Tourism Increases in Japan?

http://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-tourism-rebounds-to-record-level-1421723623

With the Japanese economy still not growing up to potential there is one bright area, that being tourists to Japan have increased. Thanks to friendlier Japan visa requirements, a weak yen, and more affluence in the Asia region.

While Japanese consumers are still wary of spending and still reeling from the ill-advised tax hike last April, tourist consumers seem to be picking up the slack, ever so slightly.

The Japanese government realizes that tourism is now a major economic growth industry that might be able to help the economy. How much will tourism actually help remains to be seen as Japanese consumers themselves need also to feel that something positive can come from their spending like their Asian counterparts.

Its one thing to go to Japan for a few days or a week and spend freely, its another thing to live and work in Japan and feel good about the economy. But lets hope this little stimulus of tourist spending can lead to better things to come.


© 2015 Tom Metts,  all rights reserved