Tokyo, Japan – January 5, 2026 – The Chinese Embassy in Japan has renewed its call for Chinese citizens to exercise heightened vigilance and avoid non-essential travel to the country, citing a deterioration in public security and a series of alleged unprovoked attacks targeting Chinese nationals.
In a notice published on January 3, 2026, the embassy highlighted worsening conditions in several prefectures, including Fukuoka, Shizuoka, and Aichi, where violent incidents have reportedly increased. It stated that numerous Chinese travelers have faced verbal abuse and physical assaults without provocation, resulting in injuries. The advisory specifically referenced a vehicle-ramming incident on December 31, 2025, in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward, where two Chinese citizens sustained serious injuries requiring emergency hospitalization.
The embassy urged Chinese nationals already in Japan to closely monitor local security developments, strengthen personal protection measures, and promptly report any incidents to Japanese police while seeking assistance from Chinese diplomatic missions. It reiterated advice against traveling to Japan in the near term, emphasizing the need to preserve evidence in cases of targeted attacks or discrimination.
There has been no immediate official response from Japanese authorities to the embassy's latest statement, though police investigations into specific incidents, including the Shinjuku event, are reportedly ongoing.
This advisory marks an escalation in ongoing safety concerns expressed by Beijing toward Japan. Previous warnings in 2025 cited rising violent crimes and indiscriminate attacks in various prefectures, alongside broader public security trends. Japan's National Police Agency data has shown an increase in penal code violations and serious violent crimes in recent years, contributing to the embassy's alerts.
The latest notice comes against a backdrop of strained Sino-Japanese relations, exacerbated since November 2025 by remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. On November 7, 2025, during a parliamentary session, Takaichi stated that a Chinese military action against Taiwan—such as involving warships or force—could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan under existing security legislation, potentially enabling the exercise of collective self-defense. This was interpreted by Beijing as a provocative signal of possible Japanese military involvement in a Taiwan contingency, crossing a "red line" on what China views as its internal affairs.
China responded swiftly with diplomatic protests, demanding retraction of the remarks, and imposed measures including a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Japan, restrictions on cultural exchanges, flight reductions, and a reimposed ban on Japanese seafood imports. Beijing accused Takaichi of undermining bilateral trust and evoking historical militarism concerns. Japanese officials maintained that the comments were hypothetical and consistent with longstanding positions, while protesting inflammatory rhetoric from Chinese diplomats.
The diplomatic crisis has led to canceled flights, reduced tourism from China—Japan's largest inbound market—and broader economic ripple effects. Analysts note that while the initial travel warnings focused on political tensions, the January 2026 advisory shifts emphasis to physical safety risks, potentially reflecting reported incidents amid heightened nationalist sentiments on both sides.
Japan has historically been regarded as one of the safest countries globally, with low crime rates attracting millions of tourists annually, including from China. However, recent reports of isolated violent events, combined with geopolitical frictions, have prompted caution from foreign missions.
Chinese state media, including Xinhua and Global Times, extensively covered the embassy's notice, framing it as a protective measure for nationals. International observers monitor whether the advisory will further impact bilateral ties, already at a low point with suspended high-level dialogues and mutual ambassador summonings.
As the Lunar New Year approaches—a peak travel period—the warning could significantly affect visitor numbers to popular destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Tourism industry stakeholders in Japan express concern over prolonged disruptions, while calling for de-escalation.
The situation underscores persistent challenges in China-Japan relations, rooted in historical issues, territorial disputes, and differing security outlooks in the Indo-Pacific. Efforts toward stabilization may depend on behind-the-scenes diplomacy, though public rhetoric remains sharp.
