Comment on “A Fun Japan and Tourism” [in Japanese]

On January 26, 2025, Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law） offered a comment in response to the Asahi Shimbun column “Tensei Jingo,” which had featured an article titled “A Fun Japan and Tourism.” The article draws a comparison between Italy, which is currently grappling with overtourism amid its once-in-25-years Holy Year, and Japan, where the government continues to pursue an increase in foreign visitors. This approach, the article suggests, warrants reconsideration. Professor Ichihara addresses the use of the phrase “A Fun Japan,” which appeared in Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s policy speech. She argues that the core message is not about attracting foreign tourists, as it is shown in the article, but rather about cultivating a nation in which everyone living in Japan respects one another and leads an optimistic, forward-looking life. She describes “A Fun Japan” as an inclusive and appealing slogan that resists nationalist tendencies.

https://digital.asahi.com/articles/DA3S16135169.html?iref=commentator_detail_article#expertsComments