Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on December 25 plans to relax visa requirements for Chinese tourists, including a 10-year multiple-entry visa, longer stay periods for group tours, and easier application processes for older Chinese citizens. These changes, set to take effect in spring 2025, come as international flights between China and Japan have recovered to 75% of pre-pandemic levels. With Japan becoming a top destination for Chinese tourists, bookings have surged by over 160%. The new visa policies are expected to help China surpass South Korea as Japan’s largest source of inbound tourists.