Tokyo Robberies Spark Safety Concerns: China Advises Citizens to Avoid Travel to Japan Now

A surge in safety concerns has prompted China to issue a rare travel advisory for its citizens, urging them to avoid Japan after a series of pepper spray robberies in Tokyo. The latest incident, which occurred on the evening of January 29, 2026, involved assailants using pepper spray to rob a group of travelers — including Chinese nationals — in Tokyo’s busy Ueno district. This crime, which targeted a large sum of money totaling approximately 420 million yen (around $2.7 million USD), has sparked heightened concern among Chinese travelers, leading to calls for greater security and government action in Japan.

The Chinese Embassy in Japan swiftly responded by lodging formal representations with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and releasing a public security advisory. This advisory, which was disseminated through state media and official channels on January 30, goes beyond typical cautionary guidelines, explicitly advising Chinese nationals to refrain from traveling to Japan for the time being due to increasing safety risks.

The Robbery Incident: What Happened in Tokyo’s Ueno District?

The robbery, which unfolded in one of Tokyo’s busiest areas, involved three suspects who attacked a group of five individuals, including a Chinese national in his 40s. As the victims were loading suitcases filled with large amounts of cash into a vehicle, the attackers used pepper spray to incapacitate them, before quickly seizing the bags and fleeing the scene. The total value of the stolen cash was estimated at 420 to 423 million yen, a significant amount that shocked both locals and international witnesses. The assailants then made a quick getaway in a small vehicle, which was later found abandoned. This event has raised alarms about the safety of foreign nationals, particularly those involved in financial transactions.

Japanese authorities have described the robbery as coordinated and well-planned, with the potential involvement of organized crime. The victims, including Chinese nationals, were reportedly in the process of moving cross-border currency for money exchange operations, which has led to speculations that the criminals might have had prior knowledge of the cash movement.

China’s Rare Travel Advisory: What Does It Mean for Chinese Tourists?

In response to the robbery, the Chinese government issued an unprecedentedly strong warning, calling for all Chinese nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Japan. This is the first time in recent years that China has taken such a step, and it highlights the increasing concerns regarding public security for Chinese citizens abroad.

The warning, issued by the Chinese Embassy, stressed the importance of heightened vigilance and self-protection for any Chinese nationals already in Japan. The Embassy has encouraged travelers to monitor local conditions closely, avoid carrying large sums of money, and report any incidents to local police or Chinese consular offices.

In addition to the robbery in Ueno, the Embassy also pointed out that there have been increasing reports of harassment and assaults targeting Chinese nationals in various parts of Japan. This has contributed to a growing perception that Japan may not be a safe destination for Chinese travelers, especially those involved in the financial or business sectors.

The Impact on Japan’s Tourism Industry

Japan’s tourism sector, which has been recovering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, is now facing another setback. With Chinese tourists making up a significant portion of the international tourist arrivals in Japan, the travel advisory is expected to cause a decline in the number of Chinese visitors to the country. In particular, cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto rely heavily on Chinese travelers for revenue generated by luxury goods purchases, shopping tours, and hotel stays.

In the past, Chinese nationals have been among the largest spenders in Japan, particularly in luxury goods and cosmetics. The decline in Chinese tourism could have a substantial economic impact on the retail and hospitality industries, which have just started to recover. Experts are now concerned that this disruption could delay the full recovery of Japan’s tourism industry.

Second Robbery at Haneda Airport: Growing Concerns About Safety

In a chilling follow-up to the Ueno robbery, another pepper spray attack occurred just hours later, this time at Haneda Airport, one of Japan’s busiest international gateways. In this case, a Japanese man was targeted while transporting a suitcase containing 190 million yen (about $1.3 million USD). Fortunately, the robbers were unable to make off with the money, but the attack left the victim shaken. Police believe that both robberies are likely connected, as the modus operandi was strikingly similar.

Authorities have increased patrols and security measures around key tourist and financial hubs, including major airports and shopping districts, in a bid to reassure both Japanese nationals and foreign visitors. Investigations are ongoing, with police focusing on identifying the perpetrators through security footage and other leads.

What Japan Is Doing to Address the Situation

Japanese authorities have moved quickly to investigate the robbery spree, with police increasing security patrols in areas with high foreign tourist traffic. However, despite efforts to reassure the public, the high-profile nature of the crimes and their involvement of foreign nationals have raised serious questions about public safety.

While Japan’s crime rate remains relatively low compared to other major cities worldwide, incidents like these have highlighted vulnerabilities in security, especially when large sums of cash are involved. As a result, there is increasing pressure on the Japanese government to improve protection for international visitors, particularly those handling significant amounts of money. The Chinese Embassy has called on Japan to strengthen security measures and take swift action to prevent further attacks.

Implications for Chinese Travelers and Japan’s Tourism Future

As the situation unfolds, travelers should take precautions if they plan to visit Japan, particularly when handling valuables. China’s travel advisory has created a sense of unease, and many travel agencies are now seeing a surge in cancellations and refund requests. This could lead to long-term impacts on Japan’s tourism sector if the decline in Chinese tourism continues.

For those still considering travel to Japan, it’s advised to take extra precautions such as using digital payment methods instead of carrying large amounts of cash, traveling in groups, and staying in well-lit, populated areas.

Conclusion: Navigating Travel Concerns Between China and Japan

The robbery incidents in Tokyo and Haneda Airport have sparked concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals traveling to Japan. While Japan’s government works to resolve the issue, China’s rare travel warning has cast a shadow over Japan’s tourism recovery. The situation underscores the importance of travel safety and highlights the need for stronger diplomatic and security measures to protect international visitors. For now, travelers are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and consider alternative destinations if planning a visit to Japan.

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