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Japan to simplify immigration procedures for wealthy travelers

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And the rest of us can get stuffed. Great attitude, not.

49 ( +53 / -4 )

The government plans to simplify the immigration procedures for foreign travelers arriving in Japan by luxury transport such as private jets and super yachts usually used by the wealthy, sources close to the matter said Monday.

Who did use private Jet from Japan and never come back again? Carlos Ghosn. Procedure of his departure is really simple, no need to notify Ministry in Justice at that time.

27 ( +32 / -5 )

Why can’t the government be more open and honest

“we don’t care about poor people or people with very little money. We only care about the wealthy’

39 ( +45 / -6 )

Disgraceful. Utter contempt for ordinary people.

43 ( +51 / -8 )

Remember when Arnold Schwarzenegger flew in and forgot his passport? They let him in without a second thought. You should try it sometime and see what happens.

It’s the Golden Rule. The man with the gold makes the rules.

50 ( +51 / -1 )

The government plans to simplify the immigration procedures for foreign travelers arriving in Japan by luxury transport such as private jets and super yachts usually used by the wealthy, sources close to the matter said Monday.

Roll out the red carpet. I wonder if they will get o enjoy taxpayer-subsidized GoTo Travel discounts?Then we could have a perfect Dickensian society of the scrabbling workers supporting the "elite" as they go about their high flying "business".

16 ( +19 / -3 )

Interesting to learn that in the middle of finding ways to make entering the country more difficult for everyone else they found time to make it easier for rich people.

34 ( +37 / -3 )

What are the odds that this gets reversed due to "backlash"?

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Agreed! they should only fly economy and line up with the rest of us. What could go wrong when everyone knows which flight/ship rich celebrities are traveling on. Also, I think hostel mixed dormitories should be imposed instead of luxury accomodation for these people.

-11 ( +4 / -15 )

What are the odds that this gets reversed due to "backlash"?

If it gets reversed, it will be due to “confusion”, which is the only negative reaction to itself that Japanese officialdom ever recognizes the existence of.

13 ( +15 / -2 )

I think Carlos Ghosn travelled by private jet.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Bring your money and it’s ok. It’s so typically Japanese. The ruling class get the advantages and the rest pay for it.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Will they allow wealthy drug barons visiting on the mega yachts.

14 ( +17 / -3 )

Hmm, today is bad news galore it seems.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Its a poor article. These services are available in other countries and have been for years. Don’t see what all the fuss is about tbh. They are just simplifying the system. It is NOT cheap.

-12 ( +6 / -18 )

This is as discriminatory as it gets. many drug dealers, scammers, and white crime champions arrive using these private planes and yachts bcz. they can afford them for their own safety. The average wealthy will not use these services because it is too dangerous and mostly serves CROOKS.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Oof.

Yes, Japan needs to simplify immigration procedures. But - this ain't it.

Major faux pas.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

So this is what elected law makers come up with huh?

Way to think INSIDE the box, fools.

Is this what they get paid to do all day?

Come up with ideas that are a complete waste of time?

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Mark: The average wealthy can't afford this anyway. Really don't see what all of the anger is about. Heathrow, LA, NY, HK, Singapore, Songshan, all of EFCs just off the top of my head that I've seen when taxiing. Japan a bit behind the curve is the counter argument.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

This shows that there is nothing impossible with money. My condolences to the foreign students who have been waiting for years for their life goals, and to the loved ones who have been separated from their families.

16 ( +18 / -2 )

So, the dollars of the ordinary tourist count for less do they?

10 ( +11 / -1 )

This is just so absurd

the super wealthy don’t come to Japan anyway

8 ( +11 / -3 )

No different than any other successful western Democracy. New Zealand? Yes, they do this too.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Chinese travelers.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

That’s nonsense and nothing else. They have already everything , so what should they buy here they couldn’t buy or have built or get quickly delivered to their homes where they come from? In relation to the former or pre-pandemic mass tourism the amount they could bring in and spend is like almost nothing even if they book a few expensive hotel stays before sailing or flying to the next luxury location. Chances are, the necessary efforts for providing extraordinary venues, special skilled staff and infrastructure, just to please those few people a little bit , is already even exceeding the amount they are willing to pay during their short visit.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Same story everywhere in the world at every time in history, the law only applies to us peasants.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

As a certain stand up comedian once wisely noted, "It's a big club and you ain't in it!"

