain'. I'm having hard time not to suspect the whole thing was carefully choregraphed. The new leader spoke to her constituents. Beijing expressed outrage. Now behind the scene they talk to each other. Everybody moves on. Call me cynical. But sometimes what you and I think is GOOD is not part of the equation, unfortunately.
2. Japan was the occupier of Taiwan for a long time and only gave it back after the end of WWII. It brutally crushed the resistance . It was a different time and circumstance. It doesn't automatically preclude the current government from being GOOD. But somehow, personally, for me, it's easier to stand with the Taiwanese people, not with the Japanese government waking up one day and declaring themselves friends of Taiwan because it would somehow change the calculation of the communist party. To each of his own.
To your first point: Yes its good that ostensibly adversary nations keep talking to each other. But that does not necessarily mean that Japan's public pledge to defend Taiwan is moot. For all we know the envoy could simply have been to provide more information on the "anti-Chinese violence" and pledge to crack down on it. Nevermind that such a thing basically doesn't exist in Japan.
To your second point, yes Japan occupied Taiwan in...
To your first point: Yes its good that ostensibly adversary nations keep talking to each other. But that does not necessarily mean that Japan's public pledge to defend Taiwan is moot. For all we know the envoy could simply have been to provide more information on the "anti-Chinese violence" and pledge to crack down on it. Nevermind that such a thing basically doesn't exist in Japan.
To your second point, yes Japan occupied Taiwan in the distant past. Over a century ago in fact. That occupation ended in 1945, after a Japanese military junta completely disconnected from the current Japanese government foolishly entered a global war and the entire country suffered, quite literally, a near apocalyptic defeat and almost a decade of occupation as a result. If you want to get into historical atrocities, the current government of the PRC is far closer to the perpetrators of the violence of the Cultural Revolution, the great Chinese famine, and Tiananmen Square than the current government of Japan is to the conquest of Taiwan, the Rape of Nanking, or the Rape of Manila. Hell, the PRC is STILL being aggressive to its neighbors today in the form of trying to run over Filipino coast guard and fishing vessels with literal naval warships in Filipino waters, whereas Japan... is not doing anything of the sort.
And to clarify, because you're putting words in my mouth here. I never said the Japanese government was "good". I said they did a "good thing", which apparently you agree with, yet you're trying to frame it as a disagreement. Taiwan won't stay independent without allies, and Japan is a valuable ally in the event that the PRC decides to invade. I don't want the PRC to invade, and anything that makes them less likely to do so, like Japan pledging to assist Taiwan, is a GOOD thing. But make no mistake, the ball is entirely in the PRC's court here. The only way an invasion of Taiwan by the PRC happens, is if the PRC's leaders order it. They are the ONLY aggressor here.
Thank you for clarifying which China with your “China (the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China)” …however, the one true China is Taiwan *wink*
Also, this travel warning is a joke. Japan is safe and great as ever.
That’s what Xi (should’ve) said.
lucky…
As a reader who has followed this site for nearly a decade, I want to express my disappointment with the tone of this post. Using “Lol” in the headline and a sarcastic framing makes the subject feel trivialized, rather than analyzed with your usual thoughtful travel and geopolitical context.
Regardless of one’s view on the advisory, the China-Japan relationship cannot be fairly discussed without acknowledging the deep historical wounds that still matter today...
lucky…
As a reader who has followed this site for nearly a decade, I want to express my disappointment with the tone of this post. Using “Lol” in the headline and a sarcastic framing makes the subject feel trivialized, rather than analyzed with your usual thoughtful travel and geopolitical context.
Regardless of one’s view on the advisory, the China-Japan relationship cannot be fairly discussed without acknowledging the deep historical wounds that still matter today — including the Nanjing Massacre and Unit 731 human experimentation. These are not fringe or emotional anecdotes; they are widely documented atrocities that continue to shape Chinese collective memory, identity and national-security perception. Ignoring that history and instead approaching this solely from a Western-traveler lens risks coming across as dismissive rather than insightful. As much as you love Japan, pls just delete
ANYTIME CCP viewed as contrary to its position, the party’s propaganda machine revs up, using its own citizens as if they are water tap that can be turned on/off at the party’s whim; just as if the COVID pandemic could be spread/contained with every Xi Jinping edict! Yes, China/Japan relationship is a sorted if not complicated natter. But to HIJACK its own citizens so as to SCORE foreign policy points is but the TRADEMARK of the “party”!!
