democracy – Author Carlo Carrasco

Japan Attracts Over 21 Million Foreign Visitors In First Half Of 2026

July 23, 2026July 20, 2026carlocarrasco

During the first half of this year, Japan attracted a little more than twenty-one million foreign visitors, according to a news report by VnExpress. What is notable, however, is the fact that Japan experienced its first drop in five years.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

Japan, voted the “world’s most favorite destination” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler last year, received 21.08 million foreign visitors in the first half of the year, down 2% from the same period a year earlier, marking the country’s first decline in inbound tourism for the January-June period in five years.

The drop was largely driven by a sharp decline in arrivals from mainland China after Beijing advised its citizens against traveling to Japan, while strong growth from South Korea helped cushion the decline, Japan Today reported.

Mainland Chinese arrivals plunged 56.4% year-on-year to 2.06 million in the first half, while visitors from South Korea rose 18.6% to 5.68 million, and from Taiwan increased 20.9% to 3.97 million.

Hotel operator Mori Trust forecasts Japan will welcome between 40.5 million and 42 million international visitors in 2026, slightly below the record 42.68 million arrivals recorded last year, The Japan Times reported.

The company said demand for hotel bookings remains strong for the summer and autumn travel seasons, despite airlines increasing fuel surcharges on international flights amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? With the way it is going, do you think Japan will be able to match the 42.7 million foreign tourists it attracted in 2025? Do you think growth of incoming tourists from South Korea, Taiwan and other nations will heavily offset the lack of Chinese tourists by the end of 2026? Do you consider overtourism a problem for the Japanese?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan’s Parliament Enacts National Flag Vandalism Bill

July 18, 2026July 17, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan’s Parliament enacted a bill that would criminalize acts of damaging the national flag, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This new development is the latest legislative victory for Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae whose administration, parliamentary partner and even a few opposition elements submitted it. Those who opposed the bill called it “divisive” and “unconstitutional”.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s parliament on Friday enacted a divisive law introducing criminal penalties for desecrating the national flag, achieving a key legislative goal of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in the current Diet session.

The ruling parties argued the law was needed because Japan already criminalized desecration of foreign flags but had no equivalent provision covering its own. Some opposition parties and legal experts criticized the measure, saying it may infringe on freedom of expression and could be unconstitutional.

The bill, jointly submitted by the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party, along with the opposition Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito, cleared the House of Councillors.

Under the law, individuals who damage, remove or defile the national flag in a way that arouses “strong feelings of discomfort or disgust” in others could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen ($1,200).

The penalties mirror existing provisions in the Penal Code on desecration of foreign flags and follow an October agreement between the LDP and JIP identifying the legal discrepancy as one to be resolved.

Parliamentary debate centered on the law’s implications for constitutional rights and what constitutes a punishable act, with the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan among its critics.

Under the law, whether an act is punishable will be determined based on the circumstances as a whole. LDP lawmakers cited as possible violations stomping on a flag, covering it with mud in a street or park, and soiling it with feces or urine.

Livestreaming the cutting up or burning of a Japanese flag in a private space is also punishable, although a provision making the subsequent sharing of such footage an offense was dropped during negotiations to secure the DPP and Sanseito’s support for the bill.

A supplementary provision calls for a review around three years after the law takes effect to determine whether additional measures are needed in light of developments such as the online dissemination of images of flag desecration.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan’s parliament did the right move enacting the national flag vandalism proposal? Do you believe that desecrating your nation’s flag should be penalized? What is your opinion about the Islamists and Leftists – both foreigners and citizens – in America and Europe who burned national flags so publicly and shamelessly? Did you notice social media posts that captured images of Leftists and woke nuts in Japan who desecrated the Japanese flag?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan To Raise Foreigners’ Residency Fees Significantly

July 9, 2026July 3, 2026carlocarrasco

In a clear attempt to cover the administrative costs resulting from the sharp increase of foreign residents in their country, Japan intends to raise foreigners’ residency fees significantly this year, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan announced a draft cabinet order Friday to raise the fees for permission to change temporary residence status and extend the period of stay to up to 75,000 yen from the current 6,000 yen.

