Travel

China to allow visa-free entry for 6 countries, but not Japan

Nov 26 (NHK) - China will soon allow visa-free entry for citizens of six countries, in a move widely seen as an attempt to spur the faltering domestic economy.

On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the measure applies to ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia.

They will be able to stay for up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism and visiting family. The measure will run for one year starting December 1.

Analysts say the move is likely aimed at attracting investment amid growing uncertainty about China's economy.

Mao described the plan as part of the country's "high-standard opening up."

China suspended short-term visa exemptions for Japanese citizens three years ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Leaders in Tokyo have been calling on Beijing to reinstate the measure.

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

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Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

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Hotel Prices Surge in Osaka Just 17 Days Before Expo Opening

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