中日关系持续紧张，中国游客减少到访，日本1月免税销售额继续下跌

Group 1 - Japan's duty-free sales in January have significantly declined, with major department stores reporting drops: Mitsukoshi Isetan down 12.5%, Takashimaya down 18.9%, Daimaru Matsuzakaya down 16.6%, and Hankyu Hanshin down nearly 20% [1] - The decrease in sales is attributed to reduced visits from Chinese tourists due to ongoing tensions between China and Japan, as well as a shift in the timing of the Chinese New Year holiday from January to February this year [1] - The impact of reduced flights to Japan from China and the Chinese government's advisories against travel to Japan are expected to further affect sales, particularly during the critical sales period starting February 15 [1] Group 2 - South Korea has emerged as the preferred destination for Chinese outbound tourism during the Spring Festival, with a 34% increase in visa applications processed by Korean consulates in China from November to January, and a 45% surge in tourist visa applications [2] - The shift in travel preferences from Japan to South Korea is linked to the ongoing tensions between China and Japan, leading to a change in travel plans for many Chinese tourists [2] - The Chinese government has expressed support for increased people-to-people exchanges between China and South Korea, indicating a positive outlook for tourism between the two countries [2]