The new fees will range from 10,000 to 75,000 yen, varying depending on the length of the period, according to the draft, released by the Immigration Services Agency. The fee to obtain permanent resident status will jump to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen.

The agency hopes to put the fee hikes into effect in October after a public comment period from Friday.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the planned hike of foreigners’ residency fees are justified and timely? Do you think the plan will deter Third World countries from sending their citizens to Japan as immigrants or as migrant workers? Do you think the hike of foreigners’ residency fees will take effect this October?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Higher Departure Tax And Visa Fees In Japan Implemented

July 3, 2026July 2, 2026carlocarrasco

Since July 1, the departure tax in Japan has been raised significantly covering both Japanese and foreign travelers in what is clearly a move to fund measures against the rising number of issues related with the surge of inbound tourism, according to a news report by Kyodo News. At the same time, visa fees were also raised dramatically.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government on Wednesday tripled the departure tax to 3,000 yen ($18) per person to fund measures against issues arising from the surge in inbound tourism.

Fees for foreigner visitors who need visas to enter Japan were also hiked on Wednesday, rising fivefold to 15,000 yen for single-entry and 30,000 yen for multiple entries. Meanwhile, on the same day, the government reduced passport application fees for Japanese nationals to make up for the added burden from the departure tax.

The tax is collected through travel ticket purchases, regardless of the passenger’s nationality. The government will use the tax income primarily to finance measures aimed at easing congestion, such as setting up designated areas at popular photo spots that are often crowded with foreign tourists.

It will also support regional tourism initiatives, such as turning local railways into tourist attractions and renovating station buildings, in an effort to attract visitors away from heavily congested areas.

Travelers transiting through Japan and staying less than 24 hours in the country, as well as children under the age of 2, are exempt from the tax. Passengers who purchased their travel tickets by Tuesday were charged the original departure tax of 1,000 yen.

Known officially as the international tourist tax, it raised about 49 billion yen in fiscal 2025 ended March and is expected to generate around 130 billion yen in fiscal 2026.

The tax is collected by airlines, cruise lines and travel agencies upon purchase of air and sea tickets departing Japan and remitted to the government, according to the Japan Tourism Agency.

The hike in entry visa fees was the first increase since 1978.

Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said earlier the fees were raised to reflect inflation and the yen’s depreciation, and that the move is not expected to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.

Japan’s visa fees had been considered low compared with those charged by other Group of Seven countries.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What can you say about the hiked fees regarding Japanese visa and the departure tax? Do you plan to visit Japan very soon?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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First Pig Kidney Transplant Trial In Japan Could Happen As Early As 2028

June 30, 2026June 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Clinical trials of pig kidney transplants to humans could start as early as 2028 in two specific hospitals in Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News. This one-of-a-kind development, if successful, could help Japan address the shortage of organ donors.

It should be recalled that a recipient of a pig kidney in the United States survived a record-breaking 271 days before the organ had to be removed. Over a hundred thousand people in America are currently waiting for organ transplants and most of them in need of kidneys.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

A Japanese startup said Monday it will conduct clinical trials of pig kidney transplants to humans at two hospitals as early as 2028, which if successful would likely make them the first of their kind in the country.

It is hoped that organ transplants from pigs to humans will address the shortage of organ donors in Japan. Pig kidney transplants have previously been carried out on a trial basis in the United States and China.

According to the Meiji University venture, PorMedTec, the kidneys, which have been genetically modified to prevent organ rejection, will be transplanted at Hokkaido University Hospital in Sapporo and Shonan Kamakura General Hospital in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture.

“We want to lay the foundation of xenotransplantation in Japan,” Hiroshi Nagashima, a Meiji University professor and representative director of the company, said in a press release, referring to the surgical transfer of non-human animals’ organs to human recipients.

The startup imports genetically modified pig cells developed by U.S. biotechnology company eGenesis Inc. and produces pigs with the same features in Japan. The genes of the animal have been modified in 69 areas to prevent organs from being rejected by recipients’ bodies.

