04/02/2025

TUESDAY | FEB 4, 2025

FOLLOW

ON TWITTER Malaysian Paper

24

LYFE

@thesundaily

Malaysia’s love for Japan soars

M ALAYSIAN tourist arrivals in Japan increased 21.9% year-on year, with a report from Japan National Tourism Organisation Kuala Lumpur (JNTO KL) showing that 506,800 Malaysians visited Japan in 2024 compared to 415,712 in 2023, due to factors such as the rising ringgit against the Japanese yen and Japan’s unique appeal to Malaysians. In December 2024 alone, the year on-year increase stood at 17.8%, with 71,600 visiting Japan in that period compared to 60,806 visitors in that same period last year. JNTO also revealed that 2024 total tourist arrivals in Japan had exceeded 36 million people, with 36,869,900 total arrivals last year, the highest number ever recorded. In fact, Osaka and Toyama ranked among the New York Times ’s “52 Places to Go in 2025”. These destinations were recognised for their unique cultural experiences, culinary excellence and stunning natural landscapes, further solidifying Japan’s position as a must-visit destination. Osaka is set to host Expo 2025 in Kansai from April 13 to Oct 13, 2025 on Yumeshima Island with the theme of “Designing Future Society with Our Lives” and is projected to welcome 28.2 million visitors. Adding to the rising interest in Japan, chartered flights from Malaysia to the Tohoku region have been introduced since 2022. This limited-time service has significantly THE Japanese city of Osaka has imposed a smoking ban on public streets as part of efforts to become more visitor-friendly ahead of this year’s World Expo. Around 160 countries and regions are participating in Expo 2025, the latest edition of an event held every five years in different global locations. “The World Expo begins in April. We want to welcome many people from all over the world, so we want to make Osaka a city where people feel safe with smoke-free streets,” mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama said in early January. Before Jan 27, smoking was banned in six zones including the area around Osaka station. This has been expanded to the whole city and violators face a fine of 1,000 yen (RM28).

o Record 506,800 Malaysians visited country in 2024

Toyama prefecture is renowned for its picturesque landscapes.

strong bilateral ties between Japan and Malaysia but also highlights the evolving preferences of Malaysian tourists who seek authentic cultural experiences, diverse attractions and memorable journeys. We remain committed to offering Malaysian visitors even more opportunities to explore and enjoy all that Japan has to offer. “With continued efforts to enhance travel experiences and promote Japan’s rich culture, scenic beauty and world-class hospitality, JNTO looks forward to welcoming even more Malaysian tourists in the years to come,” JNTO KL executive director Kenichiro Ozaki said.

Osaka is set to welcome a large influx of visitors for Expo 2025.

boosted the region’s visibility among Malaysian tourists, showcasing Tohoku’s rich history, seasonal beauty and warm hospitality. JNTO encouraged travellers to

explore the diverse offerings of Osaka, Toyama and Tohoku, as each destination promises unforgettable experiences blending tradition and modernity.

“We are thrilled to witness the continued and growing interest among Malaysian travelers to Japan. This remarkable growth in visitor numbers not only underscores the

Osaka bans street smoking ahead of Expo 2025 to become more visitor-friendly

Jellyfish wonders at Kyoto Aquarium

KYOTO Aquarium is holding the event Jellyfish Luminaries, in which jellyfish lamps are exhibited in the area Jellyfish Wonders until March 21. Now in its fifth year, this popular event showcases 60 jellyfish lamps that highlight 20 types of jellyfish. In particular, when you walk through the Mirror Tunnel, you can enjoy fantastic scenery reflected on the mirror walls. For those lamps, shades that reproduced the appearance of

jellyfish were created by glasswork artisans in Niigata prefecture under the supervision of its breeding staff. Jellyfish are photogenic, popular creatures that can look as auspicious as a dragon or a phoenix in a photo. Visit and experience the event at Kyoto Aquarium – an enjoyable attraction during the Chinese New Year holidays and a chance to wish for good luck in the year ahead.

Local regulations already ban smoking while walking in most places in Japan. – AFPPIC

month

event

–

half

the

Local regulations already ban smoking while walking in most places in Japan, but opposition from some lawmakers has prevented strict national laws. From April, the wider Osaka region will prohibit smoking in eateries with seating areas larger than 30 square metres (320 sq ft), although lighting up in a separate space, such as a smoking room, is allowed. Current national laws ban smoking in establishments with dining areas over 100 square metres. Expo 2025 has struggled with slow ticket sales and public concern over the construction budget. About 7.5 million tickets had been sold by early January for the six

organisers’ target. The capital outlawed smoking in all restaurants in 2018, in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics. Smoking outdoors remains allowed in some Tokyo districts. Japan’s central and local governments earn a yearly total of around two trillion yen in cigarette tax revenue. The national government also owns a one-third stake in Japan Tobacco, the world’s third largest tobacco company. Tobacco use in Japan has been falling in line with a broader global trend, with the ratio of smokers standing at 15.7% in 2023. – AFP

From April, the wider Osaka region will prohibit smoking in eateries with seating areas larger than 30 square metres (320 sq ft). – PEXELSPIC

The jellyfish area at Kyoto Aquarium is an immensely popular photography spot. – BUSINESSWIREPIC