Japan–China relations have cooled after PM Takaichi’s re-election. Public perceptions shape policy amid declining Chinese tourism.
Key Points
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Political Tensions and Public Perception: Japan–China relations have cooled since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s re-election, with domestic experiences increasingly shaping public opinion. Takaichi’s comments about Taiwan heightened tensions, and political strife has impacted tourism, with a significant drop in Chinese visitors to Japan, affecting perceptions on both economic and social fronts.
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Shift in Economic and Social Sentiments: While the tourism decline appears economically negative, some Japanese communities feel relieved, citing previous disruptions from large tour groups. These sentiments reveal a shift in how Japanese people view China, influenced not only by diplomacy but also by the direct experiences with Chinese tourists and residents.
- Generational Differences in Perception: Japanese views on China vary by age. Older generations see China as a security threat through traditional media, while younger Japanese are attracted to Chinese culture, exemplified by TikTok and Labubu dolls. This indicates potential for grassroots connections, despite overarching geopolitical tensions.
Japan-China relations have notably cooled following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s re-election in February 2026. The real shift, however, is visible in everyday interactions within Japan, as domestic views increasingly influence foreign policy. Tensions escalated after Takaichi’s remarks in November 2025 suggested that a crisis in Taiwan could justify collective self-defense. These political strains have trickled down, affecting people-to-people exchanges, with significant drops in Chinese tourism—45% in December 2025 and 60% in January 2026 compared to the previous year.
Despite the economic implications of this downturn, some Japanese communities expressed relief, no longer having to manage behaviors associated with large tourist groups. This sentiment reflects a broader shift in how Japanese people perceive China, which is now more influenced by direct interactions than international diplomacy.
Historically, incidents like the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, the 2005 anti-Japanese protests, and the 2012 Senkaku Islands dispute have deeply impacted Japanese perceptions. A 2025 Cabinet Office poll showed only 16.1% of Japanese felt positive towards China, whereas 68.5% viewed relations with Taiwan favorably.
Perceptions of China in Japan are not homogenous, reflecting substantial generational divides. Older Japanese often view China through a political lens, seeing it as a security threat, while younger generations are drawn to Chinese culture via platforms like TikTok. This suggests potential for grassroots connections, provided they are not overshadowed by geopolitical tensions.