Lillian Santos

For the first time in history, global demand for instant noodles declined, falling by 0.8% in 2023. Japan’s Nissin Foods has managed to defy this trend.

TOKYO, JAPAN (The CTP News) – According to data from the World Instant Noodles Association, the total global consumption of instant noodles was 120.21 billion servings this year, down from 121.2 billion servings in the previous year. This decrease is attributed to the resurgence in dining out post-pandemic, which has impacted sales in major markets such as China, Japan, and the United States. Despite the overall downturn in the market, Japan’s Nissin Foods has managed to defy this trend. The company reported a 5.5% increase in revenue, further solidifying its leading position in the global instant noodle industry.

Vietnam’s tourism industry has seen a significant recovery, with an annual increase of 51%. Tourists from South Korea and China account for nearly half of the total number of tourists.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN (The CTP News) – Vietnam’s tourism sector has seen significant growth in 2024, with international tourist arrivals reaching nearly 10 million in the first seven months of the year, a 51% increase from the same period last year. South Korea and China together accounted for nearly half of the total international visitors.

According to the “Tourism Information for July 2024” report released by the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, the country welcomed 1.15 million international tourists in July alone, reflecting a 10.9% increase compared to July 2023. This resurgence, particularly in island vacation destinations, signals a strong recovery and a return to pre-pandemic levels, with a 1.9% increase from 2019.

Asian tourists have been the primary drivers of this growth, with South Korea and China leading the way. South Korea contributed 2.6 million visitors, representing 26% of the total, while China followed with 2.1 million visitors, accounting for 21.4%. These two nations alone make up nearly half of Vietnam’s international tourist arrivals.

As the price of eel in Japan hits a record high, significant progress has been made in the cultivation of artificial eel seedlings. The cost has plummeted by 95% to about 1,800 yen per unit, bringing the goal of mass production of cultured eel seedlings closer to reality.

TOKYO, JAPAN (The CTP News) – The weakened Japanese yen and insufficient domestic eel fishing have caused market prices to soar, with the unit price per kilogram reaching a record 5,371 yen in 2023. To address the supply shortage, the Japan Fisheries Agency has been dedicated to developing artificial eel breeding technology for large-scale production. Recently, a research institution announced a major breakthrough: the cost of cultivating artificial eel seedlings has dropped from approximately 40,000 yen to about 1,800 yen per eel, a 95% reduction. This advancement raises hopes for achieving the target of mass production of cultured seedlings.

Popular among tourists, “Dogo Onsen” reopened on July 11 after five and a half years of extensive renovations. The unique hot spring culture and diverse spatial planning are set to drive a tourism boom both domestically and internationally.

EHIME, JAPAN (The CTP News) – “Dogo Onsen,” the first public bathhouse designated as an important cultural property of Japan, reopened on July 11 following five and a half years of extensive renovations. Initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, the project was finished ahead of schedule, just in time for the summer vacation season. Despite the increased bathing fee from 460 yen to 700 yen, Dogo Onsen boasts high-quality water, unique architecture, and a rich history and culture. It is expected to attract numerous tourists from both Japan and abroad.

The Japan Real Estate Research Institute notes that the rate of change in mansion prices has reached 1.5% in Tokyo and Osaka, giving them the highest growth rates among 15 cities worldwide. The depreciation of the yen, active investment by overseas investors, and the relatively low cost of Japanese real estate compared to other major cities have all contributed to this continued rise in mansion prices, instilling confidence in the market’s stability and growth potential.

TOKYO, JAPAN (The CTP News) – The ongoing depreciation of the yen has also spurred a surge in international tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing and shopping. In April, the number of inbound tourists to Japan reached a new record, and total spending by international visitors in Japanese department stores hit an all-time high for a single month. Many investors are turning to the Japanese real estate market alongside this influx of international tourists. According to the “International Real Estate Price and Rent Index” released by the Japan Real Estate Research Institute, mansion prices in Tokyo and Osaka continue to rise, making them the cities with the highest growth among 15 cities worldwide. This rise is driven by strong demand from wealthy local buyers and the increasing participation of overseas investors, highlighting the impact of both exchange rates and domestic factors on the real estate market.