Japan says no decision yet on easing visa rules for Chinese visitors

By Reuters December 4, 2024 | 04:00 pm PT

Visitors ride boats next to blooming cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo, Japan, March 22, 2023. Photo by Reuters/Issei Kato

Japan has not yet decided whether to ease visa rules for visiting Chinese nationals, a government spokesperson said on Wednesday, after the Nikkei business daily reported that authorities planned to do so.

The report came after China said last month it would expand visa-free arrangements for visitors from Japan and other nations.

However no decision had been made to relax visa rules for Chinese visitors, Keiichiro Tachibana, the government's deputy chief cabinet secretary, told a press conference.

"In any case, we will continue to respond appropriately to visa issues in response to changes in the situation," he added.