News China advises citizens against travel to Japan amid rising tensions over Taiwan

[thomas]

China has advised its citizens to hold off on travelling to Japan, marking the first tangible response from Beijing after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested that Japan might take military action if China were to attack Taiwan. Officials argued that recent comments from Japan's leadership had sharply worsened the climate for exchanges between the two countries and, in their view, created risks for Chinese nationals living in or visiting Japan. The ministry and China's diplomatic missions in Japan urged people to postpone any trips for the time being.

By the following day, three major Chinese carriers—Air China, China Southern and China Eastern—announced that passengers with tickets to Japan could change their bookings or receive refunds for flights from Saturday through the end of December. Beijing's travel warning, which could significantly affect visitor numbers, was presented as the first step to express displeasure with Takaichi's remarks.

Chinese visitors to Japan make up nearly a quarter of all foreign tourists, according to Japan Tourism Agency statistics, with nearly 7.5 million visitors from mainland China traveling to the country in the first nine months of this year.

China warns citizens not to visit Japan as row over Taiwan heats up

Beijing’s first retaliatory move against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could have a significant impact on tourism.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[thomas]

Chinese state-run airlines said yesterday that travellers booked on Japan routes could cancel their reservations or switch to another destination without paying any fees. The decision was presented as a response to the tension sparked by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan, which drew an immediate, angry rebuke from Beijing.

Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines each posted notices stating that passengers booked on routes to or from major Japanese cities — including Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya — could cancel their reservations or switch to another destination at no cost. The policy applies from Saturday through the end of December. Sichuan Airlines and Hainan Airlines later issued similar announcements, indicating that the industry as a whole was moving in step with the government's response.

According to All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, there have been no cancellations as of Saturday. Spring Japan, a low-cost carrier under JAL that specializes in China routes, also said it has "not seen any significant changes in reservations." There are fears that the feud will not only affect Japan's booming tourism industry, but will spill over into other areas as well. "As a result of this issue, business discussions with government-affiliated companies have stalled," said an executive at a Japanese company's Chinese subsidiary. An executive at another Japanese company said they have decided to refrain from promoting products on Chinese social media. Hotels and department stores have also seen limited impact.

An employee at a large hotel that usually relies on Chinese tour groups for about a third of its overseas guests said the first wave of cancellations could start appearing early next week. Takashimaya, where Chinese shoppers accounted for more than half of all duty-free sales in the year through February 2025, noted that the situation could affect business. A representative there explained that some effect was likely and that they were keeping a close watch on developments.

Paywall alert:

China airlines offer free cancellations for Japan flights over Taiwan row

Beijing's call to refrain from travel casts shadow over Japanese tourism industry

asia.nikkei.com

 

[thomas]

The Chinese leadership must be hyperventilating:

China sends coast guard to Senkaku islands amid row with Japan

Activity around Japanese-held islands, also claimed by China, comes after PM Sanae Takaichi said Japan might respond militarily to an invasion of Taiwan

www.theguardian.com

China Escalates Japan Feud With Island Patrols and Warnings to Citizens

China sent Coast Guard ships near disputed islands and warned travelers and students about safety risks in Japan. The escalation is over comments on Taiwan by Japan’s new prime minister.

www.nytimes.com

China Warns Its Students in Japan of Risks as Tensions Rise

Hong Kong urges caution for travel to Japan

China warns citizens against Japan travel as Taiwan spat escalates

The Japanese public is divided over whether Japan should exercise its right to collective self-defence if China attacks Taiwan, a Kyodo News Agency poll found on Sunday. The survey found 48.8% in favour and 44.2% against, while 60.4% backed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plan to beef up the country's defence spending.

Japanese divided on military response to China over Taiwan, Kyodo poll shows

The Kyodo poll comes as a diplomatic fracas between Tokyo and Beijing has intensified.

www.reuters.com

 

[Petaris]

I could be wrong but I thought that Japan had previously, like years ago, indicated the potential to assist in the defense of Taiwan if Beijing tried to take the island?

I also find it interesting that while Japan has been complaining about over-tourism, they are now worried about this reducing tourism.


I am curious what would happen if Trump just decided to officially recognize Taiwan, possibly just to piss off Beijing.

