A significant decline in Chinese visitors to Japan has not significantly impacted the country's tourism industry, despite a diplomatic spat over comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) indicates that more tourists are now coming from South Korea and Taiwan, surpassing mainland China as the largest source of overseas visitors. Hotel prices in tourist areas have decreased and hotel prices have decreased during holidays observed by mainland China. However, overall tourist numbers were only down 4.9% year on year in December. Despite this, Japan's appeal to people visiting from nearby countries is strong due to its proximity, the weak yen, and its reputation as a destination that is familiar and safe.