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Thursday, 20th March 2014
In General Japan News,

Visitors from overseas make February record

Encouraging figures today from Japan's tourism industry - it would appear February broke another record with an estimated 880,000 people from abroad arriving in the country throughout the month.

Like for like, the data represents a 21 per cent increase on last year, with many travelling from China during the Lunar New Year holiday season in order to make the most of their time off work.

Those journeying from China made up much of the influx, the Japan National Tourism Organization said, with the weaker yen luring many more shoppers to the entertainment districts such as Shibuya and Roppongi Hills in Tokyo.

The number of Chinese travellers rose by around 71 per cent, officials said, adding that it would appear animosity from the nation over the disputed islands has eased.

Japan's strong tourism figures for February will no doubt be welcomed by the government, which is making an effort to drive tourism upwards as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics approaches.

Written by Mark Smith