The Japanese firm said it will finalize plans for the clinical trial and hopes to promote the widespread use of the treatment for patients with severe kidney failure once manufacturing and marketing approval is granted.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is the first thing you think of when it comes to transplanting animal organs into human bodies? Are you concerned that kidneys from pigs are not 100% compatible with humans? How many members of your local community suffer from kidney-related problems?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japanese Embassy Confirms Temporary Visitor Visas Remain Free For Filipinos

June 28, 2026June 25, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the recent announcement of significant increases of foreigner entry visa fees that will take effect on July 1, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines confirmed that the temporary visitor visas (good up to 90 days maximum) are still free of charge for Filipinos, according to a GMA News report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of GMA News. Some parts in boldface…

Temporary visitor visas for Filipinos remain “gratis” or free of charge, the Japanese embassy in Manila announced on Thursday.

The embassy’s announcement came in the wake of the Japanese government’s announcement that single-entry visa fees for foreign nationals will increase fivefold, from 3,000 yen (about P1,170) to 15,000 yen (around P5,850), for applications filed starting July 1.

“Please note that a temporary visitor visa (for a stay of a maximum of 90 days) for a Philippine national remains gratis,” the embassy announced on its website and on Facebook.

The Japanese embassy in Manila also announced the “Cabinet Order on Fees Collected by Consular Officers,” which sets forth visa fees, has been amended and comes into effect on July 1, 2026.

“For visa applications accepted at overseas diplomatic missions on or after that date, the fee, converted into Japanese yen, will be approximately 15,000 yen for a single-entry visa and approximately 30,000 yen for a multiple-entry visa,” the embassy said.

“As a general rule, payment shall be made in the local currency of the country (region) where the Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan issuing the visa is located,” it added.

The embassy said fees may not be required or the amount may differ, “depending on the purpose of your visit and your nationality.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think this good news will encourage more Filipinos to visit Japan using the temporary visitor visa? Do you know anyone who applied for a Japanese visa lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan To Significantly Raise Foreigner Entry Visa Fees Starting July

June 21, 2026June 20, 2026carlocarrasco

As Japan continues to attract many millions of visitors from around the world, the government proceeded to raise the single-entry visa fees and multiple-entry visa fees for foreigners significantly and they will take effect on July 1, 2026, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

Keep in mind that this is actually the first time Japan increased the rate since 1978 and in today’s economy, one American Dollar is worth over 160 Yen. The last time I visited Japan, the exchange rate was 106 Yen to US$1.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

The Japanese government on Friday decided to raise single-entry visa fees for foreigners fivefold to 15,000 yen ($90) from 3,000 yen beginning in July, marking the first increase since 1978 amid inflation and the yen’s depreciation.

Issuance fees for multiple-entry visas, which allow visitors to enter Japan multiple times over a set period, will be hiked from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

“We do not expect the move to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said during a press conference.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Were you planning to visit Japan after July 1 this year? Do the pending hikes of visa entry fees for foreigners discourage you from visiting Japan? Have you started researching the process of applying for a Japan visa lately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Joins America’s Genesis Mission

June 6, 2026June 5, 2026carlocarrasco

Japan and the United States have formally confirmed their partnership on the Genesis Mission project and together they will invest heavily on it and cooperate closely over the next several years, according to a news report by NHK World. That said, Japan is officially the first international partner on the ambitious project.

Officially launched by US President Donald Trump in late-2025, Genesis Mission unites the US Department of Energy (DOE) National Labs, industry, academia, and more to harness AI for breakthroughs in energy dominance, discovery science, and national security.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the NHK World report. Some parts in boldface…

Japan will join a US national project called “Genesis Mission,” which is aimed at accelerating scientific research and technological innovation by using artificial intelligence and supercomputers.

Japan will be the project’s first international partner.

The US and Japanese governments will each invest 500 million dollars in the project over five years.

US President Donald Trump’s administration launched the project last November.

Delegates from the US Department of Energy, Japanese ministries of education, science and technology as well as Economy, Trade and Industry signed the statement of intent at the DOE in Washington on Thursday.

DOE Under Secretary for Science and Genesis Mission Lead Dario Gil said it is a “defining moment” for the next era of science.

Under the partnership, US national laboratories and leading Japanese research institutions, including Riken and the National Institute for Materials Science, will boost research collaborations to advance breakthroughs in areas such as quantum information science, fusion energy and biotechnology.

