The number of foreign visitors in 2005 hit a record 7.45 million, up 10.3 percent from the previous record of 6.76 million in 2004 and topping the 7 million mark for the first time ever, according to preliminary Justice Ministry figures.
The 2005 World Expo in Aichi Prefecture was a big part of the boost, officials of the ministry's Immigration Bureau said.
Japan waived visas for visitors from South Korea and Taiwan and relaxed visa requirements for tourists from China to attract visitors to the world exposition held outside Nagoya from March 25 to Sept. 25.
In time for the start of the expo, Japan opened Chubu Centrair International Airport on reclaimed land south of Nagoya.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.