KUALA LUMPUR: The number of Japanese residing in Malaysia has reduced by 10,000 since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki said about 30,000 Japanese were studying and working in Malaysia in 2019, but the number has now reduced to close to 20,000.

Some have decided to return to Japan during the pandemic, he said, adding that it is now difficult for them to return to Malaysia.

The ambassador believes the lower number of Japanese residing in Malaysia is only temporary.

He hopes the Japanese are able to learn about Malaysia through the Malaysia Gallery in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai, which will start in April.

Many Japanese are inspired by the multicultural society in Malaysia, he said, as they can experience and witness many things which are not available in Japan.

Shikata gives his thumbs-up for the variety of food in Malaysia.

“There is Chinese food, Indian food, Malay food, Nyonya food for one to savour here.

“The multicultural environment here is a plus point to attract Japanese tourists,” he told Sin Chew Daily in an exclusive interview held in conjunction with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s two-day official visit to Malaysia from Thursday.