Japan needs to focus on inbound tourists from China

The Japanese government's plan to increase inbound tourists to 10 million in 2010 is fundamental to propping up regional economies (and of course the major metropolises). Regional economies continue to lose workers to the big cities. With fewer agricultural and manufacturing work done in the regions, tourism is the last hope to prop up local economies without government subsidies.

This is undoubtedly one of the key reasons for visa restrictions for Chinese tourists continue to be lowered.

The first step for Japanese retailers who have seen the light - meaning the need to aggressively court Chinese tourists - is to accept China UnionPay, the form of payment most accessible by Chinese.