Latest news with #Asano
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
One of world's friendliest countries plans to charge tourists more than locals
In 2024, Japan set a new tourism record as visitors from across the globe flocked to the island nation. The rising number of tourists has led to a "new challenge" One of the friendliest countries in the world is planning to charge tourists more than locals in restaurants. Japan is developing a strategy to manage its booming tourist industry. In 2024, the country smashed its previous tourism records as international travellers swarmed the archipelago. The nation was voted Best Country for a second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, and it secured sixth place as the friendliest country globally with an impressive score of 93.25. Despite these accolades, Japan faces a "new challenge" due to the overwhelming tide of tourists. Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, told Fox News Digital of the challenges facing the country. "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." A potential solution cited in the report may involve a "two-tier" pricing model at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, placing a higher price tag on those coming from abroad. READ MORE: Tiny unspoilt Greek island which rivals bustling Santorini and Mykonos Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism. But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano noted that last year's tourist figures hit 36 million, revealing that Japan aims to almost double its visitor numbers within the next five years, reports the Express. Across the world, a number of countries are grappling with the booming tourism trade and attempting to work out how best to manage demand. Earlier this month, protesters hit the streets in nations across Europe, demanding legislative changes to lessen the impact of tourism on locals. READ MORE: Brits avoid Spain after protests and warn 'we won't go if we're not wanted' While the campaingers in Spain have been grabbing most of the headlines, there is a growing overtourism protest movement in Italy. At the start of June campaigners came out in full force in Venice. The watery city has been at the sharp edge of overtourism issues for years, with locals selling up and moving out of the limited supply of homes on the central island, and holiday let landlords moving in. 'We've been emphasising for a couple of years now that there are more tourist beds than registered residents,' said Remi Wacogne of Ocio, a civic observatory on housing. 'Tourism is physically and practically taking over homes.' In Venice, a couple of dozen protesters unfurled a banner calling for a halt to new hotel beds in the lagoon city in front of two recently completed structures, one in the popular tourist destination's historic centre where activists say the last resident, an elderly woman, was kicked out last year. The upcoming wedding of Amazon founder Jezz Bezos in the city has also become a point of tension among overtourism protesters.
Edinburgh Live
22-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
World's 'friendliest country' to make tourists pay more than locals in restaurants
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info One of the world's most cordial nations, Japan, is devising a strategy to cope with the burgeoning tourist numbers. In 2024, the country set a record for tourism as international visitors thronged to the archipelago. Japan clinched the title of Best Country for the second year running in last year's Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, also scoring high on the friendliness scale at an impressive 93.25, placing it sixth worldwide. Nevertheless, this tourist boom presents a "new challenge" for authorities grappling with the situation. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D. C., acknowledged: "Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community. So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists." READ MORE - Prince Harry's blunt words of advice from Prince Philip ahead of 'mission' READ MORE - Princess Diana's nickname for Harry and why she thought 'he'd be a better King' A potential "two-tier" pricing system is being considered, posing different charges for tourists versus locals at eateries, theme parks, and attractions, potentially making services pricier for visitors, reports the Express. Mr Asano remarked: "The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel - the price is also increasing. So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism." He elaborated, "But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists." Mr Asano revealed that last year's visitor numbers hit 36 million and Japan aims to nearly double this figure within five years. He further stated: "In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people. We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations." He expressed his wish for visitors: "So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash."
New York Post
19-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Japan instituting 'two-tier' pricing to attractions as overtourism concerns mount
Japan broke a record for tourism in 2024, with people from all over the world visiting the island nation. But the country has even bigger tourist goals for the years ahead. Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital in an interview that with the influx of tourists, the country is working to meet demand. 'Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community,' said Asano. 'So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists.' News outlets have reported on a 'two-tier' pricing system at restaurants, theme parks and other attractions, with tourists charged more for services and experiences than Japanese citizens are charged. 'The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel — the price is also increasing,' Asano said. 'So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism.' He added, 'But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists.' 3 Mount Fuji pictured in the background as people walk along a bridge connecting stores at a popular outlet shopping centre in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture, some 100 kms southwest of Tokyo. AFP via Getty Images Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, nearly 33.4 million travelers visited Japan, according to the country's government site projections. Nearly three million Americans visited the country in 2024. Asano said the number of visitors last year ended up reaching 36 million and that Japan has a plan to nearly double the number of visitors in the next five years. 'In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people,' said Asano. 3 Mount Fuji pictured in the background as people walk along a bridge connecting stores at a popular outlet shopping centre in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture, some 100 kms southwest of Tokyo. Getty Images The sacred Mount Fuji is climbed by 200,000 to 300,000 people every summer, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Lately, however, Mt. Fuji has been pegged 'trash mountain' due to serious overcrowding and garbage atop the world-famous landmark. Asano said tourists have reported that there are not many trashcans in Japan — but he pointed to the limited number as a safety measure to 'counter terrorism.' 3 People crowd a street in Kabukicho, Tokyo's red-light district, Japan on June 4, 2025. FRANCK ROBICHON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 'We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations,' said Asano. 'So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash,' he said. Asano suggested that tourists need to be more respectful when visiting Japan. 'We need to share our values with international tourists,' he said. When it comes to tourists in Japan, it's not just about 'the trip,' he said. 'It's a good means to share culture and values. We would like international tourists to know more [about] Japan in terms of culture or sacred places or specific places,' he said. Asano added, 'Maybe we can share how to enjoy those sacred places or share our tradition.'
