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Tsunami strikes Japan following massive earthquake

11 March 2011 Tourism News

As many as 250 civilians are feared dead after an earthquake sent a tsunami crashing into the north of Japan earlier. Many more are missing, with extensive damage reported across the region. Pictures from local television stations show buildings toppling under pressure from a huge wave of water, with cars, boats, and even roads also swallowed up.

Japan relaxes Chinese visa restrictions

Japan relaxes Chinese visa restrictions

10 May 2010 Tourism News

Japan has relaxed financial criteria for Chinese travellers seeking individual visas to enter the country. In an effort to boost visitor numbers, the Japan Tourism Authority has also increased the number of Chinese locations at which applications can be made.

New event targets Japanese luxury travel

10 December 2009 Travel Events News

A new travel trade event is being launched to target Japan’s luxury market. Blossom Japan will be held in Tokyo in January 2011 as an invitation-only, and will be run by Lucioles, the new company headed by Jay Martens, Co-Founder of the Asia Luxury Travel Market.

JAL: Banks reject bail out, government to step in

JAL: Banks reject bail out, government to step in

19 October 2009 Airline News

According to the latest reports in Asia, Japan’s three largest banks have decided to reject the Transport Ministry’s rehabilitation plan for the troubled JAL but the country’s new centre-left government is set to bail the company out.

Japan prepares to host three world-class sporting events

Japan prepares to host three world-class sporting events

4 September 2009 Focus

With Japan now confirmed as hosts for the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup (announced on 28 July), and with a strong proposal for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cups well under way, BTN Asia Pacific Editor Daniel Rourke is in Japan to investigate its next major bid. The hosts for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be announced by the XXXI Olympiad Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark on 2 October, with Tokyo tipped as the city to beat.

BTN spotlight: Westin Miyako, Kyoto

BTN spotlight: Westin Miyako, Kyoto

4 September 2009 Focus

The 120-year-old Westin Miyako is one of Kyoto’s oldest and best loved hotels. As Japan welcomes a new government and Prime Minister to power, BTN’s Daniel Rourke spoke to Junko Funakoshi, Westin Miyako’s Manager of Advertising and Public Relations, about growing markets and changing ideas in Kyoto and Japan.