Japan is taking a bold step to inspire its young generation to explore the world. In a bid to encourage international travel among young people, the country is exploring a new initiative: offering free passports to 18-year-olds. This proposal, put forth by Hiroyuki Takahashi, chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents, aims to address a worrying trend – the declining number of young Japanese travelers.
Data reveals a concerning picture. As of 2023, only about 17 percent of Japanese citizens possessed a passport, which, according to Takahashi, significantly limits travel opportunities for youth. The Japan National Tourism Organization reported a significant drop in international travel, with just 6.85 million Japanese nationals venturing abroad between January and July 2024. This represents a 38.9 percent decline compared to the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors like a weak yen and increasing travel expenses have contributed to this decrease.
Takahashi’s proposal goes beyond simply giving away free passports. He envisions providing a five-year passport free of charge to new adults, hoping to ignite their interest in overseas experiences. He also suggested issuing passports to students upon their completion of junior high school, encouraging more high schools to organize international trips. Such a move could not only boost international travel but also enhance Japan’s global connectivity, allowing young people to broaden their horizons and learn from diverse cultures.
These initiatives are not isolated efforts. The Japanese government has also announced plans to increase international flight connectivity in response to the rising demand for travel. New agreements are being negotiated with airlines to improve flight schedules and accessibility to key global destinations. This initiative aligns with Japan’s ambitious goal of attracting 60 million inbound tourists and increasing outbound travel to at least 30 million by 2030.
These developments and proposals will be showcased at a tourism expo from September 26 to 29 at a major convention center in Tokyo, organized by the Japan Association of Travel Agents and other industry partners. The expo will serve as a platform to discuss strategies for boosting international travel and tourism in Japan, highlighting the country’s commitment to fostering a more connected and globally-engaged society.
