Chinese tourists flock to Japan, boost economy (2)

But now, Japan's languishing economy is getting a lift from hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists who are eager to flaunt their newfound wealth by purchasing brand name goods, from Canon digital cameras to Shiseido cosmetics.

Last year, a record 481,696 Chinese tourists visited Japan, up nearly 20 percent from 2007, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. While it's difficult to measure the precise impact of Chinese tourist spending, it is warmly welcomed by Japan's struggling retailers.

"Chinese are the saviors for us. I've never seen any foreign tourists spend as much as Chinese," says Takeshi Araki, a salesman at electronics retailer Yodobashi Camera Co. Ltd. in Tokyo's bustling Akihabara electronics district, where thousands of neon signs blink and stores blast songs from outdoor speakers.

As Japan's population ages and declines, the world's No. 2 economy will become increasingly dependent on such consumer spending from those who live outside the country -- and Tokyo knows it.

Japan will ease tourist visa restrictions on July 1 for mainland Chinese citizens, hoping to draw more visitors -- and their big wallets.
【1】 【2】 【3】 【4】 【5】