Lol
Ethan… niccce.
lol. Xi is obviously lying about the here-and-now.
Hard disagree here, sorry. There's plenty of history between China and Japan, sure. But tourists are not 'unsafe'.
HAHAHAHAHAHA someone drank the CCP coolaid!
Lol maybe if your people learnt to behave like civilised people, we'd respect you
Now that you have discussed those deep historical wounds would you care to state your argument as to how this warning is not politically motivated?
What's amazing is that Chinese love to bring up WWII and the Japanese war-time occupation, "widely documented atrocities that continue to shape Chinese collective memory, identity and national-security perception."
But, they never bring up the millions - many multiple tens of millions - who perished during the Chinese Civil War, Revolution of 1946-1949, and subsequent Great Leap Forward, forced labor camps, political purges, and Cultural Revolution.
China has a tumultuous history, but I guess...
What's amazing is that Chinese love to bring up WWII and the Japanese war-time occupation, "widely documented atrocities that continue to shape Chinese collective memory, identity and national-security perception."
But, they never bring up the millions - many multiple tens of millions - who perished during the Chinese Civil War, Revolution of 1946-1949, and subsequent Great Leap Forward, forced labor camps, political purges, and Cultural Revolution.
China has a tumultuous history, but I guess these things "don't matter."
what an ill logic... of course those things matter. but the op is talking about japan... and why would Great Leap Forward matter in a discussion related to japan-china relation? just becuase massive chinese people died in Great Leap Forward, they therefore lost the legitimacy to bitch about the also massive life-lost under japan invasion?
Well the Japanese were complaining about over-tourism by PRC, so this solves that issue for them too
In all seriousness though, the warning IS justified, given the current political climate. Think about it, in the event there was an actual shooting incident between the two countries (due to an error, hot headed commander or whatever) it WOULD be a very dangerous situation for an innocent PRC tourist in Japan, wouldn't it?
So Japan is...
Well the Japanese were complaining about over-tourism by PRC, so this solves that issue for them too
In all seriousness though, the warning IS justified, given the current political climate. Think about it, in the event there was an actual shooting incident between the two countries (due to an error, hot headed commander or whatever) it WOULD be a very dangerous situation for an innocent PRC tourist in Japan, wouldn't it?
So Japan is obviously extremely safe, but it may be unsafe for a PRC tourist for the time being.
China is such a failed country. Sure, they're good at making our stuff and being maids, but we're talking a people who are happy harvesting cooking oil out of sewers. I'm not kidding.
The Chinese have many, many decades to go before they become civilized. And with the obesity epidemic there, who knows if it will ever happen. Fattest nation in the world (and they weren't pretty to begin with).
That’s what Xi said!
Racism drips in this response. Disgusting. Underneath all this I sense a deep and debilitating envy. Europe is tanking economically, China is rising like a phoenix, and 'European Traveler' takes refuge in this senseless babble. Open your eyes, dude. I have been to China and its progress in the last 5 decades has been stunning. Maybe it has a more effective system of governance?
Indopithecus, please recall EuroTra(sh) is notorious for bigotry and rage-bait.
However, let's be clear, the CCP's rise, economically, is not because of their totalitarian dictatorship; it's our corporations (in the West) who chose to relocate their manufacturing, while hollowing out our own domestic production (in the USA, EU, etc.), all so our own oligarchs could profit off the backs of that cheap labor. Short-term profit; long-term mistake.
That said, Europe is doing just...
Indopithecus, please recall EuroTra(sh) is notorious for bigotry and rage-bait.
However, let's be clear, the CCP's rise, economically, is not because of their totalitarian dictatorship; it's our corporations (in the West) who chose to relocate their manufacturing, while hollowing out our own domestic production (in the USA, EU, etc.), all so our own oligarchs could profit off the backs of that cheap labor. Short-term profit; long-term mistake.
That said, Europe is doing just fine, as is the United States, even with horrible leadership; meanwhile, the CCP's growth is moderating these days, recent real estate bubble burst, trade war isn't helping, lack of jobs for youth there (as nearly everywhere), and places like Hong Kong that used to be an example of freedom and intersection between East and West, have gone quiet and western companies relocated (to the benefit of places like Singapore.)
