Travel

Japan waives pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated visitors but daily caps remain

Aug 24 (straitstimes.com) - Japan will waive pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travellers to the country, but daily caps on entrants will remain in place, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday (Aug 24).

The requirement for tests will be lifted from Sept 7, Mr Kishida said. No decision has been made yet on a reported plan to raise a daily cap on inbound travellers from 20,000 to 50,000, he added.

"We will continue relaxing these measures gradually," said Mr Kishida, who addressed reporters online as he is recuperating from Covid-19 at his official residence.

Japan has maintained some of the strictest pandemic border measures among major economies, requiring travellers to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure.

Japan's border is currently only open for those with Japanese nationality, as well as long-term and pre-issued tourism visas. Tokyo stopped their visa waivers for applicable passports during the pandemic. ...continue reading

Japan's incoming prime minister announces snap election on October 27

Japan's incoming prime minister Ishiba Shigeru will officially assume his post at the Diet on Tuesday. He says he will call a snap election on October 27. (NHK)

Renowned Satirical Illustrator Shōji Yamatō Passes Away at 87

Illustrator and satirical artist Shōji Yamatō passed away on Monday morning due to natural causes. He was 87 years old. In his renowned column for the Weekly Asahi, which started in 1976, he became famous for his distinctive caricatures of politicians and public figures, gaining popularity through his sharp social satire.

'Sugar Baby Riri' Gets Reduced Sentence

In the trial of Mai Watanabe, also known as 'Sugar Baby Riri' or 'Itadakijoshi Riri-chan,' the Nagoya High Court has handed the defendant a sentence of 8 years and 6 months in prison, six months less than the initial trial's verdict, along with a fine.

Two powerful storms approaching Japan

Japanese weather officials say that over the next few days Typhoon Krathon will likely approach the southwestern islands of Okinawa Prefecture. (NHK)

Tateyama Alpine Route Awash in Autumn Colors, Set to Peak in October

Autumn foliage is advancing early in the Tateyama region of the Northern Alps in Toyama Prefecture, with vibrant red and yellow hues starting to appear.

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