Japanese Tourists Win Hearts in Australia by Cleaning Melbourne Streets
In 2024, Australia experienced a surge in Japanese tourists, with over 362,000 visiting, a significant increase from the previous year. However, specific figures for the highest number of Japanese visitors to Australia in 2024 remain unclear. Meanwhile, Japanese tourists made headlines for their cleanliness efforts Down Under.
In a notable display of civic responsibility, Japanese tourists were spotted picking up rubbish near Melbourne's Flinders Street station. They were equipped with pick-up sticks and garbage bags, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the city clean. An Australian man filming the scene gave their efforts a thumbs up, showing local approval.
The incident sparked debate among Sunrise presenters. Some found it embarrassing that tourists had to clean Australian streets, raising questions about the country's cleanliness compared to other nations. This comes after Japanese spectators were praised for cleaning stadiums after every Japan match during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighting their respect for cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
While the exact number of Japanese tourists visiting Australia in 2024 remains uncertain, their positive impact on local communities is clear. Their efforts to maintain cleanliness have sparked conversation and reflection, contributing to a more thoughtful dialogue about environmental responsibility and tourism in Australia.