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Business trends

Niche businesses pop up to cash in on Japan's tourism boom

Camper and kimono rental, weddings and luggage storage are promising areas

A group of South Korean tourists walk about Kyoto in kimono. More tourists are coming to Japan for experiences, rather than shopping. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

TOKYO -- From kimono rentals to luggage storage apps to language training, Japan's long tourism boom is giving rise to a growing number of niche businesses that cater to the needs of overseas visitors.

Japan has welcomed record numbers of tourists in recent years and their spending is increasingly important to the economy. Although there has been a drop-off as some South Koreans stay home due to a political quarrel with Japan, other visitors are likely to keep coming as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics draw near.

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