"Public security in Japan has recently deteriorated, with numerous illegal incidents and crimes targeting Chinese citizens, who now face serious security threats", the Consular Bureau of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in an announcement on 26/1.

The advisory from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted a series of earthquakes in parts of Japan, which caused casualties.

The Japanese embassy in Beijing, China, in November 2025. *Photo: AFP*

Chinese tourists once comprised one-fourth of all foreign visitors to Japan, with nearly 7,5 million arrivals from China in the first 9 months of 2025, according to Japanese government data.

Last month, the number of Chinese visitors to Japan fell by 45% compared to the same period last year, reaching about 330,000, a consequence of escalating bilateral tensions.

China-Japan relations are at a multi-year low, stemming from statements by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan issue in November 2025. At that time, Prime Minister Takaichi warned that Japan might take military action if Taiwan island were attacked. Taiwan island is 100 km from Japan's nearest island.

The Japanese Prime Minister later softened her tone to ease tensions, but China did not accept this, continuing to demand she retract her statement. The Japanese Prime Minister has, to date, refused to do so.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)