TOKYO (JAPAN) – Hiroshi Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten Inc, has urged the Japanese government to review its curbs on the entry of foreign nationals, adding that prolonged restrictions were tarnishing the image of the country and stagnating innovation.
He voices concerns of corporate Japan over the protests raised by Western business lobbies over the prolonged curbs put in place by the government to stem the spread of coronavirus.
Japan has the strictest restrictions in place banning the entry of not only tourists but also residency permit holders from more than 140 countries.
This forces many permanent and long-term residents to be stuck outside the country. Those within the country have to take the difficult decision of whether to leave the country to attend a funeral or take care of sick family members.
“As a result of these restrictions, not only is it extremely difficult for foreign nationals to visit Japan for business or study purposes, but foreign nationals who have made Japan their home and base of activities in order to make a significant contribution to Japanese society are also facing severe restrictions,” said Mikitani, who heads the Japan Association of New Economy.
“If this stance continues into the long term, not only will Japan sacrifice new business opportunities and access to knowledge and expertise, we are also at risk of being perceived as a society that does not welcome foreign nationals within our borders.”
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
