Japan is globally known for having one of the most powerful passports in the world, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to more than 190 countries. Yet, surprisingly, only about 17% of Japanese citizens currently hold a valid passport. In other words, fewer than one in six people in Japan are ready to travel abroad at any given moment. This paradox raises important questions: why do so few Japanese people own passports, and why do younger generations in particular seem to have little interest in overseas travel?
Passport Ownership in Japan: The Numbers Behind the Paradox
Japan’s passport ownership rate has long been lower than in many other developed nations. For example, in countries such as South Korea or parts of Europe, holding a passport is seen as a natural part of life. In contrast, many Japanese citizens spend their entire lives without ever applying for one.
- Overall rate: Around 17% of the population has a passport.
- Age distribution: A large share of newly issued passports go to people under 30, with teenagers and those in their twenties making up nearly half of all new applicants.
- Post-pandemic trends: The number of passports issued plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when international travel was heavily restricted. Even though numbers have begun to recover, they remain below pre-pandemic levels.
- Generational differences: Older generations are more likely to have held passports in the past for work or leisure, but younger people today often feel less motivated to even apply.
This paints a picture of a country where international mobility is limited not by legal restrictions, but by cultural, economic, and social factors.
Economic and Social Barriers to Overseas Travel
1. The Weak Yen and Inflation
In recent years, the yen’s sharp depreciation has made traveling abroad dramatically more expensive. A trip that once felt affordable now costs nearly double in practical terms. For young people with part-time jobs or entry-level salaries, the idea of paying for flights, hotels, and meals overseas feels out of reach.
2. High Living Costs at Home
Rising prices for food, energy, and housing have left households with less disposable income. When choosing between saving money for the future and spending it on an overseas trip, many young people prioritize financial stability.
3. Domestic Tourism as an Attractive Alternative
Japan itself is a global tourist destination. With world-class hot springs, cultural heritage sites, and natural beauty—from snowy mountains to tropical islands—many Japanese feel they don’t need to leave the country to enjoy travel. The government has also actively promoted domestic tourism, offering campaigns and discounts that make local travel both affordable and appealing.
4. Geographical Factors
Unlike Europeans, who can cross borders by train or car within hours, Japanese citizens must fly or take long ferries to reach another country. This physical separation reinforces the psychological sense that “going abroad” is a major undertaking, rather than a casual option.
Cultural and Psychological Factors
1. Safety Concerns
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. The contrast between that safety and perceptions of crime or instability abroad makes many reluctant to travel overseas. Media coverage often emphasizes risks like theft, scams, or health hazards, reinforcing the idea that foreign travel is unsafe.
2. Language Barriers
For many Japanese, the prospect of navigating a foreign country without speaking the local language—most often English—is intimidating. Even with translation apps, there remains a strong fear of miscommunication or embarrassment.
3. Changing Generational Attitudes
Whereas older generations once saw overseas travel as glamorous or aspirational, many younger people today view it as stressful or unnecessary. Surveys show that a significant portion of Gen Z in Japan openly say they “have no desire to travel abroad.”
4. Loss of Early Exposure
In the past, overseas school trips or study programs provided young Japanese with their first taste of international experience. During the pandemic, many of these opportunities were canceled or replaced with domestic alternatives, creating a generation that has never traveled abroad in their formative years.
Why Young People in Japan Are Turning Inward
The attitude of young Japanese people toward overseas travel reflects broader shifts in values and lifestyle:
- Cost-benefit thinking: Many believe the price and effort of going abroad outweigh the enjoyment they would gain.
- Focus on hobbies and digital life: Instead of spending on travel, young people invest in online entertainment, gaming, or local leisure activities.
- Fear of the unknown: Without prior exposure, overseas travel feels daunting and unnecessary.
- Different priorities: Career building, financial security, and personal comfort are often valued more highly than adventurous experiences.
Historical Perspective: From Boom to Decline
During Japan’s economic bubble in the 1980s and early 1990s, international travel was booming. Weekend trips to Hawaii or short business trips to Europe were common among middle-class workers. At that time, owning a passport symbolized modernity and success.
But as the economy stagnated, disposable incomes shrank, and the narrative shifted. By the late 1990s, media outlets were already describing youth as “inward-looking” and “lacking global ambition.” The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, leaving overseas travel to a smaller group of enthusiasts, businesspeople, or wealthy families.
Why This Matters for Japan’s Future
The decline in passport ownership is not just about vacations. It reflects deeper cultural shifts with potential consequences for Japan’s global role.
- Global Competitiveness: Without exposure to other cultures, languages, and perspectives, Japan risks falling behind in international business and innovation.
- Cultural Exchange: Travel fosters empathy and understanding. Fewer Japanese traveling abroad may reduce opportunities for cultural exchange.
- Soft Power: Japan is admired worldwide for its culture and technology. Yet if fewer Japanese experience other societies firsthand, the mutual flow of understanding may weaken.
Possible Solutions to Revive Interest
- Subsidized Travel Programs
Government or private companies could offer discounts, grants, or free passports to encourage young people to explore abroad. - Educational Initiatives
Expanding study abroad programs, exchange opportunities, and overseas internships would give students more reasons to apply for passports. - Short-Distance Travel Campaigns
Promoting nearby destinations—such as Korea, Taiwan, or Southeast Asia—could make international travel feel more accessible and less intimidating. - Reframing the Value of Travel
Media and influencers could highlight how overseas experiences provide not only fun but also personal growth, career benefits, and lasting memories.
Conclusion
Japan’s low passport ownership rate—just 17%—is more than a statistic. It reveals how economic realities, cultural perceptions, and generational values shape global engagement. For young Japanese, traveling abroad often feels too costly, too risky, or simply unnecessary compared to rich domestic experiences.
Yet the benefits of overseas travel—broader perspectives, cultural understanding, and personal growth—remain vital for individuals and for Japan’s role in the world. By lowering barriers, reframing the value of global experiences, and giving young people early exposure, Japan could gradually shift from an inward-looking stance to a more globally engaged future.
For now, however, Japan remains a nation where passports are rare, and the dream of traveling abroad is fading from the imagination of many young people. 🌏✈️