9 ( +11 / -2 )

To be honest it’s a shame for they doing I couldn’t expect something like this from Japan !! The country which is always first in “EQUALITY”

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

“This is as discriminatory as it gets. many drug dealers, scammers, and white crime champions arrive using these private planes and yachts bcz. they can afford them for their own safety. The average wealthy will not use these services because it is too dangerous and mostly serves CROOKS.”

Proof? I think if you had one you would have been super rich receiving some rewards from the FBI or Interpol. Many of these folks are legitimate and worked their ass out to earn what they have now… If that’s the port of entry for them, be it and make it simpler, at a price of course they will be able to afford.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Japan to simplify immigration procedures for wealthy travelers

meanwhile in other news...

金 chosen as kanji character best representing 2021

Gee... I wonder why...

3 ( +10 / -7 )

The title of the article was the perfect trigger point. Just makes sense to encourage high end travelers to the country. Japan Tourism Agency know this simple fact.

I know , I know, we are all jealous! Super yachts and private jets; would you turn down an invitation?

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Who are they targeting? Chinese?

Doubt Japan gets many Europeans or Americans with private yachts or jets.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Everyone's up in arms calling this discriminatory. But is it? Everyone jumped to the conclusion that it is simpler for the wealthy than everyone else. But what in this article leads you to conclude that? I don't see anything suggesting that there is preferential treatment for wealthy. They are making things simpler than the current process, not simpler than other means of entering the country.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

Well said Fuzzy. Just seems like they've managed to cut a bit of red tape - who cares who benefits?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

This is messed up. Rolling out the red carpet for the very select few uber rich with private jets and yachts, but "don't let the door hit you on the way out" for the rest of the populations using commercial airlines. But, but climate change, climate change!! Tells me climate change is a farce when there are such different rules for different people.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

How much money will be spent in Japan by the uber wealthy with private jet and yachts compared to foreigners traveling on commercial airlines? It has to be tiny fraction of revenue compared to the money spent by the populations of foreigners using commercial airlines to vacation in Japan. I don't think they are crunching the numbers well.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

“To be honest it’s a shame for they doing I couldn’t expect something like this from Japan !! The country which is always first in “EQUALITY””

other countries that accept private jets and super yachts etc have been doing this as long as we live. If you want equality, these folks should be allowed to fly/sail in without any formality do you know that? Many of them of course can just hop on a first class commercial airline to fly in if they are entitled to visa waiver program… so the wait of 10 days now and hopefully 3 days is part of the price they pay to get in the way they choose. They also have to pay through the roof for various licenses and fees. Luxury and security at a cost if they can afford it. Misleading title at its best for this article! Many comments here are also envy at its best!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Rob, hear here!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Well said Fuzzy. Just seems like they've managed to cut a bit of red tape - who cares who benefits?

My concern is whether customs and immigration are being provided at entry points that have no scheduled flights and otherwise have no demand. Providing those services is extremely expensive for the taxpayer. I'm sure there are airports in inaka that only get the odd charter flight, but still have customs and immigration set up for them.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

While some rural areas lack luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and high-quality cultural experiences, the Japan Tourism Agency plans to select ten model locations and support them in attracting hotels and developing products and services for the wealthy, the sources said.

Are there any high-end restaurants in Tokyo? I only have visited high priced.

So the expectation is that a significant influx of the "wealthy" will warrant building hotels in 10 model locations?

My guess is that these people will primarily be milling around Tokyo, as opposed to shacking up in some high class minshuku near the mountains in Yamanashi.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Yup, let them fast track the arrival of even more COVID cases and the new omicron variant.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

How much do these "wealthy" people actually spend in Japan.

How many typical tourists are they equivalent to? Ten? Fifty?

What luxuries are they spending their cash on in Japan?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Currently, those arriving by private jet for tourism need to apply 10 days before landing in a Japanese airport. The government is considering shortening the period to three days, the same as entering for business purposes, the sources said.

So they'll just be making it the same as those for business purposes.

I didn't know some tourists were allowed to come in before now though, or are all tourists barred from coming in and this will this be just for implementation when the border opens?

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Ghosn left on a private plane, so I guess it’s already pretty simple lol

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“I didn't know some tourists were allowed to come in before now though, or are all tourists barred from coming in and this will this be just for implementation when the border opens?”

