The downturn in foreigners visiting Tokyo after the Great East Japan Earthquake is well-documented. The number of foreign visitors staying overnight in Tokyo during summer to autumn last year was down 40 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Out of this concern, the metropolitan government responded to a proposal from the Cabinet Office and applied for status as an international strategy comprehensive special zone. The metropolitan government compiled a plan to make Tokyo the preferred regional base for U.S. and European multinational companies and emerging companies in Asia. Tokyo was awarded the special zone status in December. (Yomiuri)
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