The move is also aimed at strengthening the two partners’ global competitiveness in science and technology with China in mind.

The US and Japanese governments also plan to discuss how to ensure the protection of crucial databases and intellectual property.

The vice-minister for policy coordination of the Japanese education, science and technology ministry, Kakita Yasuyoshi, said Japan has abundant quality data resources obtained through research and development.

To learn more about Genesis Mission, click here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the US-Japan partnership will boost the chances of breakthroughs within the Genesis Mission?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan Approves Bills To Raise Visa Fees And Introduce Online Pre-Entry Screening

June 4, 2026May 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently members of Japan’s parliament approved an immigration control law revision that effectively raised fees for foreigners applying for residence status while also paving the way for the introduction of the online pre-entry screening covering those coming from abroad, according to a news report by Kyodo News.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Kyodo News report. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s parliament on Friday passed an immigration control law revision to raise the maximum fee for residence status applications by foreigners and introduce an online pre-entry travel authorization system for overseas arrivals.

Once the fee changes are implemented later this fiscal year, the upper limit will be set at 100,000 yen ($630) for visa renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications, marking a sharp increase from the existing threshold of 10,000 yen.

The fees are currently 6,000 yen for changing residence status or extending the period of stay and 10,000 yen for permanent residency. The new fees will be formally set by a Cabinet order after soliciting public comments.

The government, which has cited rising costs for the revision, has said it will ease the payment burden on humanitarian grounds and for those facing financial difficulties, but lawmakers have pointed out during parliamentary deliberations that the criteria for such considerations remain unclear.

The Immigration Services Agency plans to formulate guidelines setting forth specific requirements and other details.

The latest revision also includes the establishment of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, with an eye on implementation in fiscal 2028.

The system, aimed at preventing terrorism and illegal employment, targets 74 countries and regions whose citizens qualify for visa-free entry for short stays.

Travelers will be required to provide information online, such as their name, purpose of visit, and destination, several days prior to departure, which will be cross-checked against criminal records and other databases.

If there is a suspicion of illegal overstaying, travelers will be denied boarding on planes or ships.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the newly approved measures will help Japan control immigration better while also enhancing the security of its citizens? Do you think the raised fees will discourage Third World foreigners from migrating to Japan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Japan And The Philippines Committed To Develop Luzon Economic Corridor

June 3, 2026May 29, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the big meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Philippines president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos in Tokyo, the two nations confirmed they will work together on developing the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into an economic hub described as “world-class”, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub,” recognizing its strategic role in strengthening regional economic architecture and global supply chain resilience.

In a joint statement following a summit meeting in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to deepen cooperation on high-impact infrastructure and economic initiatives under the LEC framework.

Priority areas include rail and port modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains, digital connectivity, agribusiness, and civilian port upgrades.

“They also reaffirmed their strong commitment to transforming the LEC into a world-class economic hub that strengthens global supply chains, accelerates economic development, and delivers mutual economic prosperity,” the joint statement read.

The LEC is a trilateral initiative involving the Philippines, Japan, and the United States (US) aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth across Luzon, particularly along the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas corridor.

The Philippines and Japan acknowledged the importance of trilateral cooperation with the US and coordination with like-minded partners such as Australia and India in upholding a “free and open” international order based on the rule of law.

The two leaders emphasized that strengthening infrastructure connectivity and resilience through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) is vital not only to the Philippines’ economic growth but also to regional stability.

Japan reaffirmed its support for “high-quality, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure development” to help advance the Philippines’ economic and social transformation.

The two countries also agreed to deepen cooperation in economic security, including efforts to strengthen resilient and diversified supply chains in critical minerals, renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

They likewise committed to enhancing collaboration on digital infrastructure, including undersea cables and 5G Open RAN technologies, while promoting secure and trustworthy AI ecosystems through the Japan-ASEAN Co-creation Initiative for AI.

On trade and investment, both sides stressed the importance of full implementation of existing agreements such as the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Japan’s involvement in the Luzon Economic Corridor will be beneficial to the Philippines economically? What do you think Japan can gain from developing the Luzon Economic Corridor?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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