 

[Lothor]

I could be wrong but I thought that Japan had previously, like years ago, indicated the potential to assist in the defense of Taiwan if Beijing tried to take the island?

I also find it interesting that while Japan has been complaining about over-tourism, they are now worried about this reducing tourism.


I am curious what would happen if Trump just decided to officially recognize Taiwan, possibly just to piss off Beijing.

There are few things Japan likes doing more than complaining about how the actions of foreign governments affect good, honest Japanese businesses, as well as about the harmful actions of foreigners on the orderly lives of peace-loving Japanese citizens. That's why you get complaints about both over-tourism and the impact of the Chinese government on the Japanese tourist industry.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Japanese netizens have turned the Chinese government's intimidation into a source of humor.

「粉骨砕身」意味間違い、「ジェネレーター」登場で大喜利状態　日台ネットで「おもちゃ」にされる中国政府（J-CASTニュース） - Yahoo!ニュース

日本を批判する中国政府のX投稿が、「ネットミーム化」の兆しを見せている。 ■「その汚い首は一瞬の躊躇もなく斬ってやるしかない」 　ネット上の発火源は、中国の薛剣（せつけん）駐大阪総領事による高

news.yahoo.co.jp

Mistranslation of "Funkotsu Saishin," Rise of Memes, and a Generator:
Chinese Government Becomes a Target of Jokes Among Japanese and Taiwanese Netizens

Posts by the Chinese government criticizing Japan on X are beginning to show signs of turning into internet memes.

"We must cut off that filthy head without a moment's hesitation"

The spark online came from a post by Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul-General in Osaka. Referring to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Diet remarks on a Taiwan contingency, he wrote, "We must cut off that filthy head that has recklessly stuck itself into this matter, without a moment's hesitation. Are you prepared for that?" (sic).

Although Xue deleted the post by the evening of the 9th, he continued asserting that "interference in China's internal affairs, damage to national sovereignty, and obstruction of cross-strait unification will never be tolerated" (sic), while also reposting comments supportive of his stance, fueling further controversy.

On the 13th, China's Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japan's Ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, to lodge a "stern protest." In response, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned China's Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao on the 14th to protest the SNS post.

As China also issued a notice urging its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan, diplomatic tensions between the two countries have worsened.

"They will be reduced to funkotsu saishin before the iron wall of the PLA..."

Amid this situation, posts in Japanese by spokespeople for China's Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have drawn attention.

On the 14th, the official PLA account "China Military Bugle" posted an image stating:
"If Japan fails to learn deeply from the lessons of history and dares to take a dangerous gamble, or even intervenes militarily in the Taiwan Strait situation, it will surely be reduced to funkotsu saishin before the iron wall of the People's Liberation Army and pay a heavy price."

The term "粉骨砕身 (funkotsu saishin)" actually means "to devote oneself wholeheartedly," but the post appeared to use it literally as "to have one's bones and body crushed," which many netizens found unintentionally humorous.

Similar warning-style posts were also uploaded by the official MFA spokesperson account (CHINA MFA Spokesperson), featuring images with a red-to-black gradient background and text in white and orange, posted in both Japanese and English.

A November 13 post declared:
"Is Japan planning to repeat the errors of militarism? To once again turn the Chinese and Asian peoples into enemies? To overturn the post-war international order?"
It ended with the signature "MFA Spokesperson, November 13, 2025."

A follow-up post warned:
"If Japan militarily intervenes in the Taiwan Strait, China will surely deliver a direct and severe blow.
We tell Japan: do not play with fire regarding the Taiwan issue. Those who play with fire will surely perish."

While the tone was meant to admonish Japan and other countries, many on social media took the posts humorously.

"To all fans of bamboo-shoot cookies: Kinoko is supreme."

On X, users began creating their own images using the same red background and white/orange lettering to post whatever message they liked.

On the 15th, YouTuber "Failed State Research Institute," known for modern history explainer videos, released a "Daifuku Diplomatic Department Generator," enabling anyone to produce images in the "Chinese MFA spokesperson" style. This accelerated the meme explosion, with users posting joke statements en masse.

