Japan welcomed 5.2 million foreign visitors in 2002 (731,900 from the USA). We are determined to welcome 10 million travelers from around the world by the end of 2010. We predict that increasing the numbers of foreign visitors will bring both economic and cultural benefits to Japan. We are carrying out the Visit Japan Campaign with the intent to change the image of Japan as a travel destination. We want to make people realize that Japan -- especially tours to Japan -- are affordable, value-oriented, and comfortable.

Japan's Prime Minister, Mr. Junichiro Koizumi is spearheading the Visit Japan Campaign. In February 2002, he and President Bush agreed to jointly enhance travel and tourism between our two countries. Under Mr. Koizumi's administrative initiative, Japan's central and local governments and the government-run tourism organizations, such as the Japan National Tourist Organization, as well as tourism businesses, such as airlines, hotels, ground operators and travel agencies, are cooperatively conducting this broad-based strategic campaign.

Visit Japan Campaign has branded the campaign as "Yokoso Japan," which means Welcome to Japan. Numerous "Yokoso" promotional programs are being orchestrated in five targeted countries (see below) backed by a $17 million government fund in fiscal year 2003. The fund is for all the markets combined. In the United States these programs include:

Supporting foreign-based tour operators creating and marketing new tours to Japan, including: financial assistance with brochure development, website links, co-sponsored newspaper and magazine advertisements, new tour product development fam trips, and co-sponsored fam trips for operators' select travel agents.

Supporting travel agents actively selling Japan, including: a monthly emailed newsletter to Japan Travel Specialists, fam trip invitations, travel agent seminars, and participation in major travel trade shows.

Sending a message to the everyday American traveler that Japan is a welcoming, friendly and value oriented place to visit. This message is being dispersed through newspaper and magazine advertisements and advertorials, participation in consumer travel shows -- such as the national AARP Convention "Life @ 50+", and public relations activities.

Launching a new campaign website for co-sponsoring tour companies' travel programs.

Conducting a direct mail campaign in conjunction with American Express.

September 11, 2003 - Japanese air carriers promote visit Japan and welcome Japan domestic air fares

In celebration of the Yokoso Japan Tourism Campaign, both Japan Airlines and ANA-All Nippon Airways are promoting their special flat rate fare of 12,000 yen ($102.60*) plus tax for any domestic sector travel within Japan. Not only is this an incredible value, but this flexible, affordable fare also lets travelers accrue mileage points.

This special offer, good through March 31, 2004 (Blackout dates may apply), is exclusive to overseas passengers and available only for tickets purchased outside Japan. A minimum of two and maximum of five domestic sectors are applicable. The domestic tickets can be purchased at any time, but must be used in conjunction with an international airline ticket to Japan on any international carrier serving Japan.

Reservations for the first sector must be confirmed, but the remaining sectors may be open and can be booked at any time. However, the tickets must be used within two months from the date of departure of the first domestic sector. Travelers must reside outside of Japan and possess an international round-trip airline ticket to Japan in any class and on any air carrier that flies to Japan.