JAPAN’S move to discharge nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean from Thursday has prompted some Chinese tourists and tourism agencies to reconsider their travel plans to the country.

According to online travel services provider Trip.com Group, searches for trips to Japan had surpassed Thailand and Singapore to come on top on a list of favorable overseas destinations as of Aug. 17, and bookings for group tours in Japan had increased significantly this month compared to July.

However, Japan’s release of wastewater has prompted health concerns and condemnations from Chinese customers. With this new development, travel sites have pulled Japan listings from prominent placements.

A travel agent based in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, surnamed Dai, said that the number of self-guided tours to Japan has risen markedly in recent months, but the sentiment has changed following its decision to release wastewater.

“I feel like everybody is watching the situation and reconsidering,” she said.

In 2019, 9.59 million Chinese tourists visited Japan, accounting for 30% of its foreign travelers, according to Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. (China Daily)