Valuable jewelry has emerged as a newfound favorite among tourists exploring Japan due to the sustained weakening of the Japanese yen.
Recently, the Japanese yen has been continuously depreciating, reaching its lowest level since December 1986. The yen's depreciation has fueled a growing interest in visiting Japan among international travelers. With the prolonged high price of gold, many foreign tourists are taking advantage of tax-free benefits and eagerly purchasing gold and jewelry products in the country.
Located in Tokyo's posh Ginza district, a brand jewelry store with nearly 80 years of history primarily sells gemstones, pearls, and precious metal jewelry targeting younger consumers, in addition to wedding rings and couple rings.
In the past, around 70 percent of the customers visiting the store were Japanese consumers. However, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of foreign customers, according to the store manager.
"Compared to the same period last year, the number of foreign customers visiting the store has doubled, and sales have tripled. Due to the current high gold prices, foreign customers are more inclined towards purchasing gold-related items. Additionally, there is a demand for Japanese Akoya pearl jewelry and diamond accessories," said the manager.
Affected by the rising prices of raw materials such as gold, pearls, and diamonds, this jewelry brand increased the overall product prices by approximately 10 percent in April this year. However, foreign tourists who believe gold jewelry to be on a path to continued price increases have helped sustain demand.
"I've been here before many years ago, it was more expensive and now it's a little more manageable," said a tourist.
"I think it's beautiful. I love jewelry, like you can see. So I think it's very trendy, very nice. And I love it. The price is very good. I like it, I like it. I'll come back tomorrow for more," said another tourist.
Similarly located in the Ginza district, staff from a secondhand jewelry store stated that they have witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of foreign customers and their purchase volumes recently. The average transaction value per order is approximately 500,000 yen (about 3,110 U.S. dollars). Among them, secondhand jewelry from well-known brands, due to its high-value retention, particularly attracts European and American customers.
Yen depreciation attracts tourist gold, jewelry purchases in Japan
Festive receptions were held by Chinese embassies to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, with the promotional video for the 2025 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala unveiled to add festive atmosphere to the events.
The Spring Festival centers around the Chinese New Year, which lands on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake.
The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan hosted a Spring Festival reception on Jan. 20 for overseas Chinese in Tajikistan. Nearly 300 people, including representatives of overseas Chinese groups such as the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Tajikistan, the Federation of Overseas Chinese, teachers and students from the local Confucius Institute, and international students in Tajikistan, gathered to celebrate the coming of the Year of the Snake.
In his speech delivered at the reception, China's Ambassador to Tajikistan Ji Shumin said that China's high-quality development and high-level opening-up have injected certainty and stability into a turbulent and changing world. China-Tajikistan cooperation in various fields has been promoted across the board, and the development of bilateral relations has reached a new level. Looking forward to 2025, China-Tajikistan relations will shine with new vitality and bring more benefits to the people of both countries, said the ambassador.
The promotional video for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala was played in a loop at the reception. By watching the video, guests felt the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival and the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture.
At the reception, overseas Chinese in Tajikistan performed a variety of cultural programs created by themselves. The joyous lion dance, the melodious guzheng performance, and the passionate Tajik eagle dance added a great deal to the festive atmosphere.
The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines, the Federation of Philippine-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Federation of Philippine-Chinese Associations, and the Philippine-Chinese Chamber of Commerce jointly held a Spring Festival reception on Jan. 19. More than 1,000 people from the Philippine government, Congress, overseas Chinese, people from all walks of life, and foreign diplomatic envoys to the Philippines gathered to celebrate the festival.
Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, extended New Year greetings to people from all walks of life in China and the Philippines, saying that the Spring Festival is a common festival for the people of many countries, including China and the Philippines, and has been listed as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. He said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, and he hopes that both countries will cherish and maintain the bilateral relations for greater benefits to the people of the two countries.
Philippine Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Louise Araneta-Marcos, wife of Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., extended new year greetings via video link. Duterte said that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China is of great significance, and she looks forward to the two countries working together to create a harmonious and prosperous future. Marcos said that the Philippines-China relations have been developing continuously for decades, which truly reflects the long-term friendly relations between the people of the two countries.
The promotional video for the 2025 CMG Spring Festival Gala was played at the reception. The festive atmosphere and gorgeous stage design attracted the attention of all the guests present.
Chinese embassies hold receptions to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival