Travel

Haneda Airport Tests Combined Immigration and Customs System

TOKYO, Jan 25 (News On Japan) - In an effort to expedite the immigration and customs processes for the growing number of foreign travelers to Japan, a new system that consolidates both procedures was unveiled to the press on Thursday, set for trial implementation at Haneda Airport's international terminal.

The system, which begins operation on January 31, allows for the shared use of data between immigration and customs, enabling travelers to register just once for both passport and facial photograph verification. Currently, foreign travelers and Japanese nationals returning from abroad are required to register separately at both immigration for entry inspection and customs for baggage examination.

To utilize the new system, users must pre-enter the necessary information on an online site provided by the Digital Agency. According to the Japan Tourism Agency, the number of foreign visitors to Japan last year exceeded 25 million, nearly 80% of the pre-pandemic figure, and further increases are expected. In light of this, alleviating congestion at airports has become a pressing issue.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

Hokkaido Shinkansen Sapporo Extension Delayed by 12 Years

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Water Gushes From Kasumigaseki Station

Water erupted from near the ceiling of an underground passage inside Tokyo Metro’s Kasumigaseki Station in Chiyoda Ward at around 6:00 p.m. on January 14th, in what the operator believes was caused by a burst water supply pipe.

Hokkaido to Ease Brown Bear Alerts

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Japan Welcomes New Generation of Adults

Ceremonies celebrating those turning 20 were held across Japan on January 12th, with events taking place nationwide to mark Coming of Age Day.

China Begins Restricting Rare Earth Exports to Japan, U.S. Paper Reports

The Wall Street Journal reported on January 8th, citing two Chinese exporters, that the Chinese government has started imposing limits on shipments of rare earths and related materials bound for Japan.

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