Yomiuri Shimbun
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Advance Payments for 2025 Rice Foretell Rising Prices; Big Buyers Moving Early; Farmers Spurred to Grow More
The Yomiuri Shimbun A farmer plants rice in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, in April. The planting of rice to be harvested in 2025 is getting into full swing, but despite an increase in the land area for production this year, the grain's retail price looks set to remain high. Japan Agriculture Cooperatives (JA), which buys and collects rice; major restaurant chains; and other entities have already started moves to buy rice before it is harvested later this year. JA branches across Japan have noticeably increased above last year's level their provisional payments to producers based on the estimated value of new rice, so the price of rice grown in 2025 could remain stubbornly high. On May 9, a buyer at the product department in charge of procuring rice for Yoshinoya Holdings Co., visited a rice farmer in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Asano had a request for the farmer, from whom the major beef-bowl restaurant chain operator had been directly purchasing rice since about 10 years ago, without going through JA or similar organizations. 'Are there any other farmers you could possibly introduce me to?' he asked. As well as seeking an introduction to potential new business partners, he also urged the farmer to increase rice production. Yoshinoya Holdings, which uses about 25,000 tons of rice annually, ran into trouble last year when supplies from wholesalers slowed. In a sweeping bid to secure a stable rice supply, Yoshinoya Holdings plans to increase direct purchases of rice grown in 2025 from farmers and is reaching out to production areas in which it previously conducted little business, such as Kyushu and the Chugoku region. Zensho Holdings Co., which operates the Sukiya beef-bowl restaurant chain, also plans to buy more rice directly from farmers. JA taking action JA, whose branches buy about 40% of all rice for use as a staple food from farmers, also is bolstering its efforts to lock in supplies of the grain. 'Rice for use as a staple food' refers to rice that is eaten as rice, as opposed to rice that is consumed after being processed into other products, such as sake or rice crackers. JA branches typically announce the amount of the provisional payments they will make to rice growers around summer. But this year, the timing of the announcement has been brought forward to around spring, and these payments are higher than they were for rice grown in 2024. Niigata Prefecture boasts the highest rice production volume in Japan. The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations (Zen-Noh) Niigata has told farmers it plans to set the minimum provisional payment for 60 kilograms of 2025 Koshihikari rice at ¥6,000 above the amount offered for the same rice grown in 2024. Fukui Prefectural Agricultural Cooperative also has compiled a plan to hike the guaranteed minimum amount paid to farmers by ¥4,800. An official of the cooperative explained that this increase was to ensure farmers 'could produce rice with peace of mind' at a time when the costs of materials and fuel were climbing. However, a source at JA suggested another reason was at play. 'If we don't increase the provisional payments, we won't be able to collect enough rice,' the source told The Yomiuri Shimbun. A final decision on the amount of the provisional payments will be made in around summer. It is possible that this amount could increase further, depending on the circumstances. Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Taku Eto has acknowledged that bumping up the provisional payments could have a flow-on effect. 'Of course, this will have an impact on the price of 2025 rice that hits the market,' Eto said at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting Tuesday. Farmers keen to grow rice The relative trading price, or wholesale price, for 60 kilograms of 2024 rice on average across all brands, from the time it reached the market until March this year, was ¥24,500. This figure marked a record high. The desire of farmers to grow rice is rising as a result of the higher prices. According to the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry, the total land area cultivated for rice for use as a staple food as of the end of January was expected to reach 1.282 million hectares, an increase of 23,000 hectares, or 1.8%, from the previous year. Farmers in 19 prefectures, including Niigata and Hokkaido, intend to boost production, and 2025 will register the largest increase in land set aside for growing staple rice since the system for reducing rice paddy land — a policy introduced in the 1970s to curb overproduction and keep prices from falling too low — was abolished in 2018.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Ex-Arsenal star eyes Real Madrid shock after Prem stint lasted just three days
