Recently, JR East, a leading Japanese train operator, has increased ticket prices for train travel. However, they have introduced a promotion that allows foreign tourists to ride the shinkansen for free on the island of Kyushu. This initiative has faced criticism from many Japanese citizens who feel excluded from the benefits provided exclusively to foreign visitors. The promotion highlights a significant discrepancy between the tourism management in major cities and the quieter regions of Japan, where the benefits of such initiatives might not be felt as acutely.

Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have been grappling with overwhelming tourist numbers for years. In contrast, Kagoshima, located in the southern part of Kyushu, has a local population that seldom sees tourists, as the area has struggling hotels with available rooms. The ongoing impact of the pandemic continues to affect the tourism landscape in Japan, with fewer visitors contributing to a less robust local economy. As tourism recovery progresses, the disparity between famed destinations and under-visited locales becomes more pronounced.

The political tensions between Tokyo and Beijing have further exacerbated the situation, resulting in a significant reduction of direct flights from China to Japan. This decline has impacted tourist numbers, and while the free train promotion aims to revive travel interest among foreigners, it does raise critical issues among Japanese residents who question the fairness of prioritizing tourism over the needs and feelings of the local populace. The current circumstances pose a challenging scenario for Japan as it balances attracting tourists with maintaining local satisfaction and support.