TOKYO, Reuters – Japan confirmed Tuesday its plans to ease COVID-19 borders restrictions but failed to respond to business lobby calls for the country to be open to trade with major partners.

Hirokazu Matsuno, the chief cabinet secretary, stated that the government will review its border control system in stages. This was in response to reports that business travelers would no longer be quarantined for 10 days.

National broadcaster NHK stated that the easing could take effect on Monday. Daily border entry would also be increased from 3,500 to 5,000 people later in the month.

Japan’s foreign and domestic business associations have lobbyed for the government to relax border restrictions so that they are more comparable to other countries. As long as the proof of vaccination is provided, entry into the United States or European Union for most travelers from any country is allowed.

Although the quarantine time would be shorter, this would not benefit Japanese citizens or business travelers, according to Michael Mroczek of the European Business Council Japan. Problem number one is still the hold on long-term Visas.

He said, “Failing to be able to send essential personnel to Japan at the moment is the most pressing issue facing European industry.”

Japan reduced its quarantine time for vaccine-eligible people from 14 to 10 days last month, when it removed many state of emergency actions.

Japan’s 70% population has seen a dramatic drop in COVID-19-related cases. On Monday, 9 new infections were reported in Tokyo. This is down from the 5,000+ per day that was recorded during August’s wave of infected Delta varieties.

Haruka Sakamoto (a Keio University physician) stated that vaccinations and coronavirus testing should suffice to prevent infections after an international trip.

She stated that people who have had two doses should not be kept in quarantine. I strongly believe that Japan’s current strict border control policies are having a negative effect on international student and business.

Australia and Thailand eased their international border restrictions Monday for the first-time in 18 months.