- Japan is loosening mask regulations for the general public.
- Wearing masks to limit the transmission of diseases and protect against pollen was widespread in Japan.
- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised to bring Japan’s border policies in line with those of other prosperous countries.
The government announced on Tuesday that foreign visitors visiting Japan will be required to wear masks, purchase private medical insurance, and be accompanied throughout their stay, as part of a progressive opening following two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
Only guests on package tours will be permitted in during the first phase of the reopening, which begins on June 10, according to the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), who also stated that travel agency advisors accompanying visitors must wear masks.
“At each point of the trip, tour guides should remind tour participants of important infection control measures, including wearing and removing masks,” the JTA noted in its instructions.
“In instances where people are chatting in close proximity, masks should be worn even outside.”
Over the course of the pandemic, Japan has implemented some of the tightest border controls in the world, excluding practically any non-residents from entering.
Japan is loosening its laws while the rest of the world lifts its COVID restrictions. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised to bring Japan’s border policies in line with those of other prosperous countries.
Despite the fact that masks are prevalent, the government has recently began loosening mask regulations for the general public. Before the coronavirus epidemic, wearing masks to limit the transmission of diseases and protect against pollen was widespread in Japan.
Last month, Japan held “test tours” for groups of approximately 50 people, the majority of whom were travel agents, although one of them tested positive for COVID.
According to James Jang, an Australian travel agent who participated in one of the test trips, the rules would undoubtedly deter some individuals for the time being.
“Clients will be fine wearing a mask indoors,” Jang told Reuters, “but wearing them 24 hours is a bother.”
“The cost of always hiring a guide may dissuade clients until they have greater flexibility later.”
In 2019, 31.9 million international visitors visited Japan, spending 4.81 trillion yen ($36.28 billion).
(1 dollar Equals 132.5700 yen)
