■Nathan Shiga: January 16

The foreign tourists to Japan spent ¥4.416 trillion last year but the per capita spending fell two years in a row, revealed the Tourism Agency January 16.

The agency says this was the first time the foreign visitors’ spending has risen above ¥4 trillion clearing the highest marks for successive five years.

A gross total of 28.69 million foreigners visited Japan last year, or a rise of 19%, over the preceding year: China up by 14.9% spending ¥694.6 billion (¥230 thousand per head), Taiwan up by 9.5% for ¥574.4 billion, South Korea up by 43.3% accounting for ¥512.6 billion, etc.

The per/head spending of foreign tourists fell for two years in a row by 1-3% down to ¥153.921 in 2017.

Meanwhile, the government aims at further boosting the total spending of foreign tourists up to ¥8 trillion by 2020. Projects are underway to boost the charms of rural areas to draw tourists from Europe and America who tend to stay longer and spend more.

Director Akihiko Tamura of the Japan Tourism Agency comments:

“The foreign tourists are said to spend on recreational services less (3% or so) in Japan and more (over 10%) elsewhere abroad.

“This is likely due to Tokyo lacking healthy recreational spots specifically after sunset. Government offices must seek cooperation from the private sector to activate projects to that end.”

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga stresses the Abe administration should be credited for a line of successful projects leading up the rising inflow of foreign visitors.

Tourist agents are introducing sightseeing menus covering some popular nighttime spots with extra charms of Yakotori, Izakaya, and other such downtown eating joints.

Come try Japan after sunset.