Japanese
From October 11, 2022, the restrictions on human traffic between Japan and the rest of the world will be substantially lifted. This is a long-awaited milestone for our country and the tourism industry!
The resumption of acceptance of FIT travelers and the resumption of the VISA waiver will boost the desire to travel to Japan in a big way. It will take a little more time to regain the same level of inbound activity as in 2019, as the East Asian neighbor has yet to “open up” to the world, but the market, which has been depleted for nearly three years, is bound to come alive with activity for the first time in a long time.
Looking back, the two and a half years of almost total isolation was a time when most of us were physically and mentally distanced from the world. During this time, there were a series of events and market changes that objectively reflected Japan in the world, such as the Tokyo Olympics, which was held without spectators, differences in corona policies between Japan and the rest of the world, the invasion of Ukraine, the depreciation of the yen, and rising consumer prices. Although this is not a new phenomenon, various economic indicators show Japan’s relative position declining, and if this trend continues, there is even a danger that the gap will widen more and more.
Yet, what about our way of life in the pandemic? We all quietly endured our limited circumstances and found hope for true affluence in the new normal way of working, and were even impressed by the original landscape of Japan that had regained its serenity when we visited there in between the spikes of the outbreaks. We should have confidence in our country’s virtue of being able to pull together and cheerfully survive no matter what predicament we find ourselves in.
Now, for the first time in two and a half years, the pod that has enveloped our cultural sphere and blocked contact with the outside world is about to open. The distance between the world and Japan will be greatly shortened, and exchange will resume. The strong wind might be blowing in, and this may cause some friction. But the fact that tens of millions of travelers are eagerly awaiting their trip to Japan is a testament to the attractiveness of Japan and its culture to so many people.
Welcome to Nippon! I would like to express my hope that the tourism industry will grow into a major pillar of Japan’s economy and narrow the gap between Japan and the rest of the world.
Team of 7Skies who support the airline and travel industries are also renewing our resolve to venture out into the world again.
President and Representative Director
Tetsuya Joko