What does Taiwan's affairs and the decapitation theory have to do with it? Japanese Prime Minister Kishi Nobuo has long had plans regarding "foreigners"!

The conflict between Japan and China continues to escalate. Recently, in an interview on the Pivot Formula Channel program, host Sasaki invited expert Tomonari Hamanoya to discuss the potential business impacts of the tense Japan-China relationship. Hamanoya pointed out that the current friction between Japan and China is the largest-scale conflict event in recent years. However, Japanese Prime Minister Sato Sanae had already restricted foreign tourists from obtaining travel visas and investment residency thresholds before the conflict occurred. Is the absence of Chinese tourists spending in Japan that serious for the Japanese economy? This article analyzes the trigger points of the Japan-China conflict and the author's views on recent news.

The Source of the Daytime Conflict: Online Discourse and Diplomatic Responses

Chinese Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, reposted a statement from Japanese media on the social platform X on November 8, saying: “That kind of dirty head that intrudes without permission should be beheaded without hesitation. Are you ready for this?” This statement is generally viewed as a response to Takagi Sanae's remark in the Diet that “If an emergency situation occurs in Taiwan, it could pose an existential crisis for Japan, and the Self-Defense Forces could be mobilized.” Xue Jian later deleted the post, but its content has been backed up and screenshot by others, leading to strong protests and backlash within Japan. In response, the Japanese government formally lodged a serious protest against China, stating that such remarks by Xue Jian, as a Chinese diplomat abroad, are extremely inappropriate.

The beheading theory enrages Japanese society

In the conversation, it was first mentioned that Xue Jian, the Consul General of China in Osaka, said in a threatening tone in a post on X, “If Japan dares to stick its head out, it will be chopped off.” This tweet triggered a strong response and public condemnation from the Japanese government. Hamano analyzed that this statement did not immediately attract widespread attention in China, but was interpreted by some as Japan interfering in Taiwan's “internal affairs.” The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that Japan withdraw its relevant statements, accusing Japan of having an inappropriate stance on the Taiwan issue, causing the politically sensitive topic of Taiwan to heat up again. On the Japanese side, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has also begun to advise the public on “self-restraint,” including avoiding studying abroad and restricting flights from certain airlines. Hamano mentioned that in reality, thousands of flights have been canceled, making travel increasingly difficult.

Many Chinese people still want to travel to Japan.

In Chinese social media, keywords like “Ho-jitsu tourism” have significantly increased. Hamano indicated that through big data analysis, it was found that although negative comments have increased, many Chinese users still express their longing for travel to Japan, stating their desire to go to Japan. Although such voices have faced criticism in some instances, many still dare to express pro-Japan sentiments on platforms. However, since mid-November, the number of negative comments has nearly doubled. Public sentiment has become polarized, with some worried about the rise of anti-Japan rhetoric, while others express regret over the difficulties in entering the country. For Japanese companies, such emotional fluctuations are not limited to diplomatic levels, but will also directly affect tourist spending and market demand.

Impact on Japan's tourism industry

Banyō pointed out that Chinese tourists are important for Japan. In terms of tourist spending, he said that Chinese tourists account for about 20% of Japan's inbound consumption. Currently, due to flight cancellations and restrictions, Banyō estimates that the number of Chinese tourists visiting will decrease by at least 70%. In addition, he also mentioned that if the conflict continues to escalate, China may impose further trade restrictions on Japan, such as suspending imports of seafood products and implementing stricter quality standards on exports to Japan. This will not only affect the tourism industry but may also impact Japan's export supply chain. However, he also noted that the top country for tourism to Japan is South Korea, followed by mainland China, Taiwan in third place, and the United States in fourth. At the end of the program, Banyō urged Japanese companies to think about how to gradually reduce their reliance on China, whether in tourism, investment, or industrial layout, and to reassess risks and response strategies.

Kaohsiung Mayor's new policy restricts foreign visas and investments

The current tension between Japan and China coincides with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push for strict regulations on foreigners, including enhanced management of illegal residency and land purchase restrictions. On November 4, 2025, Takaichi presided over the first cabinet meeting regarding foreigner policies, clearly instructing the Japanese government to strengthen control over illegal stayers and limit land purchases by foreigners (especially non-residents) in Japan. The plan is expected to establish basic policies by January 2026.

Japan tightens entry quotas and visa system

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated before the Japan-China conflict that there would be a “cap” on the number of foreigners coming to Japan. At the same time, she indicated that foreign residents who have not paid social insurance or pension contributions may face visa renewal rejections. Takaichi restricts foreign land ownership, believing that some foreign violations lead to national insecurity, emphasizing that order is not xenophobia, and calls for strengthening the review of foreign land acquisition to ensure national security.

For Japan, this diplomatic turmoil may also serve as a precursor to a series of policy shifts.

This article is unrelated to the situation in Taiwan and the debate on targeted killings? Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has long had plans regarding “foreigners”! First appeared in Chain News ABMedia.