I said it is surprising because he has competed 4 rounds so far and there are only 2 European rounds remaining after Ypres. So if he does not make at least one of the Pacific rallies, he will make only 6 rallies (whereas he could have done 7 which gives a better chance for the championship).
It was why I’m a bit surprised.
But maybe it is also for financial reason as he did Safari. Or he found some way of funding a NZ-Japan program?