[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on the 26th that foreign tourists will be allowed to enter again starting from the 10th of next month. This marks the first time in about two years since the spread of COVID-19 that Japan has permitted foreign tourists to enter.
Local media such as Kyodo News and NHK reported that Prime Minister Kishida said during an evening lecture in Tokyo that day, "The goal is to gradually resume accepting tourists as in normal times while monitoring the situation." The Japanese government has decided to allow only package tours (group tourism) through travel agencies for the time being to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He also stated, "Preparations will be made next month to resume international flights at New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido) and Naha Airport (Okinawa)." Currently, international flights are only operating at five airports in Japan, including Haneda and Narita. The Japanese government plans to increase the daily entry cap from 10,000 to 20,000 starting next month.
However, public opinion within Japan is divided. A poll released by Mainichi Shimbun last weekend showed that 43% of respondents supported easing border controls, while 41% opposed it. Nevertheless, it appears that Prime Minister Kishida made this decision under pressure not to miss the opportunity to capitalize on a tourism boom amid the weak yen situation.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said that if entry restrictions are eased this month, about 80% of entrants will be able to enter without undergoing testing or quarantine upon arrival.
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