Vietnamese tourists continue to flock to Japan despite Barbie Hsu's death from flu

According to the Associated Press, Japan is experiencing its largest flu outbreak in 25 years.

Data from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases shows approximately 9.52 million flu cases were recorded between Sept. 2, 2024, and Jan. 26, 2025.

Hsu, 49, widely known as Big S and a beloved actress across East and Southeast Asia, passed away Sunday during the Lunar New Year holidays.

Her death prompted health experts in Thailand and Hong Kong to advise their nationals to reconsider travel plans to Japan.

But Vietnamese tourists show no signs of altering their plans.

Vietravel, a leading tour operators, organized trips for more than 50 groups to Japan in January alone, including nearly 700 during the Lunar New Year.

The company expects to send over 100 more groups by the end of March, coinciding with cherry blossom season.

Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang, deputy general director of Vietravel, said none of the tourists who went in January contracted the flu.

"Since news of Barbie Hsu's passing, we have not received any requests from Vietnamese tourists to postpone or cancel their tours."

Hoang Thang, a tour guide specializing in Japan, said: "Vietnamese tourists are still traveling to Japan normally."

Having just returned to Hanoi with a tour group, he said his clients had not been overly concerned in Japan.

Nguyen Van Dung, director of Asia Gate Travel, which offers high-end tours to Japan, also reported no cancelations.

"We have not received any requests from customers to postpone or cancel."

Pham Anh Vu, deputy general director of Du Lich Viet Company, said his company sent 12 groups with 360 people to Japan in January.

"Although some guests expressed mild concern, none canceled their trip. There have been no recorded flu cases, only occasional mild cough due to weather changes."

Nine more groups are scheduled to visit Japan for the cherry blossom season, he said.

Tour operators have implemented preventive measures such as providing medical masks and hand sanitizers, training guides to handle medical emergencies and coordinating with healthcare facilities in Japan.

"We also regularly obtain information from the Japanese government and adjust itineraries as needed to ensure tourists have the best experience," Vu added.

Japan remains a top destination for Vietnamese travelers. In 2024 the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Japan reached an all-time high of 600,000, which put Vietnam among Japan's top 10 tourist markets.

Fumi Matsumoto, a representative of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), said influenza typically breaks out in his country during the dry winter months.

"Life in Japan continues normally, with no special restrictions from the government. As the weather warms, flu cases are expected to decrease."

While there are no travel restrictions, JNTO Vietnam advises tourists to follow health precautions such as avoiding crowded areas, wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and gargling.