“O.itemList.length” “- this.config.text.ariaShown
“This.config.text.ariaFermé”
By Chris Gallagher
TOKYO (Reuters) – Rakuten Inc’s chief executive, Hiroshi Mikitani, suggested the Japanese government review its restrictions on access to foreign citizens, saying the extended imposition of COVID-19 brakes could tarnish Japan’s appeal and stagnate innovation.
The e-commerce organization’s owner adds a high-profile voice from Japanese corporations to the protests of Western industry lobbies opposite borders, which the government has put in a position to involve that of the new coronavirus.
Many countries have imposed restrictions on combating the pandemic, but Japan is among the strictest and prohibits access with a few exceptions, not only for tourists, but also for long-term visa holders in more than 140 countries.
This means that many permanent citizens and other long-term citizens remain stranded outside Japan due to restrictions or face decisions as heartbreaking as leaving Japan to attend funerals or care in poor family health circles for fear that they will not be allowed. to return to Japan. The country.
Because of these restrictions, not only is it incredibly difficult for foreigners to travel to Japan for advertising or educational purposes, but foreign citizens who have made Japan their home and base of activities to make a significant contribution to Japanese society also face serious problems. restrictions,” Mikitani said this week as president of the Japanese New Economy Association.
“If this position continues for the long term, Japan will not only sacrifice new trade opportunities, wisdom and experience, but we will also threaten to be perceived as a society that does not welcome foreign citizens within our borders.”
Earlier this week, business lobbyists in Europe, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the United States signed a joint letter opposing government policy, saying it did not agree with the actions of other primary economies and would harm investment.
(Report through Chris Gallagher; Editing via Christopher Cushing)