Sanae Takaichi's fresh provocative comments have once again triggered China's countermeasures, dealing direct blows to Japan's fishing and tourism industries.
In the fishing sector – where China has long been the core market – the renewed suspension of Japanese seafood imports since November has left Hokkaido scallops piling up in warehouses. Small fisheries now face the grim reality of watching their catch spoil.
Tourism suffers equally. Following China's updated travel advisory, tour agencies specializing in Chinese clients report an 80% plunge in year-end bookings. Hotels across Hokkaido face mass cancellations during their critical winter season. Nomura Research Institute warns this could wipe out 2.2 trillion yen from Japan's annual tourism revenue.
Politicians' reckless rhetoric for personal gain is costing ordinary livelihoods. This irresponsible posturing serves nobody but ultimately backfires – those who play with fire shall get burned.
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