Japan Implements Bold Measures To Conquer Overtourism

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

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With the very favorable exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar and other currencies, it is no wonder that foreign tourists are flocking to Japan. 

In Japan's eyes, this "overtourism" is causing problems and the government is taking steps to deal with it.

According to Travel and Tour World:

Japan is escalating its fight against overtourism with new fee hikes and tax reforms, impacting popular sites like Mount Fuji and Himeji Castle starting in 2026.

Japan is taking steps to address overtourism by introducing new fees and restrictions on certain travel perks.

For instance, the fee for foreign visitors wishing to climb Mount Fuji will increase significantly this summer, rising to 4,000 yen (approximately $28). Additionally, starting in March 2026, Himeji Castle will implement a higher admission fee for tourists from outside western Japan, charging between 2,000 and 3,000 yen, compared to just 1,000 yen for locals.

Japan’s Accommodation Tax In March, nine cities and two prefectures across Japan will begin enforcing an accommodation tax for the first time. This new tax will range from 100 yen ($0.70) to 500 yen ($3.50) per person, per night, in areas such as Miyagi, Hiroshima, and several locations in Hokkaido, Gifu, Miyagi, and Shimane prefectures.

To read more, go here. 

Run By Idiots

Earlier this morning, I posted the following photo of vintage/antique Winchester rifles at the Facebook page, Winchester Pre-64 Rifle & Shotgun Collectors Group (1964):

These rifles are on display at the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner, New Mexico and the post was labeled as such.

The post received a lot of likes by the members. I had posted another photo of other Winchesters the day before and, as of now, it has generated no problems.

I received notice that the post was removed and I was put on a limited restriction until tomorrow morning. 

Naturally, I appealed this and they refused to restore the post.

No buying, selling or exchange of the rifles shown were taking place or even an hint of such. They must have morons working at Facebook's headquarters.

I then filed an appeal with the "independent" Oversight Board:

I doubt that anything good will come of this, but we must fight back on ridiculous Facebook decisions. 

National Parks Not Big Rig Friendly

Above, at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I bought my 23' Winnebago Minnie Winnie Class C motorhome, the criteria was to be able to park it in my apartment's double parking space along with my car. I measured the space before making the purchase. 

Another reason was to be able to camp in national park campgrounds. Since I bought it, I have camped at Joshua Tree, Lassen Volcanic, Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Parks with no problem. 

While having big RVs may give someone all the comforts of home, they may be restricted from being able to camp at a national park due to size or even being able to drive on national park roads.

That is the topic of an article in RV Life posted yesterday. It lists 6 national parks that are not RV friendly. 

They begin it with:

When it comes to RVs, a big rig is an RV over 40 feet in length. These deluxe RVs can give you almost all of the comforts of home wherever you go, but getting them into national parks can be tricky. For one thing, all national parks have size restrictions that limit the size of the RV you can bring in.

There are two reasons for this. For one thing, the roadways throughout the park might not accommodate large RVs. Many national parks were developed long before big rigs were really a thing. This means the roads in the park might be too windy or may not be wide enough to safely navigate an RV. Another reason national parks have size restrictions is that the campsites are just not big enough to accommodate big rigs. As a matter of fact, only about half of all national parks allow RVs over 35 feet long.

It’s a good idea to find out about size restrictions ahead of time when you’re planning your vacation. While you’re planning, check out the vehicle length restrictions on the national park’s website. Even though they always have a good reason for it, you might be surprised at the national parks that don’t allow big RVs.

To start with, we’ve found six popular national parks where you should definitely not take your 40+ foot RV. You can find RV parks and resorts nearby that are more suitable for your big rig with a quick search on RV LIFE Campgrounds or while planning your travels with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.

To read more, go here.

Japan Ditching COVID Border Controls May 8

Above, the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is finally ditching its covid travel requirements for inbound tourists. Things will be getting back to some normalcy beginning May 8

Kyodo News reported:

TOKYO - Japan will end the current border control measures on travelers from overseas on May 8 in line with its decision to categorize COVID-19 as a common disease the same day, the government said Monday, in a major shift toward normalizing social and economic activities.

