The number of foreign visitors to Japan from January to September rose to 31.65 million. It is the first time on record the number surpassed 30 million in the first nine months of the year.

The Japan National Tourism Organization says over 3.26 million foreigners entered Japan in September, up 13.7 percent from a year ago and the most ever for the month. The nine-month figure rose 17.7 percent from the same period in 2024.

China accounted for 20 percent at 775,500 for September, up 18.9 percent. Those arriving from South Korea rose 2.1 percent to 670,500 in the period.

On the other hand, visitors from Hong Kong fell 12.2 percent as some arriving and departing flights were canceled for typhoons and other reasons.

The growth in foreign visitors to Japan briefly slowed earlier this year due to an unfounded rumor that a massive disaster would hit Japan. The idea had spread on social media and elsewhere. But the overall number of foreign visitors to Japan continues to increase because of the weak yen.

Meanwhile, the Japan Tourism Agency says foreign visitors spent an estimated 2.13 trillion yen, or 14.1 billion dollars, in the country from July to September. That's up 11.1 percent from the same period a year before and the highest figure ever for the period.

nhk