Many Japanese people were upset at the postponement of the 2020 Summer Olympics for Covid-related reasons while understanding and supporting why the decision was made.
Now, with the world’s most popular multi-sport competition set for July 21 to Aug. 8, the focus has turned towards that in increasing numbers. As a result, the country is looking to gradually reopen its borders in the spring.
The Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s largest newspapers, has reported that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s administration is looking at allowing small groups of visitors from countries in Asia that have low Covid infection rates. Possible examples provided by the newspaper include China and Taiwan. However, it did not provide its sources, and government officials have not offered any comment.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, international tourists from the approved countries would need to provide a negative Covid test result and a detailed travel itinerary in order to be allowed to enter.
Additionally, they would have to use a tracing app and experience significant restrictions on their freedom of movement, needing to travel by a hired coach and be separated from domestic tourists as they traverse through places such as their hotels and sightseeing attractions.
The government has attempted to revive tourism within its borders by providing significant subsidies to domestic travelers, but that has been accompanied by criticism as the country has experienced a steady increase in cases as of late; many believe that the two are connected. In fact, record numbers of new cases have been recently recorded in Tokyo and Osaka, the centers of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas. On Dec. 5, Tokyo alone reported 584 cases from the previous 24 hours.
The vast majority of travelers who would normally visit Japan have been unable to since April. The relatively few who have been approved have been required to self-quarantine for a 14-day period.