The Japanese government is reportedly planning to initiate negotiations with 12 countries and regions, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Taiwan, to ease restrictions on the entry of foreigner nationals into Japan for people on business.
According to NHK, the topic was discussed at the coronavirus task force meeting on 22 July and would take into account the regions where the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly subsided.
Further, in regions where infections are still high, such as the United States and Europe, limited permission for business owners to enter Japan on restricted numbers and for a short time is under consideration. There are currently restrictions on entry to Japan from 146 countries and regions.
The restrictions on inbound visitation has made it difficult for local governments hoping to pursue an IR bid to meet with IR operator candidates. There have also been concerns that with no change to the application period for area certification, time is running increasingly short. If entry restrictions are relaxed, it is anticipated that more businesses will resume activities in Japan.
However, it is difficult to predict how far the restrictions on foreign national entry will be dialed back, and there are many within Japan and the political sphere advising caution.
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