More than 3.4 million foreigners visited Japan in July, up more than 4 percent from the same month last year. But the growth rate was the lowest level this year, apparently due to an unfounded rumor that a natural disaster will hit the country.
The Japan National Tourism Organization estimates that the country had over 3.43 million overseas visitors in July. That is the highest figure ever for the month.
The number of visitors from China rose by 25.5 percent and those from Taiwan increased 5.7 percent.
On the other hand, travelers from Hong Kong decreased by 36.9 percent and those from South Korea dropped 10.4 percent.
The overall growth rate in the number of foreign visitors to Japan was 4.4 percent, the slowest level this year.
The JNTO cites an unfounded rumor that a massive disaster will hit Japan this summer, which spread on social media in Hong Kong and South Korea, as the main reason for the low growth rate.
The number of foreign visitors in the first six months of this year topped 20 million at the fastest pace on record, but the baseless rumor apparently played a role in dampening the pace of growth.
The JNTO says it has stated that there is no scientific basis for the rumor, and the organization will continue to consider countermeasures.
AloJapan.com