You probably will find it leads you within 5-10 years, your kids are going to study in Chinese universities soon as a pride. Updates your view a bit, things are changed already, they are only good at making things other countries could not make, no longer the things you do not want to make.
you mean we failed on making civilized AI, rare earth extraction tech, space stations, while Europe is successful on making civil, human rights certified plastic bottle caps, right ;-)
BTW I miss Germany's favorite street food Doner Kebab. Please let me in next time so I can try it again, okay? okay??????
Typo: it's "China", not "Cuba", in the above comment...
Blame Google's "text- predictive- algorithm"
Anyone aware of the history between Japan and China would understand why China seems so sensitive to Japan...
Go back to the late 18th century and early 19th century, Japan military invaded Cuba and occupied a good portion of China for more than 3 years. During this 3 years period, Chinese nationals were forced to be slave and sex slaves, including children's and teens. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese were "terminated" by Japan military forces...
Anyone aware of the history between Japan and China would understand why China seems so sensitive to Japan...
Go back to the late 18th century and early 19th century, Japan military invaded Cuba and occupied a good portion of China for more than 3 years. During this 3 years period, Chinese nationals were forced to be slave and sex slaves, including children's and teens. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese were "terminated" by Japan military forces during this Japan occupation of China.
This is the most humiliating and painful and unforgettable war crimes committed by Japanese military on Chinese land and Chinese nationality. While China try to move forward, the hawkish leftist Japanese politicians, trying to gain support from the hawkish population, would deliberately provoked China to remind their own japan people that Japan was once a military superpower ( just like they bombed Pearl Harbor), to "re-ignite" Japan's military superpower memory....
So, China is very sensitive anytime Japan try to provoke and poke China politically, most Chinese still remember that painful and humiliating and cruel Japan occupation of China. So Chinese government must react strongly everytime Japan try to provoke China, to calm down their own citizens. If the Chinese government doesn't react strongly against Japan aggression, Chinese citizens would take it in their own hands and cause civil unrest within China. Similiar instances happened in early 2000's whereas Chinese citizens protested against Japan provocative comments and causing civil unrest within China.
So, don't just blame China, understand history and you'll know why China seems to be so sensitive against Japan....
What a joke, the communist bots are here to make you believe the CCP are the poor innocent victims.
That’s what Xi said!
Milk-tea alliance! Taiwan #1!
There are far too many Chinese already here on the so called business manager visa mooching of the free schooling and medical care. The new Japanese PM has put some stricter rules but has conceded the need for immigrants. The problem for Japan is even a tiny percentage of Chinese move to Japan they will overwhelm the local populace and culture. And its very easy to spot the Chinese on local transport, restaurants, grocery stores etc
The current PM of Japan is a xenophobic, homophobic, borderline fascist inspired by Margaret Thatcher.
I don't feel comfortable travelling to Japan now given this political shift. And most young, educated Japanese people are embarrassed by her.
1) "The current PM of Japan is a xenophobic, homophobic, borderline fascist inspired by Margaret Thatcher." - true, de facto.
2) "And most young, educated Japanese people are embarrassed by her." - false. In fact, the Millennials and Gen Z are the most supportive cohort among the population.
Your Japan glaze is crazy.
You seem to dislike Israel a lot. Interesting that you seems to have no problem with Japan backing them.
According to a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 13% of people in Japan had a favorable view of Israel, while 79% had an unfavorable view; 10% had confidence in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while 78% did not.
Keep being an Epstein supporting Zio spouting fake news.
Whatever you say, but as long as LDP is ruling the country, Japanese govt will always be friendly with Israel.
And I'm not happy about it.
For your information, I don't like Israel either.
Why should I like a country that is literally a parasite on the Western World, as well as threatens to nuke them when they tried to stop backing Israel back in Arab-Israel wars.
But what matters more...
Whatever you say, but as long as LDP is ruling the country, Japanese govt will always be friendly with Israel.
And I'm not happy about it.
For your information, I don't like Israel either.
Why should I like a country that is literally a parasite on the Western World, as well as threatens to nuke them when they tried to stop backing Israel back in Arab-Israel wars.
But what matters more is people like you just decide to get blindfolded when it comes to Japan and their relations. That's a pure hypocrisy.
Have a happy Sunday night whilst scrolling through Google services on your iPhone.
Both of which you should've abandoned a long time ago if you were really concerned about Zionism.