Some posts parodied political warnings, while others veered into long-running internet debates such as:
"To all supporters of Takenoko snacks: Kinoko is supreme—your chocolate is excessive."

Others declared:
"To all men: under no circumstances insert yourself between two yuri girls. If you do, the entire world will surely destroy you."

There were also riffs on the famous Japanese internet meme "Yoshinoya copypasta."

On the 16th, Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu wrote in English:
"China claims to love peace while threatening Taiwan, bullying the Philippines, and attacking Japan. This is nothing but pure hegemony."

As the unexpected meme spread, Taiwanese users reacted with amusement:
"We're (myself included) famous now lol (according to Taiwanese media)."
Japanese users also chimed in:
"The Chinese MFA and PLA probably never imagined they'd become a meme and get played with."
"World, this is Japan."

 

[Grandpa Frank]

My favorite part of the internet are the memes , LOL. Some very clever & funny people out there.

 

[NANGI]

Konnichiwa Mina-san!

When a Japanese manga artist published the manga about an earthquake occurring in Japan in July 2025, it became a hot topic in Hong Kong, causing a drop in tourists to Japan.

The prophecies in Japanese manga are more frightening than the absurd messages from the Chinese Communist Party for Chinese people.

The Chinese Communist Party must be desperately drawing manga right now to let people know how dangerous Japan is.

The content must be that a major earthquake will occur in Japan in December 2025!

11% of people will refrain from visiting Japan due to the prediction
from PRTIMES

Japan will suffer a loss of 200 billion yen by Manga Prognostication
from PRESIDENT Online

NANGI

 

[Lothor]

Konnichiwa Mina-san!

When a Japanese manga artist published the manga about an earthquake occurring in Japan in July 2025, it became a hot topic in Hong Kong, causing a drop in tourists to Japan.

The prophecies in Japanese manga are more frightening than the absurd messages from the Chinese Communist Party for Chinese people.

The Chinese Communist Party must be desperately drawing manga right now to let people know how dangerous Japan is.

The content must be that a major earthquake will occur in Japan in December 2025!

11% of people will refrain from visiting Japan due to the prediction
from PRTIMES

Japan will suffer a loss of 200 billion yen by Manga Prognostication
from PRESIDENT Online

NANGI

There's no need for the CCP to draw manga: it's happening. About half a million bookings cancelled between 15 and 17 November.

Chinese travellers estimated to have cancelled 500,000 flights to Japan amid rising tensions

Diplomatic dispute over Japan’s stance on Taiwan continues to rumble after Senae Takaichi’s comments

www.theguardian.com

 

[mdchachi]

Sounds like a good opportunity to sneak in a visit to Kyoto and beat the crowds!

 

[thomas]

Sounds like a good opportunity to sneak in a visit to Kyoto and beat the crowds!

The crowds will still be there, minus a few mainland Chinese.

 

[Petaris]

We will be over in Japan over the Thanksgiving (US) holiday so I'll see how bad the crowds are. I wouldn't mind if they were lighter honestly.

 

[mdchachi]

We will be over in Japan over the Thanksgiving (US) holiday so I'll see how bad the crowds are. I wouldn't mind if they were lighter honestly.

Are you going to Kyoto?

 

[NANGI]

Konnichiwa Mina-san!

There is no country in the world without Chinese people. Even Antarctica is being with Chinese tourists.

from AFP BB News

Although their numbers may decrease, Chinese tourists will never disappear from Japan.

NANGI

 

[mdchachi]

Yes I think that's a safe assumption. You should also start seeing more Indians once their middle class grows further. This is 2010 data.

 

[thomas]

Yes I think that's a safe assumption. You should also start seeing more Indians once their middle class grows further. This is 2010 data.

It's already happening:

Tourism Thread 'Japanese hospitality targeting a growing number of Indian tourists'

5 Nov 2025

A new cohort of tourists is discovering Japan: Indian tourists visiting the country during the Diwali holiday.

Diwali, which marks the Hindu New Year, is regarded as the most important festival in Hindu tradition. According to Suguri Mikami, head of the Gurugram-based consultancy Storytelling, which assists Japanese firms entering the Indian market, holiday shopping typically begins about a month beforehand. Around the time of the festival itself — which fell on 20 October this year — many businesses shut down, and large numbers of people took the opportunity to travel abroad.