The government will simultaneously start a new genomic surveillance program, under which entrants with symptoms such as fever are tested voluntarily, with the aim of detecting new infectious diseases.

Currently, all entrants are required to present certification of three COVID-19 doses or a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure.

The end of the COVID-19 border controls, first introduced in February 2020 and considered by some the most stringent among the Group of Seven industrialized nations, is expected to help revive inbound tourism to Japan, where spending by foreign visitors in 2021 plunged to a fraction of the record 4.8 trillion yen ($36 billion) in 2019.

To read more, go here. 

Facebook Correctional Facility

My Facebook account was put on "restriction" this morning. I can comment on posts, but not much else. 

So far, these are the things I can't do there:

Of course, Facebook has not said what exactly was the offending post for the restricted status except for this:

The above was what I received when I tried to share a blog post on the 42nd anniversary of the Reagan assassination attempt. 

Apparently, someone snitched to the Facebook Gestapo for something. It would be helpful if they would specifically state what was the offending post. But they never do, which is cowardly on their part. 

The good thing is, the restrictions haven't dented my daily view numbers here. I'll just have to wait it out.

Facebook Censorship Is Alive and Well

Someone apparently got their panties in a wad over at Facebook.

My blog posts are on restriction until Saturday night.

 

When You Vote, Remember...

 

Japan Reopening For Normal Tourism October 11

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is going to scrap all entry requirements and allow foreign tourists next month as it did before the pandemic, it has been announced.

Yes, it is for real this time.

According to Travel Off Path:

Beginning October 11, Japan will scrap nearly all its remaining entry requirements and allow for normal tourism after over 2.5 years of stringent restrictions. During a news conference in New York on Thursday, September 22, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan will be getting rid of its cap on daily arrivals. Further, the country will allow individual tourists to enter visa-free, allowing Americans to enter the country without having to go through the cumbersome process of obtaining a tourist visa.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Travel Survey

Above, the Wako department store (left) at Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Japan started allowing foreign tourists into the country with many rules and restrictions, the response was tepid at best.

Since then, Japan has been relaxing some of its rules and restrictions.

Time Out conducted an online survey of over 3,000 potential tourists and the results are not surprising. They have posted the results.

They begin with:

If you’re eagerly waiting for Japan to open up fully for tourism, you’re not the only one. Recently, we held an online survey asking our readers around the world how they feel about travelling to Japan at this moment. Judging by the results from over 3,000 respondents, it’s safe to say that an overwhelming majority of you are very much looking forward to visiting Japan despite the country’s slow reopening for international tourism. Let’s dive in to the survey results.

To read the survey results, go here. 

Gov. Grisham Continues To Waste Taxpayer Funds

Above, Navajo Lake Marina, where the governor spent taxpayer funds. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It's the old liberal Democrat elitist mantra: Rules for thee, but not for me.

It appears that New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has been busted (again!) over living lavishly on the taxpayers' dime during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

If that the Stop MLG press release says its true, it looks like she partied and lived high on the hog while people suffered and lost jobs and businesses. She's done this before and was exposed.

They begin with:

While New Mexicans were ordered to stay home and state recreational areas were under strict lockdown during the COVID-19 Health Emergency, Governor Grisham may have enjoyed her time on the lake, boating.

Santa Fe, NM – Thursday, September 15, 2022 – Inspection of Public Records obtained through the Department of Finance reveals Governor Grisham may have been defying her emergency health orders to enjoy boating, parties, and travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brett Kokinadis, Director of Stop MLG and the First Vice-Chair of the Republican Party of Santa Fe county, requested contingency fund and purchasing card “p-card” reports from January 1, 2020, from the Department of Finance. Forty-nine documents contained nearly 1,000 pages of expenditures that were responsive detailing expenses of Governor Grisham, the Governor’s Staff, and the Governor’s State police security details “p-card” reports.

