Story: Japan hits yet another record number of tourists.
Visitor numbers exceeded 3 million in March, surpassing that level for the first time.
Arrivals are increasing due to factors such as the weaker yen.
Japan’s currency has languished against the dollar at its lowest level in decades, making Japan an inexpensive destination for tourists.
This has led to tourists enjoying Japan’s famous cherry blossom season.
But if that’s all a big boost for the country’s economy, other numbers released Wednesday paint a less pretty picture.
The latest Reuters Tankan Business Sentiment Index showed that the mood among large companies has worsened.
Confidence in both manufacturing and service companies declined in April.
Companies cited uncertainties about the future of the Chinese economy and sluggish demand from domestic consumers as factors.
Some say the price hikes have stopped shoppers from spending.
Another factor is the weaker yen, which makes imports more expensive than ever.
This effect was also reflected in trade statistics, with exports increasing by 7.3% in March due to the favorable exchange rate.
