Japan has established itself as one of the most appealing tourist destinations in the world. Yet, the Japanese people themselves travel very little.
Japan is experiencing an unprecedented tourism boom. This was evidenced in December 2024, when a record number of international visitors visited the country: 3.49 million in a single month and 36.87 million for the entire year. Interestingly, this influx of tourists contrasts sharply with the travel habits of Japan’s citizens.
17%. The Japanese passport is one of the most powerful in the world, providing visa-free access to more than 190 countries. However, only 17% of Japanese people hold a passport, which is surprisingly low compared to other nations. For instance, about 50% of citizens in the U.S. and 85% in the United Kingdom own passports, highlighting a notable difference in the Japanese’s willingness to travel abroad.
According to data from Japan’s Foreign Ministry, 3.7 million passports were issued in 2024, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. However, this figure is still 15.2% lower than the number issued in 2019, before the pandemic.
Factors. Historically, Japan’s number of passport holders has been low compared to other countries, staying between 22% and 24% throughout the 2010s. However, this rate dropped significantly during the pandemic and hasn’t shown signs of substantial recovery since then.
Several factors contribute to this decline beyond household economic conditions. One key factor is somewhat paradoxical. The devaluation of the yen, which has attracted more tourists to Japan, has simultaneously made international travel more expensive for Japanese citizens, leading to a decreased willingness to travel abroad. Additionally, the extended travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic have made people, especially younger generations, less accustomed to traveling.
Loss of competitiveness. According to the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA), young people’s interest in traveling internationally has weakened considerably, raising concerns about the long-term consequences for Japan’s global competitiveness. JATA president Hiroyuki Takahashi has expressed concern about the growing gap between inbound and outbound tourism. He warns that the country must address this severe imbalance to maintain its international influence.
Impact on education. The decline in Japanese willingness to travel affects tourism and student mobility. In fiscal year 2023, only 58,162 university students participated in short- and medium-term exchange programs, which is about half of the pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2018 and 2019.
Moreover, the number of Japanese students pursuing long-term study abroad has also significantly decreased. In 2022, only 41,612 students traveled abroad, a stark contrast to the all-time high of 82,945 students in 2004. This trend stands in contrast to the increasing number of foreign students choosing Japan as an educational destination, indicating that Japan is losing its presence in academic and professional exchange networks.
Solutions. To address this issue, experts have suggested that the government implement proactive measures to encourage international travel among young people. One prominent proposal is to offer free passports to first-time travelers abroad. This could motivate more individuals, particularly young people, to explore the world and enhance Japan’s role on the global stage.
Tourism in Japan. While the number of Japanese willing to travel abroad is surprisingly low given the nation’s population, people continue to visit Japan.
The tourism boom has provided a crucial boost to Japan’s economy. Visitor spending is now the country’s second-largest export, second only to the automotive sector and surpassing the electronic components industry. In 2024, tourist spending reached a record $51.57 billion, a remarkable 53% increase compared to the previous year.
An inward-looking country. The data clearly reflect the state of Japanese society. The country is experiencing a concerning decline in its population’s willingness to travel abroad. Various economic, generational, and social factors have contributed to the reduced international mobility of Japanese citizens.
Although Japan welcomes a significant number of foreign tourists and students, its presence on the global stage is weakened by a lack of reciprocal exchanges. The low number of passport holders is a significant concern, prompting the government to explore ways to encourage its citizens to travel and study abroad. This puts the nation’s competitiveness in the global arena at risk.
Image | Timo Volz
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