Reports included certificates for boating safety courses, VRBO lodging, Navajo Lake Marina fees, and boating packages.

“There are nearly 1,000 pages of receipts containing lavish catered items and alcohol for large parties, excessive daily shopping, travel, and even perhaps activities in Taos, Vail, and boating on a Navajo lake. All this while the Governor scolded New Mexicans and ordered them to stay indoors, away from loved ones, and left to stand in the cold for groceries.”, Kokinadis continued.

To read the full press release and go to the link to the documents, go here. 

And, more details posted by Piñon Post, go here.

Japan Set To Waive Tourist Restrictions

Above, yours truly at Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hills. 

Japan is being forced to allow visa-free tourists into the country due to the collapse of the yen and the lifting of COVID restrictions.

It has yet to announce the change, but it is expected to go into effect in October.

According to Fox Business:

The Japanese government is walking back years of harsh travel restrictions as the yen collapses in value due to a stagnant economy and weak trade.

Japan will allow all travelers with at least three COVID-19 vaccine injections or a negative test result to enter the country without the need for a visa.

Japan until recently has all but completely rejected foreigners seeking entry or re-entry into the country.

The dramatic reversal was announced as the Japanese government struggles to keep the yen from further collapse.

From Reuters:

Sept 15 (Reuters) - Japan is expected to waive visa requirements for certain tourists and remove a limit on daily arrivals in October as it aims to benefit from a rebound in global tourism, Nikkei reported on Thursday.

Following the change, Japan will not require visas for short-term travelers from the United States and certain other countries, and will scrap the daily entry cap of 50,000 people, the media outlet said.

From The Guardian: 

Japan could return to unfettered tourism by the end of next month as pressure builds on the government to end Covid-19 travel restrictions and cash in on a weak yen.

Officials are reportedly considering removing the current daily cap of 50,000 arrivals, which includes returning residents, and a return to visa-free travel. A rule requiring individual travellers to make bookings through travel agencies could also be lifted, according to media reports.

Japan Plans To Reopen To Independent Travelers

Above, inside the massive JR Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It appears the Japanese government is now finally realizing that their rules and restrictions on foreign tourists has been one colossal flop and are about to change course.

The changes may be implemented in October.

According to the Japan Times:

The government is planning to allow independent tourists to come to Japan and exempt them from visas if they have been vaccinated three times or submit a pre-arrival test result, Fuji TV reported Monday. It also intends to abolish the daily arrival cap, which is currently set at 50,000, the report added.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly plans to make a decision as early as the end of this week, with an eye to implementing the revisions by October.

If the plan goes ahead, it would mark a major shift in Japan’s border restrictions, which have been conservative compared with those of fellow Group of Seven members. Up until now, the government has eased access to the country in baby steps amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report came after Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Seiji Kihara told a Fuji TV program on Sunday that Japan will consider easing all three restrictions — the daily arrival cap, restrictions on independent tourists and visa requirements for short-term visitors from countries previously eligible for a waiver — in the “not-so-distant future.”

“Amid the weakening yen, inbound (tourism) will have the greatest effect” on the economy, Kihara said, also noting that fall is famed as being a good time for eating in Japan. “And there are the autumn leaves and powder snow. There are many foreign visitors who want to come visit Japan.”

Last week, the yen fell to a 24-year low of ¥144 to the dollar.

Japan eased its border restrictions last Wednesday, raising the daily arrival cap from 20,000 to 50,000, allowing nonguided tourists to come to Japan and dropping the requirement for pre-arrival PCR testing for vaccinated travelers.

To read more, go here.

G-FEST Grumblings

Above, J. D. Lees and Akira Takarada at G-FEST XXVI in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A surprising thing came to light while I was perusing Facebook on posts concerning COVID-19 popping up at G-FEST last weekend.

I didn't attend as I have a guest coming over for a visit next week, which includes some travel while she's here. The funds at present are finite.

A post was left by Sean McGuinness that stated J. D. Lees wasn't attending the convention this year as he refuses to get vaccinated in order to cross the U.S.-Canadian border. This was the first I heard of this. I was wondering why there there were no photos of J. D. at the convention. Now I know. That was a surprise to me! 