Between...

• thomas
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Travelling in Japan

• 

 

[thomas]

The NYT opining that Beijing's wave of reprisals against Japan could backfire.

The goal, in such a full-throated response, seems to be to cow Japan into submission and to show off China's confidence in its superpower status. A post by a blog affiliated with China's state broadcaster declared that China had defeated Japan in World War II when it was much poorer than today. "Now, we not only have an iron will, but also an iron torrent," the account said, referring to China's military buildup. [...] But the aggressive approach also risks backfiring — not only in Japan, where China's response has prompted accusations of bullying, but also in other countries wary of China's attempts at economic coercion and growing assertiveness on the world stage. A Chinese diplomat in Japan deleted a social media post in which he had called for Ms. Takaichi to be beheaded, after the post provoked widespread criticism.

One prominent nationalist voice in China, Victor Gao, the vice president of the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank, said that a strong response from China was necessary to shock Japanese society into recognizing the danger of its leaders' moves. And he said China should not worry about how others might perceive the move. "Other countries may decide how to respond, but China needs to stand firm to make sure peace prevails between China and Japan," he said. But there are signs that China's heavy-handed response is provoking a backlash. In Japan, politicians have denounced China's retaliation as "excessive."

Gift article:

Aiming to Shock Japan, China Pushes a Wave of Reprisals

Beijing is flexing its military and economic might to show its displeasure with the Japanese leader’s comments about defending Taiwan. But its aggressive approach risks backfiring.

www.nytimes.com

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

China's travel restrictions on Japan are actually a blessing for Japanese people.
Controversy Grows Over Planned Apartment for Foreign Residents in Asakura, Fukuoka

A plan to build an apartment complex in Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture—intended partly for foreign residents—has sparked a major backlash, leading to public protests, misinformation spreading on social media, and official denials from local authorities.

On November 9, around 150 people marched through central Asakura demanding the cancellation of the project. Protesters shouted slogans such as "Stop the Chinese apartment!" and "Give us an explanation!" Participants included not only local residents but also people from neighboring cities.

The controversy stems from a briefing held last year, during which the developer reportedly explained that the prospective residents would be "40% Chinese and 40% from Taiwan and Hong Kong." The information spread quickly online and fueled fears that the project was designed primarily to attract foreign nationals.

A woman in her 60s from Saga City, who joined the demonstration, said:
"There are already too many foreigners coming in. If more keep entering, Japan won't be able to handle it and our society will collapse."
Another protester from Fukuoka City said:
"They are moving forward without giving residents proper explanations. That's unacceptable."

Residents' group calls for dialogue

The protest was organized by a local residents' group, which said its main aim is to push the city government to provide clear information.

One organizer commented:
"We just want an opportunity for dialogue. Nothing will change if complaints stay online, so we turned it into a citizens' movement."
"Before discussing foreigners, the real issue is why there has been no explanation."

Misinformation spreads; officials forced to respond

The situation escalated after false claims circulated on social media saying that "the governor approved the project."
In September, the Fukuoka Prefectural Government held a press conference to deny the allegation, stating it had no basis in fact.

Asakura City says it has received about 1,000 phone calls with complaints and inquiries triggered by the misinformation.

Developer issues clarification

In response to the growing controversy, the developer posted a statement online last month:
"We have no intention of promoting immigration by people of any specific nationality, nor are we involved in any activity that would violate immigration or residency laws."
The company also reiterated that it plans to construct only a single apartment building.

However, a representative of the land-owning company told RKB that moving forward with the project had become increasingly difficult due to the intensifying opposition.

Experts: Uncertainty in national policy fuels anxiety

Professor Shunsuke Tanabe, a sociologist at Waseda University, says the conflict reflects the public's growing uncertainty over Japan's foreign labor policies.

"The government insists it has no immigration policy while effectively increasing the number of foreign workers. People don't know what direction the country is heading, so when a new project suddenly appears, anxiety intensifies," Tanabe explained.
He added that negative information tends to spread more rapidly on social media, contributing to the escalation.

Tanabe stressed the need for clear communication from national authorities:
"The biggest problem is the information vacuum. The government must deliver clear, consistent messaging."

