Japan's online procedures for foreign entrants begin

Feb 25, 2022 | News On Japan

Feb 25, 2022 (NHK) - The Japanese government on Friday started online procedures for foreign entrants ahead of its easing of entry restrictions next week.

The necessary procedures can be accessed from the health ministry's website and is operated by Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System, or ERFS.

Japan has essentially banned the new entry of foreigners as part of measures against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. But the restrictions will be eased from next Tuesday.

Academic institutions and businesses that will facilitate foreigners' entry need to register the entrants' passport data and locations where they will self-isolate upon arriving in Japan on the ERFS system in advance.

The host bodies also have to consent to a pledge that they will have entrants implement thorough anti-infection measures. The procedure is needed for applicants to apply for visas at Japanese diplomatic missions abroad.

Online applications will be accepted around the clock. Health ministry officials say visas will be issued about a week after application at the earliest.

Foreigners and host organizations are welcoming the start of the procedures, but some are concerned whether they will be able to book air tickets.

The daily cap on arrivals will be raised from 3,500 to 5,000, including Japanese nationals, but excluding foreign tourists. The government will consider whether to further ease restrictions depending on infection situations in Japan and overseas, as well as demand from Japanese nationals who want to return home.

Source: TBS NEWS

Japan, UK Launch New Partnership

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic security, defense and advanced technologies during talks in London on June 14, with the two leaders expected to release a joint document outlining a broad new framework for collaboration ranging from artificial intelligence and semiconductors to critical minerals and energy security.

Japan Faces Netherlands Without Liverpool Midfielder Wataru Endo

When Japan kicks off its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at 5:00 a.m. Japan time on June 15 at Dallas Stadium in Texas, the Samurai Blue will do so without one of their most influential players. Liverpool midfielder and former captain Wataru Endo has been ruled out through injury, prompting coach Hajime Moriyasu to hand the captain's armband to Ajax defender Ko Itakura while relying on Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka and Crystal Palace playmaker Daichi Kamada to help fill the void left in central midfield.

Fire Torches Naritasan Shokoji Temple in Hokkaido

A fire broke out at a Buddhist temple in Obihiro, Hokkaido, on June 13th, sending flames soaring from the building and causing temporary alarm in a nearby residential neighborhood before being largely extinguished about two hours later.

Japan Moves To Tackle Potty Parity

The Japanese government on June 12th released new guidelines calling for women’s toilets to have at least as many fixtures as men’s toilets in public facilities, seeking to address the persistent problem of long queues at women’s restrooms in places such as train stations and event venues.

Captain Endo Withdraws From Japan Squad

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the national team's World Cup squad due to injury and announced his retirement from international soccer, dealing a major blow ahead of Japan's Group F opener against the Netherlands on June 14th (June 15th Japan time), as the team continued preparations near Nashville, Tennessee, on June 11th.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Four Nabbed in 870,000-Yen All-You-Can-Drink Scam

Four people have been arrested on suspicion of defrauding a man in his 20s out of 870,000 yen by disguising a rental room in Osaka as a bar and luring customers through a matchmaking app.

Man Arrested for Allegedly Stealing School Slippers to Satisfy Sexual Urges

A 25-year-old construction worker arrested for allegedly breaking into a high school in Mie Prefecture and stealing slippers and indoor shoes told investigators he wanted to become sexually aroused, police said.

LUUP User Dies in First Fatal Scooter Crash Confirmed on Tokyo Roadway

A 62-year-old man riding a LUUP electric scooter died following a collision with a pedestrian at an intersection in Tokyo's Koto Ward on June 2nd, marking what is believed to be the first confirmed fatal accident involving a LUUP user on a Tokyo roadway.

Ex-Boyfriend Suspected of Murdering High School Girl

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old high school student was found unconscious on a riverbank in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and later pronounced dead.

Deadly Blaze Rips Through Densely Packed Fukui Neighborhood

A fire that broke out in a densely populated residential area of Fukui City early on June 10 left one person dead, destroyed multiple homes, and triggered panic among local residents as flames spread rapidly through the neighborhood.

Four Arrested After Festival Brawl Leaves Seven Injured

Four men have been arrested in connection with a mass assault that erupted during a traditional festival in Saijo, Ehime Prefecture, leaving seven people injured after more than 30 participants became involved in the violence.

Massive Hose Washes Ashore in Ishikawa

A gigantic Chinese-made hose measuring about 150 meters in length, up to 2 meters in diameter, and weighing an estimated 300 tons has washed ashore on the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, prompting local authorities to launch a large-scale removal operation.

Fire Destroys Historic Arima Inari Shrine

A fire broke out at Arima Inari Shrine near the Arima Onsen hot spring resort area in Kobe on the night of June 9th, destroying multiple buildings and leaving an elderly Shinto priest and his wife with minor injuries.

< 2 3 4 5 >