Here's the post:

This is from the G-FEST program book. JD Lees, the originator of G-Fest, will not attend his own convention because he refuses to get the vaccine to cross the Canadian border.

He has done "considerable research" and fails to provide any sources for that research. He says "his body his choice" as every woman in the United States has had their choice stripped away from them.

He talks about "societal divisions" are symbolic of these times and have caused harm to families, referring to discussion of the pandemic. Just like when the official G-Fest Twitter account would make light of COVID, claim it's mostly a foreign problem, a disease which would kill over one million Americans.

He wants to encourage us to put aside such divisions, such as when the official G-Fest Twitter account would block any and all concerns about how it was spreading deadly misinformation. We gather at G-Fest for our love of Science Fiction, and apparently Science Fact has no place there.

If necessary, we should "turn the other cheek", but the guests, artists and fans who were blocked by the G-Fest Twitter account are still blocked, no cheek turned. I expect this to be the G-Fest response to artists being refused entry to sell their legally protected fan art and the money they lose out on, as well as if they ever drop the "no mass produced fan art" rule that exists in no convention in the United States, except here.

We should keep our commitment and passions burning like the "Cherenkov Light", a radiation that is of Russian origin. Russia is currently invading Ukraine and torturing, raping and killing its citizens, men, women and children. Maybe he refers to the Monsterverse Godzilla and his blue glow, but Monsterverse guests are mysteriously absent from multiple G-Fests, but they are showing up at All Monsters Attack Expo in September.

I present these facts without opinion, I present them as facts with facts.

I haven't read the referenced program book, so I can't vouch for what was said or the accuracy of McGuinness's post.

Well, I don't think that J. D. has any obligation to anybody to provide his sources he used in his coronavirus research in making his decision. I am sure it was a tough decision for him to make. 

As for the "his body his choice" dig, McGuinness is mistaken that women had their "choice stripped from them" by the U.S. Supreme Court. They just ruled that there's no constitutional right on the federal level for abortions and ruled that it was for the states to decide. Women can still get abortions, they just have to go to a state that legally allows them or have their state change their laws if they don't. 

I disagree with J. D. on not getting vaccinated. I have been vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine (two shots) and two boosters. I experienced no ill effects except soreness at the injection sites. I was not about to take chances since I have two stents in a coronary artery. Even those who are fully vaccinated can still get the virus, the vaccine only lessens the severity. Still, that was his own personal decision.

On the fan art matter, since I haven't spoken to J. D. on the restrictions, I suspect that Toho Co. had a hand in this since Godzilla and related characters are their trademarked property. Historically, whenever occurrences like this had happened before, I was due to a Toho demand. J. D. would not pull the rug out from anybody unless he was forced to by Toho. 

As far as the G-FEST Twitter matter is concerned, I haven't seen any such postings and McGuinness didn't quote any. 

Frankly, I am not at all surprised that COVID reared its ugly head at G-FEST. People came from all corners of the country and world. A friend in the UFO research community told me last week that at a recent meeting/gathering, COVID was spread among the attendees. 

Could this be a new variant? G-Variant? I had a feeling this may happen at G-FEST. 

Apparently, it did. 

Cibola National Forest Closure To Be Lifted Today

Above, the Jeep in Six Mile Canyon three years ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some fire closures and restrictions are to be lifted this morning in the Cibola and other national forests in New Mexico thanks to monsoon rains.

Some in our community, which is up against the Cibola National Forest of the Mount Taylor Ranger District aren't too thrilled over this. 

According to the New Mexico Fire Information website:

Albuquerque, NM – June 23, 2022 – Monsoonal activity has increased bringing widespread precipitation across most of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands (NF & NGs). The fire danger level has decreased substantially within New Mexico. The Cibola NF & NGs will lift closures and fire restrictions on Friday, June 24th at 8:00 a.m. as noted below.

