2/15/22 Update: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the new border measures on Thursday, February 17 (Japan Time). There is a mix of new regulations being considered; I’ll post what is officially announced as soon as I learn the details.

Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to the first post of 2022! Today I wanted to share a very quick update that Japan is expected to announce the easing of border measures for foreign nationals as soon as this week, which will likely take effect after the current restrictions expire at the end of February.

There has been growing pressure and international criticism on Japan’s border policy towards foreigners, as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus spreads domestically in Japan. Some have cried “xenophobia” and “neo-sakoku” (referring to Japan’s isolation policy from 1603 to 1868), while within Japan many have expressed support for the border measures.

I expect that Japan, like a few months ago when the borders opened up for a little while, will not initially permit tourists. Once again, I expect that students, business travelers and those who will be staying in Japan for a longer period of time (i.e. skilled workers) will be given first priority.

There is no word yet on what will happen with quarantine rules. Currently, the quarantine is 7 days for anyone allowed in (Japanese nationals, permanent residents, special circumstances), with a portion of that time likely to be spent at a government quarantine facility. Those waiting to enter Japan that have been interviewed by various newspapers have said that they would be more than willing to follow the country’s measures. There is speculation in the press reports that Japan might reduce the quarantine under certain circumstances, as was the case for business travelers last autumn.

Once the border situation becomes clearer, I’ll post another update. As always, thanks for your support!