TOKYO: Japan Association of Travel Agents Chairman Hiromi Tagawa said Thursday it will be "very hard" to achieve the government's target of increasing the annual number of visitors to Japan to 40 million in 2020.

He made the comment at a press conference, citing Japan's current struggle to attract tourists from South Korea and Hong Kong.

Touching on the importance of making Japan appealing to foreigners visiting the country during the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this year, Tagawa said: "What is important is how we will capitalize on the chance (to make them visit Japan again). I'm not focusing only on the number."

On how to encourage foreign visitors during the Tokyo Games to visit local areas, Tagawa said, "The most important thing is how to present the cultures of Japan in Tokyo." He stressed the need for shops in Tokyo that sell local specialties to strengthen their activities to spread information, such as through events.

JIJI Press