Dec 19, 2019 (Nikkei) - The Japanese passport was again named as the "world's most powerful" by a British consultancy this year, but the Japanese themselves seem little interested in taking advantage, with only 23% holding passports -- a sign that the nation has become increasingly inward-looking in the era of globalization.
In the U.S., the share of people with a passport has jumped 17 percentage points over the past 12 years, to about 44% by 2019, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and State Department. Meanwhile, the proportion of Japanese with a passport is the lowest among the Group of Seven industrialized nations.
Japanese passports were rated the world's most powerful for the second year running, according to an annual survey by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship advisory. Singapore tied with Japan for first place, followed by South Korea, whose passport holders can visit 188 countries and territories visa-free. The U.S. and the U.K. ranked 15th. Countries in Europe, North America and East Asia topped the list.
Henley & Partners looked at passports issued by 199 countries and regions and ranked them by the number of foreign destinations their holders can travel to without a visa. As of October, Japanese passport holders could visit 190 countries and regions visa-free, or by applying for one on arrival.
However, Japanese have shown comparatively little interest in traveling abroad. The number of Japanese students studying overseas has fallen from its peak, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. And relatively few Japanese work for international organizations, given the size of its economy and population, say observers.
But while many Japanese appear to be homebodies, those who do venture abroad find the benefits of a Japanese passports are legion.
When visas are required for entry, a traveler must have the document issued in advance by the embassy or consulate of the destination country. But in many cases, holders of Japanese passports can skip this preliminary screening. And because Japanese passports are generally trusted, holders can often complete immigration procedures more smoothly than people from elsewhere.