EXCLUSIVE: Japanese international forward Takuma Asano never got the chance to make his debut for Arsenal but rebuilt his career in Germany before moving to La Liga with Mallorca Takuma Asano is determined to cause a shock against Real Madrid with his RCD Mallorca team on Wednesday, but in a different timeline he might have faced Los Blancos this season while wearing a different shade of red. The Japan forward joined Arsenal in 2016, at the age of just 21, but work permit issues meant he left without playing a single minute for the Gunners. Now 30, Asano - who scored a memorable winner for Japan against Germany at the 2022 World Cup - hasn't let that stop him getting to the top. He played more than 100 times in the Bundesliga, and has added more than 20 La Liga outings this season, joining a proud tradition of Japanese players to represent Mallorca over the years. "I think every experience makes me [who I am] now and I always look to the future and what I want to be as a player," Asano tells Mirror Football. "But I need to focus on now, at the moment, always, and I try to be professional at every moment. Every experience like that makes it for me." Mallorca can keep their European push alive with a result against Madrid. More than 20 years have passed since they last qualified for a UEFA competition, but things have been picking up under an American ownership group including former Premier League star Stu Holden. They reached the final of the Copa del Rey last season, losing to Athletic Club on penalties, but have their fate in their hands when it comes to European qualification this term. A final day trip to Rayo Vallecano could end up being a straight shoot-out for a Conference League slot, but Asano is taking it one game at a time. "For me, every game is the same," he says. "I know the next game is against Real Madrid and it is of course a difficult game, it's really not easy for us. But on the other hand we have a possibility to win if we play at 100 percent, if we can play well. "We just need to focus about us playing 100 percent, doing what we can do. I don't care about the next game after Real Madrid, I just need to focus against Real Madrid. After that it's the same." Madrid themselves are coming off a 4-3 defeat in El Clasico, with Asano impressed by the high level shown by both sides. Carlo Ancelotti's side weren't able to do the same against Asano's old employers Arsenal in the Champions League, though, falling to a 5-1 aggregate defeat. Asano's own time at Arsenal was, regrettably, very brief. Even so, his flying visit to North London taught him a great deal about where he stood as a player at the age of 21, and gave him the motivation to make the most of his opportunity in Europe. "I was in Arsenal for three days or something like that, to sign the contract and then to say hello to everyone," he recalls. "I trained just one day in Arsenal and after that I went to Stuttgart, I couldn't get a permit for England. It was unlucky for me but everything is connected to [where i am] now. "Honestly, I wanted to play for Arsenal but I couldn't, but it was a good experience for me. I could look at a top team, the atmosphere, the stadium, everything. It was a really good experience and also makes me what I am. "In that time I was 21 years old and I saw stars, everyone is a star at Arsenal, you know. I remember I was standing alone and Alexis Sanchez came to me. "He didn't say anything to me but we passed each other. I also couldn't speak English, I didn't know any words, but just to pass with Alexis Sanchez was also a good experience for me and I always talk about that to my friends and my family." Asano feels he has settled well in Mallorca, despite missing games through injury, but is out to improve on his return of two goals so far this term. He has kept up a tradition of Japanese players plying their trade in Palma, with Yoshito Okubo and Akihiro Ienaga among them, but the biggest name is current international star Take Kubo. Kubo had a memorable season on loan from Real Madrid as a teenager in the 2019-20 season, standing out in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to stave off relegation. And the 23-year-old - now at Real Sociedad - reached out to his international team-mate over the summer. "I think a lot of Japanese people know about Mallorca, I don't know [if it's] for me!" Asano says with a smile. "When I came to Mallorca, Take gave me a message and he said if I had any questions I can come to him, [told me to] enjoy my life. Take is a good guy. But I haven't asked him anything yet, I'm good in Mallorca!" There's one thing that made it very easy for Asano to settle at his new club. "It's biggest thing is the weather," he says without hesitation. "I feel really happy every day in Mallorca because of the weather, but I didn't know about that, the weather making the mentality. "When I was in Germany, almost every day it was cloudy or raining. We tried to keep good mentality, it was normal for me, but when I came here it felt different. "The people, also, everybody looks happy in Mallorca. That's why I also feel happy and have a good mentality to train and play games also. It connects to the next day, also, then the next day and the next day after that." Despite settling in well, he still has the target of adding to the two goals he scored in March. The quality of opposition shouldn't be an obstacle, though - even when it's Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Asano has scored in two separate games for Japan against Germany - a winner in Qatar and an effort in a thumping 4-1 win in Wolfsburg which accelerated Hansi Flick's departure as manager. He was also on target in one of last season's most eye-catching Bundesliga results, helping Bochum beat Bayern Munich 3-2. When asked if Madrid might be easier to get at after their Clasico defeat, though, he laughs. "Yeah but I think it doesn't matter for Real Madrid - we just have to play at 100 percent to win" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
