According to a report on the website of Nihon Keizai Shimbun on December 4, the Japanese government has begun to coordinate and relax the conditions for Chinese citizens to apply for visas to Japan, and some procedures will be simplified. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and Police Agency will hold consultations in the near future to finalize some new measures, including re examining the documents required for visa applications. This is undoubtedly a huge positive news for Chinese students planning to study abroad in Japan.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, personnel exchanges between China and Japan have been strictly restricted. In November 2023, the Chinese government took the lead in restoring the short-term visa free policy for Japanese citizens, taking an important step towards the recovery of bilateral relations between China and Japan. In response, the Japanese government has also begun to reassess its visa policy for Chinese citizens and seek a more flexible issuance mechanism.

According to the currently disclosed information, the Japanese government is considering lowering the threshold for Chinese citizens to apply for visas to Japan by simplifying the application process and shortening the approval time. The current visa application requirements usually include bank statements, proof of income, and proof of work, etc. The procedures are cumbersome and the review cycle is long. In the future, if the application process is simplified, it will bring a more convenient application experience for tourists, international students, and business people.

In addition, Japan is also exploring extending the validity period of multiple entry visas. At present, the validity period of multiple entry visas applied by Chinese citizens is usually short, which cannot meet the actual needs of frequent travelers to Japan. If the visa validity period is extended, it will provide more convenience for business dealings, family visits, and studying abroad.

Although visa policies are expected to be relaxed, the Japanese government has made it clear that it will not implement a "visa free policy" for Chinese citizens. This is mainly due to security management and immigration policy considerations. On the one hand, visa review helps to screen incoming personnel and maintain social order; On the other hand, comprehensive visa free access may put pressure on Japan's resource allocation and social management. Therefore, Japan plans to relax the conditions while retaining basic application requirements such as income level and occupational background.

If the discussion progresses smoothly, the adjustment results of visa policies are expected to be officially announced at the Sino Japanese foreign ministers' meeting in December. It is reported that Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya will go to China to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and may report on this important decision during the meeting.