Over the past few months, Japan has been slowly easing its COVID-19 related border restrictions. In March, after almost two years, it started allowing in students, academics and business people. Then in April, parents and immediate relatives of foreign residents were allowed to enter the country.

But the borders are still closed to tourists, a broad category of people that includes everyone from leisure travelers to the unmarried partners of residents of Japan. This week on Deep Dive, Kanako Takahara joins to discuss when Japan might reopen to international tourism, and what form that reopening might take.

Read more:

The ¥22 trillion question: When will Japan reopen to foreign tourists? (Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times)
Japan plans to double entry cap to allow 20,000 daily arrivals starting in June
Japan should end cap on overseas visitors, senior LDP lawmaker says

On this episode:
Kanako Takahara: Articles | Twitter
Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

Transcript
We have recently begun experimenting with transcripts for episodes of Deep Dive. A full transcript of this episode is available on The Japan Times website. Find transcripts useful? Tips for improvement? Contact us to let us know.

Announcements:
Get in touch with Oscar and the show at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show. Rate, review and share this episode with a friend if you've enjoyed it. Follow us on Twitter, and give us feedback.

This episode of Deep Dive may be supported by advertising based on your location. Advertising is sourced by Audioboom and is not affiliated with The Japan Times.

Photo: Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most popular tourist attractions, in fall. | Getty Images

5 Tips for Writing a Likable "Righteous" Character