Japan on Friday welcomed its 10 millionth international visitor this year, achieving the government's goal with barely less than two weeks to go.
On top of the weakening yen and recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, tourist numbers were helped by easier visa regulations for Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as the increase in budget airlines serving Japan.
"It's been 10 years since we launched the Visit Japan campaign and attracting 10 million visitors has been our genuine wish" and we have finally achieved the goal, transport minister Akihiro Ota said during a ceremony at Narita International Airport.