Tourism has been a positive presence that’s supportive of growth amid an otherwise stagnating Japanese economy. But to maintain this growth rate in 2016, Japan will need to attract even more tourists.

World's third largest economy is clutching on straws.

This sounds like a sensible statement. The tendency is to concentrate on the alleged intrinsic attractions of Japan (viewed sometimes as part of the desperately-sought approval from the outside) and its potential for visitors rather than on the worldwide growth in tourism that is also pushing Japan-as-destination along, especially among its newly-rich neighbours.

The problem is Japan's yen is stronger now that it was last year, and that means an exchange premium for tourists they may not like.