Against the backdrop of the gradual subsidence of the epidemic, the enthusiasm of Hong Kong citizens to travel to Japan has exploded like a flood of beasts.
According to statistics, more than 1.03 million Hong Kong visitors visited Japan in the first five months of this year.
This represents a 40% increase over the same period last year, with total consumption reaching HK$7.6 billion, and per capita consumption reaching HK$12,300.
Behind this astonishing statistic, Hong Kong people have a deep affection for Japan and dissatisfaction with local consumption.
For many Hong Kong people, Japan is not only a tourist destination, but also a "second home".
Some netizens ridiculed: "Going to Japan is not called tourism, it is called home." ”
Behind this emotion, there is not only a love for Japan culture, but also a helplessness for Hong Kong's high-consumption environment.
From an economic point of view, there are profound reasons for the boom in Hong Kong people's consumption in Japan.
First, the yen's continued decline against the Hong Kong dollar over the past year has made spending in Japan particularly cost-effective.
In May, the yen exchange rate reached a 38-year low, at only $4.83 per 100 yen against the Hong Kong dollar, which undoubtedly greatly stimulated the consumption desire of Hong Kong people.
In addition, local governments and tourism organizations in Japan have spared no effort to promote local tourism, further attracting Hong Kong people.
However, this consumption phenomenon is not a purely economic choice, but also has complex psychological factors behind it.
During the epidemic, Hong Kong citizens were forced to hold back at home for more than three years, and now they have finally been released, and they have chosen to go to Japan, a familiar and safe place to "revenge consumption".
Some netizens laughed, "Revenge for decades, punish little Japan with actions." ”
This ridicule not only expresses feelings for Japan, but also reflects a catharsis for Hong Kong people's pent-up desire to consume during the pandemic.
The data shows that Hong Kong people's spending in Japan is mainly focused on shopping, accommodation and eating.
Shopping accounts for the largest proportion of per capita spending, with an average of 4,583 yuan spent on shopping and 3,625 yuan spent on accommodation.
In Japan, Hong Kong people can buy high-quality goods and enjoy high-quality services at relatively low prices, which is difficult to achieve in Hong Kong.
Some netizens sighed:
"It's really scary to spend in Hong Kong, and it's already 60 yuan to eat a bowl of porridge and gas strips for breakfast, but in Japan, not only is the price cheap, but the service is also very good."
However, this frenzied consumption trend of Hong Kong people going to Japan has also caused a lot of problems.
On the one hand, the local retail and catering industries have been severely impacted.
Professor Li Zhaobo of the University of Chinese Hong Kong pointed out that the depreciation of the yen will do more harm than good to Hong Kong's overall economy, and the outlook for retail and catering in Hong Kong is very pessimistic, especially during the peak summer season.
On the other hand, the large outflow of funds from Hong Kong people to Japan has also made the local economy worse.
Professor Li was even more blunt:
"A strong dollar and a weak yen are not good for Hong Kong, and Hong Kong is the worst in the middle."
In the face of this situation, the Hong Kong government is also actively looking for ways to boost the local economy by promoting the "mega event economy" and promoting the development of tourism, retail and catering industries.
However, it remains to be seen whether such short-term measures will actually work.
The comments of netizens are even sharper:
"Hong Kong people go to Japan to consume freaks, but the spending power of staying in Hong Kong has repeatedly declined, how can such an economic environment improve?"
In the final analysis, Hong Kong people are not only fond of Japan culture, but also a pursuit of quality of life and consumer experience.
Japan's service industry is customer-centric, with humane and high-quality services everywhere, making Hong Kong people feel at home.
Some netizens said:
"Japan's service industry is based on goodness, even if you only spend one dollar, it will give you ten yuan of service. Hong Kong's service industry is inert and only wants to collect money and does not want to serve. ”
Because of this, many Hong Kong people prefer to cut back on food and clothing, but also go to Japan to spend.
It was also stated that:
"Eat frugally in Hong Kong, two dishes and one soup, while in Japan you can enjoy food and shopping to your heart's content."
However, this also reflects the many problems in Hong Kong's local economy and consumption environment.
In order to change this situation, it is key to improve the local service quality and consumption environment.
Only in this way can Hong Kong people truly "love Hong Kong and consume in Hong Kong".
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