A sharp decline in Chinese visitors is rattling tourism and fisheries industries in Okinawa, Japan, with local businesses warning of serious economic consequences if the trend continues.
The drop comes after recent remarks on China's Taiwan region by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, which drew criticism at home and heightened concerns about relations with Beijing.
According to Okinawa prefectural data, Chinese tourists accounted for about 20 percent of all overseas visitors in January and February, making them a crucial pillar of the island's tourism sector.
Industry insiders widely fear that the recently made political rhetoric may create uncertainty and disrupt the stable development of the tourism market.
"Tourism is Okinawa's backbone. I think we are definitely feeling the impact," said a local shop clerk.
"During the busiest times in the past, there were entire mornings filled only with Chinese tourists," said another shop clerk.
Okinawa, one of Japan's most popular holiday destinations, relies heavily on inbound travel to sustain its economy. Local merchants said the number of Chinese visitors has dropped noticeably following Takaichi's remarks, leaving souvenir shops and other stores struggling.
"Foreign tourists are many in Okinawa, and Chinese visitors make up a large share. So, business is really tough now," said a shop worker.
"In the summer, there were still many Chinese tourists coming. But recently their numbers seem to have clearly declined," said a sales clerk.
The chill has spread to the fisheries sector in Okinawa.
Some fishery workers are worried that worsening China-Japan ties could threaten their livelihoods, as seafood shipments to China make up about 15 percent of Okinawa’s total exports.
A fresh fish vendor said that sales have obviously fallen due to fewer Chinese tourists.
"In the past, when ferries and cruise ships arrived in Okinawa, many Chinese tourists would come to our shop. When those vessels were operating normally, a lot of visitors would stop by here first. But recently some cruises have turned back or canceled their trips, so the number of tourists has indeed dropped significantly, compared with the past time," said an owner of a fresh fish store.
Drop in Chinese tourists hits Okinawa tourism, fishery
