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© (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020.U.S. Embassy sounds alarm on coronavirus in Japan
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Numan
@Strangerland
You are wrong! Exempted does not mean 'assumed'! You are making things up! There is no mention of an "assumed" re-entry permit on the government website!
Do all Japanese citizens have assumed re-entry visas too?
Most re-entry permits last one-year. PR holders re-entry permits last longer because they don't need a re-entry permit for trips shorter than a year. Therefore, they are exempt for the first year like Japanese citizens are always exempt!.
Strangerland
Special reentry permit:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/zairyuu/specialre-entrypermit.html
Strangerland
It’s called ‘assumed re-entry’, and yes we do.
Silvafan
@Commanteer
It seems like you are making excuses for being wrong!
My thoughts exactly when I read your previous posts!
Tom
I get state department and embassy messages secured. This article is mistaking and sending out false info.
misquoting is not smart and causes panic.
TheLongTermer
Appreciation to the Embassy for doing this. Its a much better response than what we saw during 3/11
Silvafan
@commanteer
You are trying to pick up the pieces of your misunderstanding.PR holder don't have a "special re-entry permit". They are simply treated like Japanese nationals in some ways other than voting rights and this stimulus package. That is why OR holders can use the same lines as returning Japanese nationals at the airport.
If a PR holder stays away from Japan longer than a year then they need to apply for a re-entry permit like other foreign residents. They must return within 5-years or before their PR card expires for a renewal of the card. If they don't, they lose their PR status.
@zichi
So, like I said earlier, you and @Commanteer read it wrong, and I was right!
Thank you for the honesty! We all make mistakes!
1glenn
The article gave me a chuckle. The US criticizing the Japanese response to this pandemic? That would be funny, if it weren't sad.
We have been staying at home most of the time for the last several weeks here in California, and so far it looks like it has worked, in so far as leveling the curve goes. Who knows what the future brings, but so far things are OK here. Too bad we don't have competent national leadership.
commanteer
Thanks, zichi. That was much more useful and specific than the USA ambassador's announcement. "In principle" does allow a little wiggle room, but most airlines would probably not allow you to board flights to Japan anyway. So basically, no travel outside the country unless you don't mind not returning until the rule is lifted.
smithinjapan
OssanAmerica: "But it is also correct that Japan does not have the kind of death rate that would suggest case numbers on a par with nations like the US, Italy, Spain, etc."
It's correct they don't have the death rate because they have not been testing! It really isn't that difficult for most people to comprehend; I'm not sure why it's so hard for you to swallow. What's Japan's testing rate, including autopsy, compared to the rest of the developed, and even "undeveloped" world? There was a good Japanese article out this morning that points out Japan may very well have a MUCH bigger outbreak than they know of (or know of but are hiding, like for the Olympics) because there has not been proper testing.
smithinjapan
bass4funk: "Not really, Japan could show its people and the world it’s on this and not make the mistakes Trump did in the very beginning, but they’re stumbling worse than Trump and they continue to fail...miserably."
Well, it's good to know you can admit Trump has been failing, and that Japan should not follow that example (even though they are), but you still kind of prove my point. I said they must be the worst in the world for testing if they are even being called out by the US, which is #1 for being the worst in the world for handling the virus and testing up until they increased the latter dramatically when Trump finally got scared. So, now you've got a nation (the US) that has been lacking in most things regarding the virus, and is STILL not testing enough, citing Japan as not testing enough. Ergo, if the US is saying Japan is a danger and cites the lack of testing, it must mean Japan is REALLY behind -- proving my point.
rgcivilian1
Per this article If U.S. citizens wanted to return to the United States from Japan they should do so now, or risk remaining abroad for an"indefinite period", it said.
I will take my chances with "indefinite period". There post is more realistic with the old adage, out of the frying pan and into the fire!
OssanAmerica
This is absolutely correct. But no country has an "accurate" assessment of the prevalence rate because those infected may be asymptomatic. But it is also correct that Japan does not have the kind of death rate that would suggest case numbers on a par with nations like the US, Italy, Spain, etc. Japan's fear is not high case numbers, their fear is a high number of severe cases which may overwhelm their medical system as has already happened in Italy.
bass4funk
Not really, Japan could show its people and the world it’s on this and not make the mistakes Trump did in the very beginning, but they’re stumbling worse than Trump and they continue to fail...miserably.
smithinjapan
Sheesh... when the Trump admin is calling you out on a lack of testing, you really must be the worst in the world.
commanteer
PR holders automatically have what's called a "special re-entry permit." Which is what they confusingly call no need for a re-entry permit. So, it does make sense according to their terminology.
The document does not say that. Its description of April 3rd travel is too poorly written to be clear on what entails exceptional circumstances.
I agree. Surely, an excellent reader like yourself can understand that nobody can determine what is meant by the paragraph describing departures after April 3.
noriahojanen
I'm not sure if their homeland is safer than Japan. Japan's death toll and critically ill patient numbers are much lower.
Silvafan
@Commanteer
They makes no sense! The rule went into affect yesterday. What person with PR left the country yesterday then returned today. Not to mention, if a PR holder plans to return less than one year from departure then they would not need a re-entry permit.
@commanteer and zichi
Do you understand that exceptional circumstances means?
“Permanent Resident” , “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” , “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident” are exceptional circumstances if it all happens before April 2.
On April 3, “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” , “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident” are not exceptional circumstances.
Therefore, all bets are off!
Reading is fundamental!
ArtistAtLarge
No matter your opinion of how the U.S. has handled this pandemic so far, this message to take action quickly is still valid.