My apologies Mason, misread what you wrote. Agreed that Israel and Zionism is a parasite on the world.
Free Palestine. And the Japanese government should be condemned for its support of Israel against the will of their population.
"The current PM of Japan is a xenophobic, homophobic, borderline fascist inspired by Margaret Thatcher." - true.
"And most young, educated Japanese people are embarrassed by her." - false. A national poll as of Nov 8 (https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2275965) shows that Takaichi cabinet has an approval rate of 82%, number 2 since 2001 just behind Koizumi cabinet. A recent Kyodo poll showed an approval rate of 69% (https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA1616L0W5A111C2000000/).
Japan is an insular, xenophobic and conservative island...
"The current PM of Japan is a xenophobic, homophobic, borderline fascist inspired by Margaret Thatcher." - true.
"And most young, educated Japanese people are embarrassed by her." - false. A national poll as of Nov 8 (https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2275965) shows that Takaichi cabinet has an approval rate of 82%, number 2 since 2001 just behind Koizumi cabinet. A recent Kyodo poll showed an approval rate of 69% (https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA1616L0W5A111C2000000/).
Japan is an insular, xenophobic and conservative island nation. Only 17% of Japanese population has passports (https://www.travelvoice.jp/20250224-157234), and traveling abroad is declining due to weak JPY and "Japan pride".
And I am confused by Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan this time. Such remarks do not gain Japan any material benefit other than "Japan Strong" emotions and poking China. All countries have war plans, including a doomsday all-out plan, but no one says that in public. We all know that only the United States can contain China these days, but looks like Donnie is more into checking the democrats as of now, and robbing its allies money so he can lower the debt. So, what is the point of saying that at the first place?
Actually she is quite popular with young people in Japan. Her approval rating is going UP, a rarity for a Japanese PM, now around 70%. I am not sure why you think she is xenophobic, homophobic etc. Source? My family in Japan do not have that impression of her. Yes, Margaret Thatcher is her role model, but not sure there is any verity in your claim beyond that. Hope you don’t visit Japan as there...
Actually she is quite popular with young people in Japan. Her approval rating is going UP, a rarity for a Japanese PM, now around 70%. I am not sure why you think she is xenophobic, homophobic etc. Source? My family in Japan do not have that impression of her. Yes, Margaret Thatcher is her role model, but not sure there is any verity in your claim beyond that. Hope you don’t visit Japan as there are too many tourists there based on my recent trip - and I can’t wait to go back.
Margaret Thatcher was a genius, had a lot of common sense, and could articulate and convey that common sense to people very well. She was by far the best PM the UK ever had, even better than Churchill.
There's been a countless protests promoting Sinophobia in South Korea, yet I'm not sure whether Chinese officials have issued warning concerning that.
Sinophobia is a nice made up term. There's no such thing. It's just called disliking a country. Are we supposed to believe there's Americaphobia too?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-Chinese_sentiment
@Julia, you're acting like as if I'm the one who created that word.
I'm really not, I'm pointing out it's a fake, meaningless term, and you're the one using it.
@mgrappy, what does that prove? There's anti-America, anti-every country sentiment. That's just how the world works.
Speaking as a Chinese person, I can tell you that travel patterns are clear: those who currently travel to Japan will continue to do so. Meanwhile, those who believe the CCP's propaganda have likely never been and will certainly never go.
Is China planning to attack Japan and doesn't want their citizens in the middle?
This is what China does. They flood you with tourism. Give you special discounts to encourage a significant number of their people to vacation in your land. They let this percolate for some time. Then when you dare say anything bad about them they cease all of that.
They do this to industries to. This is how Australia's Wine industry collapsed. Your best bet is never to do business with them from the get go.
Interesting. My distant relatives in China are still drinking Two Hands and Penfolds.
Look, what China is doing is bit pitiful... but historically this has been fairly effective. Chinese tourists is by far the largest spender group collectively from any country, even more so that Americans. Remember, that china has a huge populate and those who can go out to travel is usually not middle class. So yes, this will definitely have a material / financial effect on Japan... But its not the end of the world. They...
Look, what China is doing is bit pitiful... but historically this has been fairly effective. Chinese tourists is by far the largest spender group collectively from any country, even more so that Americans. Remember, that china has a huge populate and those who can go out to travel is usually not middle class. So yes, this will definitely have a material / financial effect on Japan... But its not the end of the world. They literally have done this to Korea a few years ago.