Prime Minister Kishida has announced that the government plans to outline a new direction for foreign resident policy by January next year. The debate continues as Japan grapples with balancing public concerns and the challenge of coexisting with a growing foreign population.

 

[Petaris]

@mdchachi we will be for at least one of the days. I'm not sure when yet. We will be landing at KIX in less than an hour and will make our way to Nara from the airport. Tomorrow, Monday, we will be heading to Nara city for the morning to visit the temple there.

 

[thomas]

@mdchachi we will be for at least one of the days. I'm not sure when yet. We will be landing at KIX in less than an hour and will make our way to Nara from the airport. Tomorrow, Monday, we will be heading to Nara city for the morning to visit the temple there.

Safe journey, don't kick the deer and share some pics!

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Tanzan Shrine: A Lesser-Known Autumn Foliage Spot in Nara
The nearest station is Kintetsu/JR Sakurai Station.
About 25 minutes by bus from Sakurai Station (buses run about once per hour). It's a 3-minute walk from the last stop.
About 15 minutes by taxi from Sakurai Station.

 

[Petaris]

Tanzan Shrine: A Lesser-Known Autumn Foliage Spot in Nara
The nearest station is Kintetsu/JR Sakurai Station.
About 25 minutes by bus from Sakurai Station (buses run about once per hour). It's a 3-minute walk from the last stop.
About 15 minutes by taxi from Sakurai Station.

@Hiroyuki Nagashima Thanks for the recommendation. Tanzan shrine was very nice and is actually not that far away from where we are staying. I think the peak for the colors was probably a week or two ago but there were still enough to be nice.

I'll upload some pictures sometime soon, this is a short trip so we don't have a lot of excess time. Also, I didn't kick any deer and for once I wasn't bitten either. I also didn't see anyone else kicking deer. We are headed to Kyoto this morning, in a just a few minutes.

@thomas sorry for the accidental thread hijack!

 

[Ukigumo]

Japan seems to be making things awkward for Chinese by limiting the export of 'photoresist' a substance used in manufacturing printed circuit boards. It'll slow them down…until they find another source!

Rumored Japan photoresist ban sparks China’s worst fears - Asia Times

Chinese online forums and market chatters have recently been engulfed by speculation that Japan may have halted the export of photoresist

asiatimes.com

 

[thomas]

On Friday morning, out of the blue, Chinese authorities cancelled Ayumi Hamasaki's concert scheduled for Saturday in Shanghai.

"All of sudden, we were asked to cancel my concert [scheduled for Saturday] this morning," Hamasaki said in a post on her Instagram account on Friday. [...] The cancellation of the pop singer's concert, scheduled as part of her Asian tour, followed similar moves impacting events by other Japanese entertainers, including a concert by the duo Yuzu and shows by comedians from Yoshimoto Kogyo. Prior to the cancellation, the organizers of Hamasaki's Saturday concert had decided not to use pyrotechnics on stage, out of consideration for this week's massive fire that engulfed high-rise condominiums in Hong Kong. They had also called for prospective spectators not to wear red when coming to the event.

Ayumi Hamasaki’s Shanghai Concert Canceled Day Before Schedule as Part of Beijing Backlash

<p>SHENYANG, China — Singer Ayumi Hamasaki’s Saturday concert in Shanghai has been canceled due to “unavoidable reasons,” the organizers announced, amid the worsening of Japan-China relations.</p>

japannews.yomiuri.co.jp

 

[thomas]

Also on Friday, a Japanese anime event that kicked off in Shanghai with a three-day schedule was cancelled after a performance by singer Maki Otsuki, who sang the theme song for "One Piece," was interrupted midway through a song when the lights and sound were cut off, forcing the performance to end.

Anime event in Shanghai canceled after singer's show interrupted

Japan-related events in China have been canceled one after another amid growing backlash over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Japanese "One Piece" singer stopped mid-performance in Shanghai event

A Japanese singer whose songs feature in the popular anime "One Piece" was forced to stop performing on stage in Shanghai on Friday, the latest disruption in events involving Japanese artists in China amid a bilateral diplomatic row.

english.kyodonews.net