Forest managers consider several factors before lifting fire restrictions, including current fire danger and fire activity, current and predicted weather, fuel moisture levels, availability of firefighting resources, and local, regional and national fire preparedness levels.

Magdalena Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.  Previously announced Bear Trap Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure Order (03-0728) still in effect.

Mountainair Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Mt. Taylor Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Sandia Ranger District: Forest reopens on Friday June 24th.

Kiowa/Rita-Blanca Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th.

Black Kettle Ranger District: Lifts Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on Friday June 24th

 It looks like I'll be able to drive the Jeep into Cibola National Forest's Six Mile Canyon.

To read more, go here.

Japan Reopening Causing Confusion

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The reopening of Japan to foreign tourism last Friday should have been a happy occasion.

But, as the following article shows, it has caused confusion and some travel agencies are not at all happy with what Japan requires. The reopening either wasn't fully thought out or it was designed by control freaks.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- As Japan resumed visa procedures to accept foreign tourists last week, travel companies have been thrown into confusion over the lack of communication regarding entry procedures and last-minute COVID-19 guidelines.

The government's sudden moves have generated discontent among many in the travel industry, with some domestic companies pulling out of operating tours for inbound tourists amid the prolonged coronavirus pandemic.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced on May 26 that Japan would reopen to foreign tourists from last Friday, initially limiting eligible tourism arrivals to guided tours from 98 countries and regions deemed to have the lowest risk of infection.

A main crux of the problem is the visa requirement.

"Overseas agencies had been looking for tour participants on a spur-of-the-moment basis, so they were confused after discovering visas would be required," said the manager of a Japanese company supporting inbound tourism.

Before the pandemic, Japan offered visa-free travel for tourists from 68 countries and regions including the United States, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia.

But border restrictions due to COVID-19 mean that currently "everyone needs a visa," according to the Foreign Ministry.

Many overseas travel agencies were also unaware that, in order to apply for a visa, they first needed to input the traveler's details into Japan's health ministry system, which did not begin operating until midnight Thursday.

There are other restrictions and requirements that Japan is imposing, so much so that people are backing away.

To read the full article, go here. 

U.S. Loosening Cuba Travel Restrictions

Above, yours truly after arrival at Havana, Cuba.

His Fraudulency Joe Biden is loosening some restrictions on travel to Cuba and remittances that were put in place under President Donald Trump.

According to Yahoo Finance:

WASHINGTON/HAVANA (Reuters) - The United States on Wednesday moved to lift some Trump-era restrictions on remittances and travel to Cuba even as it fended off criticism for blocking the Communist-run island and long-time foe from attending a regional summit this week.

The amended regulations, set to be published in the U.S. Federal Register on Thursday, will provide further fine print around a broader easing of U.S. restrictions on Cuba first announced by the administration of President Joe Biden in May.

A Treasury Department official said publication of the new regulations was purposefully aligned with the U.S.-hosted Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

The Cuba-related rule changes this week allow U.S. citizens to once again travel to Cuba on group educational trips hosted by U.S.-based travel companies or organizations, and to attend professional meetings and conferences in Cuba.

The regulations also lift a $1,000 quarterly limit on family remittances to Cuban nationals who are close relatives and allow U.S. citizens to send funds to non-family members on the island.

Above, a couple of Havana locals and their vintage Chevrolet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I guess that if one is taking a cruise for "educational" purposes, it is allowed. But that's only a guess. We'll have to read the fine print to know for sure.

I took a cruise to Cuba in April 2019, which was two months before the Trump restrictions were put in place.

To read more, go here.

Japan To Ask Foreign Tourists To Wear Masks and Get Insurance

Above, the good ol' days before the pandemic at Toho Studios in Setagaya.

Here's the old "good news, bad news" thing rearing its ugly head.

The good news is that foreign tourists can travel to Japan (with a group tour) again starting Friday. But the bad news is that they will have to follow guidelines of such things as wearing masks and taking out insurance.

Kyodo News reported:

The government said Tuesday it will ask foreign tourists to wear face masks and take out insurance to cover medical expenses in the event they contract COVID-19 as Japan restarts accepting visitors in stages later this week.

