However, a more developed tourist industry would leave Japanese culture intact and unharmed since the Japanese economy is not as vulnerable to fluctuations as developing economies might be. It is unlikely that huge numbers of tourists will have negative effects on the already mature and established culture, or produce a tourism-addicted economy, in the way it might have once done in more fragile cultures and developing economies.
Japanese outbound tourism also improved in 2012. The slight improvement in the Japanese economy contributed significantly to the rise in Japanese visitors throughout Asia. Tourism is never a one-way industry, but benefits many countries at the same time.
Tourism can do harm, but it can also help foster understanding. Asian cooperation and coordination in tourism can help improve political and economic relations. Japan would do well to support its tourist industry. Nurturing it is one positive way of interacting with its Asian neighbors and fostering cross-cultural awareness.