this is up 48% from the same period a year recallier. japan was second with 2,040,000 visitors. far more japanese visited south korea than those from china. ministry officials attribute the sharp drop to a weaker yen. they say worsening ties are another factor. >> a japanese beverage firm has introduced a hot soda it is hoping to increase demand for carbonated drinks that declines when the the chill willy season sets in. coca-cola japan had a promotion for its new hot ginger ale. the the fizzy liquid won't gush out when the can is opened. >> translator: the taste is not weird. it's quite good. >> the company hopes that the hot ginger ale will help boost demand in winter. >>> beverage makers say winter sales of carbonated drinks often end up at about half the levels of summer. another beveragemaker kirim beverage maker is set to market its soda soon. here are the latest market figures. >>> moving right along here on "newsline," japan's chefs could soon find their work endorsed by the united nations' members of unesco committee have recommended that japan's culinary arts with desi