Head of trade sales Gary King said the country’s popularity after one of the world’s longest Covid-induced border closures had elevated interest to new heights, with Wendy Wu departures selling out "within days of going on sale".

“We appreciate securing bookings to Japan has been challenging for agents, which is why, with increased capacity for 2024 and 2025, we are so pleased to extend these offers, helping agents make the most of the Japan phenomenon,” said King.

"Capacity is a big issue for the industry," King continued. "However, as the largest group operator to Japan in the UK, we are pleased to advise agents that we have been able to secure an additional 30% in capacity, on top of our existing departures, for travel in 2024 and 2025.

It comes after the specialist sought extra capacity on its China programme following a fresh surge in demand after Beijing reopened the country’s borders in January.