Also, a reddit post reply puts this into perspective on how effective it is to control out flow of Chinese tourist in china. https://www.reddit.com/r/AskChina/comments/1oybr2m/comment/np41uqc/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
You need to take that announcement with some salt as CCP never makes things super clear. That “high warning” actually means the following:
1. Tourist companies from China are not allowed to hold group tours to Japan anymore.
2. Government and state owned corporations employees are no longer allowed travel to Japan anymore until there’s probable cause other than tourism, even on personal trips.
3. Travel to Japan right now could be...
You need to take that announcement with some salt as CCP never makes things super clear. That “high warning” actually means the following:
1. Tourist companies from China are not allowed to hold group tours to Japan anymore.
2. Government and state owned corporations employees are no longer allowed travel to Japan anymore until there’s probable cause other than tourism, even on personal trips.
3. Travel to Japan right now could be seen as rebellion against social norms and would be construed as “not fit for teamwork” or “failure to show patriotism” and could negatively affect future promotions/ background checks, etc, if you still want to pursue a career in China.
4. Even those 3 doesn’t apply to you, there could be name calling or public shame should you post your Japan travel on social media for a while.
Even the dumbest and/or most loyal rednecks in China don’t believe Japan’s really unsafe these days but there are consequences by not following that “advice”. In CCP’s defense, they have a reason to do this, because geopolitics aside, current Taiwan government is seen as government in exile of the previous “dynasty” - Republic of China. Its mere existence undermines CCP’s legitimacy to rule the country so they must end it. Land sovereignty, in comparison, is not that important given Russia still holds Vladivostok, Sakhalin, and other parts used to be Qing Dynasty as a result of invasion, but looks like CCP has no problem with it.
Only the PRC is legitimate.
Just fyi so you (and your readers) don't make a fool of themselves. Many of your readers are very foolish and impressionable chronic basement dwelling redditors who have fell for the idea the ROC is a legitimate government of a sovereign Taiwan. It's very simple - Taiwan is a province of China and the PRC is the legitimate government.
honey. Taiwan is its own country. we just tell you guys what you want to hear in official positions. go back to being a mouthpiece for the CCP and try not to catch the kung flu in the process.
Taiwan is a country De facto, not De jure by UN. Only a few countries considers Taiwan de jure.
Whether you support Taiwan's independence or not. this is the current situation.
Why don’t you or the UN or 190+ countries dare to say the truth then?
Sorry. Facts don’t care about your feelings.
Sure Taiwan is not a country.
It's the Republic of China.
Glory to the KMT forever.
@Mason, Ironically KTM is known for its easier stance on relations with CCP, hence is no longer the dominant power in Taiwan. It’s DPP that runs the country now.
@Hiro
For now.
DPP have only won the presidential election because the opposition couldn't unify the candidates.
They then lost Legislative Yuan election.
Then the supposedly "democratic progressive" party threw a judiciary coup against 31 KMT legislators because they were mad.
Then that failed beautifully.
A party that wants to remove its opposition and start a war is democratic and progressive, how accurate.
@Gen: Why do you think the people of Taiwan prefer to live under the ROC government rather than under the PRC government?
You must be a stooge for the PRC government. Every Taiwanese I know does not consider themselves a province of China.
"Only the PRC is legitimate." LOL
That's a hugely ironic statement given that people in Taiwan (Republic of China) have had the freedom to elect their own President and other officials for almost 30 years, while the poor souls in mainland China (People's Republic of China = PRC) have lived under authoritarian rule for their entire lives.
I'm sure the PRC is seen as legitimate and lucrative by the privileged members of the CCP who...
"Only the PRC is legitimate." LOL
That's a hugely ironic statement given that people in Taiwan (Republic of China) have had the freedom to elect their own President and other officials for almost 30 years, while the poor souls in mainland China (People's Republic of China = PRC) have lived under authoritarian rule for their entire lives.
I'm sure the PRC is seen as legitimate and lucrative by the privileged members of the CCP who have embezzled large amounts of money and/or extended their lives through forced organ transplants from prisoners, Uyghurs, and infants. How many tens of millions of Chinese died from COVID but whose deaths were hidden/uncounted?
Please talk up the PRC's legitimacy more, we appreciate the entertainment.
