Japan used to be very private, in a sense not opened to the other countries because Japan is very strong economically. However, in recent years, Japan had been focusing on their tourism. Such as upgrading their airlines, or local facilities like plans to build a new Aquarium in Kyoto by 2012 to revive the area.

Why is there such a need?

Simple.

Globalization.

Globalization is a catalyst of change, that when things change, it either goes well or it’s down the drain. The thing about globalization is that it’s not predictable. People might try to forecast it, but external factors might just pop out and mess it up, like the recent H1N1 outbreak.

For Japan, it seeks for a growth in its tourism for both inbound and domestic tourist. By having tourism, Japan becomes more open to other countries and more connected, that Japan had opened its doors to mainland tourist by lowering the annual income requirement for visa in June 4th 2010.

And Japan probably sees the opportunities in tourism that because of globalization, more people are traveling, because of various reasons, like cheaper flights, or more efficient travel. In a 2010 survey in South Korea, 20% of the Koreans chose Japan as their holiday destination.

Also because of tourism, and this trend Hallyu-Wave, Japan is coming to accept foreign artistes performing in their stages, because these Hallyu stars serves as a magnet to attract inbound tourist.

All in all, tourism growth in Japan had made the country a ‘happier’ place, that more foreigners are coming in and out of the country, thus building Japan’s ties with other countries which will lead to many other benefits in the long-run, for example a financial crisis where Japan may require help.