As I've been saying.
commanteer
That's not at all clear if you read the entire notice. Rather than post misinformation, I wish people would post links to substantiate their claims. It's confusing enough as is.
For example, an actual report of someone with PR being denied landing would be something solid.
Not saying it can't happen. It could, which is just one reason travel is not a good idea. But rather than posting conjectures, actual facts would be more useful. Speaking personally, I wouldn't leave the country now in any case, unless it really was an exceptional circumstance.
Silvafan
@commanteer
That is only true if you left no later than April 2.
All bets are off now. After April 3, it doesn't matter what your status is. If you are a foreign national and leave after April 3, you will be refused entry unless you are Korean with special status until further notice.
commanteer
If anyone cares to read today's update, it is here http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001316999.pdf
commanteer
Zichi, the wording is contradictory, since the previous paragraph defines "special exceptional circumstances" as including those statuses. From what I have heard, the practice is that permanent residents and those with family are not being denied entry, though they may be detained at the airport for a while.
But of course you are right in that travel is something best avoided until this all clears up.
commanteer
Not true. PR status and/or family in Japan mean you will be allowed in.
From the US embassy in Japan: ...and unless the foreign national has special exceptional circumstances, the foreign national will be subject to denial of landing (See note). In cases where a foreign national with the status of residence of “Permanent Resident” , “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” , “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” or “Long-Term Resident” departed from Japan on or before April 2, 2020 with re-entry permission (including special re-entry permission; the same applies hereinafter) (including the spouse of a Japanese national or Japanese child who does not have these statuses of residence; hereinafter the same applies), will be considered, in principle, to come under special exceptional circumstances. Foreign nationals who departed from Japan with re-entry permission on or after April 3, even if they have one of the abovementioned statuses of residence are, in principle, subject to refusal of landing without special exceptional circumstances.
Dan Lavender
america ---- a joke.
Jake Barnes
The US Embassy is right about Tokyo's own misguided approach to a global pandemic.
Would I go back there now, of course not. I don't want to be treated in a Japanese hospital either, which will soon enough be overrun, but at least any of us that fall ill won't wind up bankrupt as a result of illness.
And ultimately this is the job of any nation's embassy. Germany did the same thing recently, casting doubt on Japan's opaque and exceptionalist approach. Their job is to alert their citizens of risks and reality, especially in nations where you cannot trust your leaders.
wasao
While it's true I'm not happy with the way the Japanese government has handled things, there's no way I'm going back to the U.S. during the biggest public health crisis of our time without health insurance. Thanks, but no thanks.
SimondB
…..now that the Olympics have been postponed.
cornbread1
On a different site, the primary reason the State Dept issued this warning was the lack of widespread testing. Have lost a lot of faith and trust with PM Abe and gained respect for Mayor Koike--she is trying her best to raise the sense of urgency.
gokai_wo_maneku
US guys at the office say Trump's "policies" are to protect his hotel business, not Americans. They will stay in Japan.
kwatt
Should test more? Less coronavirus deaths seem less infections here. More deaths seem more infections. Test is no need for thousands of people per day. Japan seems safer as so many people often wash hands, wear masks ever before virus outbreak, no hugging, no kissing and also no kissing to pets,, etc.
DaDude
Each State is currently running like its own country with its own rules in regards to this crisis. Some are doing a more fantastic job than others. So people here need to stop acting like they know what is going on based on lame Trump speeches and bodies piling up in NYC.
Aly Rustom
this I agree with.
Illyas
Operational security? Maybe it's not a good idea to announce to the entire world that a carrier battle group is effectively out of operation due to the pandemic?
mariasjapan
At times like this I would definitely prefer to stay in Japan rather than going back to the US...the number of cases is out of control. I feel a lot safer here!!!
Alfie Noakes
Demonstrably untrue.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-us-embassy-in-tokyo-refused-to-test-exposed-staff-for-coronavirus
TedSales
Japan needs trusted leaders like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Governor Andrew Como to supply transparent fact based information and advice with daily updates. Most of all Japan needs to shut down: businesses, schools, restaurants and get those trains to be much less packed like virus incubators. NOW. No more urging or suggesting.
This is WAR.
oldman_13
It continues to fascinate me how people simply make up 'facts' when a simple online search refutes these 'facts.' One figures that with the internet and easily available information, people would be more diligent about what they post online. Sadly, the reverse has been true.
The United States leads in coronavirus cases but has been reactive, a huge mess of contradictory information from various political figures and public agencies. During the early days when coronavirus cases started popping up in America, officials were hardly transparent, and in fact did what they could to keep a veil of secrecy on crucial information that citizens could have used to better protect themselves.
Like I said, the pot calling the kettle black.
The United States leads in coronavirus cases, but not pandemic response
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/04/united-states-leads-coronavirus-cases-not-pandemic-response#
How Much Should the Public Know about Who has the Coronavirus?
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/us/coronavirus-data-privacy.html
Bugle Boy of Company B
Why would anyone want to leave Japan just to go back to the states at a time like this?
Chicanoinjapan
You could literally say this about every nationally. There are people who enjoy living in Japan and there are others who constantly bash it. Please don't paint us all with the same brush.
Chicanoinjapan
Riiiiiight. And how do you explain why U.S. Navy Captain Brett Crozier got fired?
oldman_13
Pot calling the kettle black.
Should create quite a conundrum here for the Yanks and others that love to bash on all things Japan.
yakyak
I think the U.S. is doing a pretty good job overall considering how big the country is and how many people want to do there own thing there. I think they came up with the phrase "social distance"
onedragon
It most certainly does. The U.S. has been the most transparent of all nations regarding information and testing.
SimondB
Shame the US doesn't practice what it preaches.