“Gen Yinjing Youguan”
…that’s what Xi said!
"Only the PRC is legitimate." LOL
(I posted a reply earlier which either disappeared or failed to post.) That's a super ironic thing to say given that the people of Taiwan have been able to elect their President and other officials for almost 30 years. While the poor souls in mainland China have "enjoyed" nothing but authoritarian rule for their entire lives.
Actually... you have it reversed.
Lol OK wumao.
I'll be in Shinjuku for three nights next January. If I don't make it back, pour one out for me.
Just don't go Kabukicho and have no worries.
Chinese Commies have really mastered art of hypocrisy...
On the other hand, they behave like their egos were more fragile than the most delicate Ming-era porcelain
That’s what Xi said!
Oh yeah, so terribly unsafe for all of the "run-ri" looking to flee China and emigrate to Japan. Sigh.
That’s… what Xi said!
I don't understand the sarcastic tone of this article, especially since non of the staff of OMAAT is Chinese or Japanese. There certainly has been Japanese being targeted in China and Chinese being targeted in Japan (have been numerous deaths and injuries on both sides), plus the tension between the two countries drastically increased since Sanae became PM. And that's on top of the historical tensions between Japan and China.
It feels like the...
I don't understand the sarcastic tone of this article, especially since non of the staff of OMAAT is Chinese or Japanese. There certainly has been Japanese being targeted in China and Chinese being targeted in Japan (have been numerous deaths and injuries on both sides), plus the tension between the two countries drastically increased since Sanae became PM. And that's on top of the historical tensions between Japan and China.
It feels like the opinion is coming from the position of western privilege. Apart from the casual Xenophobia of the Japanese society, westerners certainly feel safe in Japan. But I would say that Indians, africans, muslims or other asian are treated the same in Japan. It's like how the US probably feels safe for europeans to visit. But that doesn't mean it's the same for latin Americans, or people from the mid-east at the moment. Why report something with such biased undertone?
Hear hear, and the casual racism/sinophobia in display in the comments is truly shameful.
(for the record, China is escalating here, but the two countries don't exactly have a peaceful history...)
+1.
Japan may well be the most racist of all countries in the Global North (that's to say they're not as racist as some developing countries, but they have got enough knowledge and resources to build a more inclusive society) and somehow a tall, wealthy American considers themselves qualified to endorse the country's safety for visitors from China, Africa etc.
Come on, as a Chinese, don’t be this obvious about your whataboutism. Is there Chinese kid's bus attacked in Japan, a-la jihad style? If not, shut the f up.
Hilarious. Japanese tourists get attacked in China due to the CCP's racist campaigns. The opposite is not true.
lolll looks like the article is being brigaded by chicom trash - Ben, maybe worth setting some IP filters on commenters for topics likely to hurt the CCP's fee-fees.
You don't have to be part of the CCP to note that it's not a good idea to make assumptions about how welcoming a country is for Chinese tourists. To be clear, I don't think there's a huge threat of violence etc, but tensions in East Asia aren't a laughing matter and can definitely have an impact on individual travellers.
While I don't doubt that there is political motivation for this warning, the reality is that if anyone would be in danger in Japan, it would be Chinese citizens. There is a millennium of animosity between the two countries. The security situation definitely is not the same for Chinese citizens as it is for Caucasians.
Wouldn't most Japanese locals actually prefer to have fewer visitors from mainland China?
Yes, they're typically loud, obnoxious, and don't follow the rules. Honestly worse than American tourists.
Finally getting someone else to take that “typically loud, obnoxious, and don’t follow the rules” impression from the ‘Muricans?
Bless your heart, Julia (^_−)−☆
Not really. For what it’s worth, the biggest spenders for Japan (and South Korea) are Chinese mainland tourists. Some of them may be loud or unruly, but they buy, buy, buy!
Not really. For what it’s worth, the biggest spenders for Japan (and South Korea) are Chinese mainland tourists. Some of them may be loud or unruly, but they buy, buy, buy!
Looks like a sock puppet just gave themelves away?
Aaron, that's what Xi said.
Lucky - your opening paragraph says
“Well, China (the People’s Republic of China, not the Republic of China) seemingly has a different take, and is recommending that citizens not travel to China, out of concern for their safety… or something.”
I think you meant to say Japan on that last one.
@ FlyingHippo -- Fixed, thank you!