The tourism ministry has compiled guidelines for travel agencies and hotels ahead of Friday's resumption of accepting arrivals for the purpose of tourism. Entry will be initially restricted to guided tours from 98 countries and regions presenting the lowest risk of infection, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.

"Understanding of the guidelines and compliance will lead to the smooth resumption of inbound tourism and its expansion," Tetsuo Saito, minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, told a press conference.

Under the guidelines, travel agencies will gain the consent of tour participants to comply with the measures by explaining upon sales or reservation of tours that they will not be penalized for failing to comply but may not be able to take part in tours.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Tops World Tourism Ranking

Above, Tokyo's Kappabashi "Kitchen Town". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ironic as it may seem, Japan ranks number one in world tourism ranking, but the country is closed off (with few exceptions) to foreign tourism.

The Japan Times reported:

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND – Japan on Tuesday came out ranking highest on a list of destinations in a 2021 travel and tourism development report by the World Economic Forum, despite the country being closed to foreign tourists due to restrictions against the coronavirus.

Topping the list for the first time, Japan ranked highly for its cultural resources and in several infrastructure categories, with the United States ranked second and Spain third.

Japan ranked fourth overall in the biennial report for air transport infrastructure and cultural resources, sixth for ground and port infrastructure, and 12th for natural resources. But it ranked low for its response to climate change, coming in 107th place.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Firms Want To See Faster Progress On Tourism Reopening

Above, the international arrival lobby at Narita Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan government's overly-cautious stance on foreign tourists is irritating to Japanese firms, particularly ones in the travel industry.

The Japan Times reported:

Businesspeople in Japan, particularly those in the tourism sector, are unsettled by what appears to them to be overly cautious government policy toward resuming tourism from abroad as the country's economy struggles to recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan is set to further ease COVID-19 border controls by raising its cap on overseas arrivals to 20,000 people per day from June, following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's remarks earlier this month that the country will relax restrictions in line with other Group of Seven countries.

But only a limited number of tourists will be allowed in for the time being, and the government has not yet indicated when Japan will start accepting all tourists from overseas.

As a result, Japan is now the only G7 country rejecting foreign tourists due to the pandemic. According to the Japan Association of Travel Agents, "a very limited number of countries such as Japan and China" do not accept foreign tourists.

Japan will, however, simplify testing and quarantine rules on arrival starting next month, dividing countries and regions into three groups according to infection risk levels. It will continue to require COVID-19 tests prior to departure for all countries. 

"As vaccination is underway, I don't see what (the Japanese government) is protecting the public from," said a senior official of an airline company.

Masakazu Tokura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation, told a news conference on May 9, "Many Japanese traveled abroad for sightseeing and leisure during the Golden Week holidays. On the other hand, Japan is still not allowing foreigners to enter Japan for tourism.

To read more, go here. 

Pressure Builds To Reopen Japan To Tourists

Above, the Akihabara section of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If a new article on Japan tourism is accurate, the hope that the country will be reopened in June is questionable.

The Akihabara News posted:

SNA Travel (Tokyo) — Representatives of Japan’s tourism industry are stepping up pressure on the Kishida administration to accelerate the country’s reopening to foreign visitors.

“We believe the weaker yen will help the tourism industry, and we see this as a business tailwind. This should be a great opportunity for the government to bring tourists back to Japan,” Japan Association of Travel Agents Chairman Hiroyuki Takahashi said this week.

Other organizations lobbying the government for opening the borders include the Japan Hotel Association, as well as major airlines and railway companies.

A formal request from these business groups was submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, specifically asking that the daily cap on entrants to Japan be abolished.

At present, the Kishida government has decided to raise the entry cap from 10,000 to 20,000 people per day beginning in June, but it still intends to maintain the controls.

The above highlighted phrase doesn't sound promising. Hopefully, the Kishida government will accede to the pressure and reopen Japan to foreign tourists. 

To read more, go here.