The Japanese government is considering raising the "departure tax" for foreign tourists from the current 1,000 yen (approximately NT$208) to 5,000 yen (approximately NT$1,040). Prime Minister Shizuoka Ishiba mentioned this during a budget committee meeting in the House of Councillors on the 19th of this month, as tourism remains high and the issue of "tourism pollution" worsens.

This adjustment aims to alleviate overcrowding in tourist areas and strengthen related infrastructure. Ishiba stated that if the new tax rate is implemented, annual tax revenue is expected to increase from 49 billion yen (approximately NT$10.1 billion) to around 250 billion yen (approximately NT$52 billion). He emphasized that this tax adjustment is not only reasonable but also helps clarify to foreign tourists the basic costs associated with using Japan's resources and public facilities.

As for whether to raise the departure tax for Japanese citizens simultaneously, Ishiba expressed a cautious attitude, indicating that a further assessment of fairness is necessary. He added that historically, tax revenues have been used for tourism promotion and resort development, but plans will expand to include funding for improvements in transportation and public facilities in tourist areas.