Aussie love affair with Japan

Japan is the newest hotspot for Australians with a 14% increase in tourism, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Lecturer in International Studies at the University of Technology Sydney Dr Emi Otsuji said the steady increase in Australian tourists visiting Japan was due to affordability. 

"It is getting more and more affordable in Japan and its accessibility."

Japan was closely followed by India and Vietnam, both sitting on a 11% increase in Australian tourism in the past 12 months, according to the ABS.

Australians are particularly attracted to Japanese ski resorts, with the skiing region of Niseko dubbed the ‘Little Australia’ of Japan.

“Pop culture is widespread in Australia, it’s the introduction of a Japanese phenomena. For example, the Japanese festival which has expanded from Darling Harbour to Chatswood and now Parramatta,” Dr Otsuji said.

“It’s a hybridity of the two cultures that has taken place now, we have lots of interesting activities, including koala sushi – Japanese culture has become a part of everyday elements for Australians, the way the two cultures interact is quite interesting to look at.”

“[The popularity] will increase for at least the next three years, because we have the Olympics which are going to be held in Tokyo in 2020, and the Rugby World Cup in 2019,” Dr Otsuji said.

“The Japanese Government is also putting a lot of time and effort into promoting Japan globally and I think that will definitely bring in a lot more tourism from Australians”.

Australian tourist Nadine Abourjaily visited Japan earlier this year.

“The reason I personally chose Japan was the culture, I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture and the beauty behind it,” she said.

Ms Abourjaily said Japan was a world class society.

“My favourite thing about Japan was the innovation, such a smart society that is constantly evolving and bettering itself… transportation was quick, the train seats heated up, the people were so nice and helpful, the city itself was world class," she said.

“Many of my likes and interests stem from the Japanese culture, anime, sushi and their dress is all quite amazing and authentic. The cuisine is probably the most prominent representation of Japan.

“Sushi and Japanese style barbecue is getting more and more popular. The food offers Australians a new foreign taste and experience which entices us more,” she said.