HK kindergarten shifts study tour from Japan to Chengdu amid rising tensions

A Hong Kong kindergarten has changed the study tour destination from Japan to Chengdu amid escalating tensions between China and Japan, citing the government’s recent alert issued. 

A notice issued by the Victoria Educational Organisation was circulating online, revealing the announcement that the “Parent-Child Educational Tour to Tokyo 2026”, originally planned for the Easter holiday from April 6 to 10 next year, will now be relocated to Chengdu, Sichuan. 

The decision was attributed to the recent advisory from the SAR government urging travelers to Japan to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety, while also considering the Security Bureau’s updated information in the “Outbound Travel Alert System”.  

After a careful evaluation of the overall safety and prevailing uncertainties, the organization opted for the change to ensure the safety of children and parents.

It also expressed hope that through this study tour, children and parents can obtain valuable cultural exchange and growth experiences in a safe and enjoyable environment.  

Relations between China and Japan have plummeted following disruptive comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding the Taiwan issue. 

On Monday, Kyodo News reported that the SAR government has suspended official exchanges with the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong. 

Earlier, the Education Bureau also canceled an exchange trip to Japan, known as Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program.