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“China-fication” of Japan? New 10-Year Visa for Wealthy Chinese Tourists Stirs Backlash
A plan to extend the current five-year visitor visa to 10 years for China’s elite has many on Japan’s far right up in arms.
A plan to relax visa restrictions for Chinese travelers — particularly the most wealthy travelers — is stirring a debate in Japan. While some are arguing this might worsen overtourism, many on Japan’s hard right are attacking Japan’s Foreign Minister over the plan and arguing it’ll lead to the “China-fication” of the country.
The move is part of continuing efforts between China and Japan to repair relations between the two countries. A recent survey showed feelings between the two countries have grown more negative in recent years.
Currently, all Chinese travelers to Japan need a visa, with their stays limited to 15 days on a single entry. Under the revisions, Chinese citizens arriving as part of a group tour could stay for 30 days at a time.
The most significant revision, however, is for upper-class Chinese citizens. Chinese who meet certain income requirements could get a 10-year multiple-entry visitor visa. Currently, the maximum period for a visitor visa is five years.
Additionally, visitors who are 65 years or older would no longer need to show proof of employment when…
