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 due to reduced visits from Chinese tourists amid ongoing tensions between China and Japan, with major department stores reporting drops of 12.5% at Mitsukoshi Isetan, 18.9% at Takashimaya, 16.6% at Daimaru Matsuzakaya, and nearly 20% at Hankyu Hanshin [1] - The decline in sales is attributed to the Chinese government's advisories against traveling to Japan and the timing of the Chinese New Year holiday, which has shifted from January to February this year, impacting retail performance [1] - The reduction in flights between China and Japan, particularly to the Kansai region, and the continued advisories from the Chinese government are expected to further affect overall sales figures [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, including a 45% surge in tourist visas [2] - The shift in travel preferences from Japan to South Korea is linked to the unresolved 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 exchanges and interactions between China and South Korea, welcoming Korean visitors during the Spring Festival [2]