Everyone is subject to current restrictions. What the article suggests is potential changes in licensing process for these folks… Postpandemic. Someone here just conveniently ignored that and focused on other things, which are irrelevant

1 ( +2 / -1 )

“How much do these "wealthy" people actually spend in Japan.

How many typical tourists are they equivalent to? Ten? Fifty?

What luxuries are they spending their cash on in Japan?”

Irrelevant. Who cares? Main point of the consideration is to simplify the current rules to make it easier for these guys to get in once we reopen borders.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

“Yup, let them fast track the arrival of even more COVID cases and the new omicron variant.”

nonsense!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

“How much money will be spent in Japan by the uber wealthy with private jet and yachts compared to foreigners traveling on commercial airlines? It has to be tiny fraction of revenue compared to the money spent by the populations of foreigners using commercial airlines to vacation in Japan. I don't think they are crunching the numbers well”

I think you should crunch the article more carefully first…The amount to be spent by these folks is not relevant. Once the border reopens, visitors will be back in, if Japan is still a destination they want, and it doesn’t hurt to make it easier for wealthy folks to get in by their private modes of transport. Although it is likely to be easier it still requires three days of processing… do the math.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

What the article suggests is potential changes in licensing process for these folks… Postpandemic

What the article says is"help accelerate a postpandemic economic recovery, "

But if theyre planning to implement it postpandemic as you say, that could take a long time

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Japan to simplify immigration procedures for wealthy travelers

No surprise. Equality under the law? No, money speaks louder then that.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@CrashTestDummy

”This is messed up. Rolling out the red carpet for the very select few uber rich with private jets and yachts, but "don't let the door hit you on the way out" for the rest of the populations using commercial airlines. But, but climate change, climate change!! Tells me climate change is a farce when there are such different rules for different people.”

where is the red carpet? A wait of three day is not one to me. You can’t prevent people from coming in just because of climate change concern… that’s not relevant here. If you want the same rules for everyone, those in private jets shouldn’t have to apply for any permits, just fly in like anybody else. Is that what you want?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

These procedural changes mean its going to be even easier for mega-rich Chinese Communist party members to visit Japan in their jets and yachts, to launder their dirty cash.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

The move comes as the government hopes such affluent travelers will bring considerable spending power and help accelerate a postpandemic economic recovery.

This is a version of "trickledown economics" which is the belief that wealthy people need certain breaks and privileges in order for them to spend more money. This is a myth however and its been proven. Wealthy people don't typically spend money on things that help the general public or the general economy. They typically buy luxury items from other wealthy people. They aren't going to izakayas in Shinjuku, riding in taxis, or buying souvenirs in Kyoto. They are going to Ginza to buy a Louis Viton purse or a Rolex. For their lodging, they are probably staying at a luxury hotel or resort that they have been invited to at the expense of a Japanese company (plus security, travel expenses etc.) and at the end of the day, they've probably sucked more money away from the country than they have given to it.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

where is the red carpet? A wait of three day is not one to me. You can’t prevent people from coming in just because of climate change concern… that’s not relevant here. If you want the same rules for everyone, those in private jets shouldn’t have to apply for any permits, just fly in like anybody else. Is that what you want?

Found the hard-working temporarily embarrassed millionaire (billionaire).

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Does anyone or EVERYONE smell racism with this? It's not the wealthy who spends more. In fact, it's the opposite. The wealthy are more conservative with their money. Just look at who's watching programs with "talento" and generated music groups.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

the Japan Tourism Agency plans to select ten model locations and support them in attracting hotels and developing products and services for the wealthy,

Maybe our tax money will entice these glamorous wealthy to fall in love with the Japanese spirit of hospitality and toss a few coins to revitalize depressed economies. We can only hope and hope springs eternal!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Thank you Japan, That would be great. I hope its put into play very soon. Very good news!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Unfortunately, this won't work quite as well as they hope, although it is a sign of how tourism will be in the future.

To reap rewards from tourism, it needs to be 'mass tourism'. A lot of people each injecting money into the economy at a low level, using trains, buying souvenirs, visiting tourist areas and buying food.

Rich tourists just don't spend money in the same way. The benefit is much smaller and reaches only a small number of people.

A few years ago a bunch of rich Saudis visited Tokyo. There were great hopes for them shopping the way that Chinese tourists did, but they simply did not.

Mass tourism injects external cash into society at ground zero, which is why it was working so well in places like Africa and South America, moving societies away from drug and gang cultures and supporting local civic and environmental revitalisation. You just won't get that benefit from a small number of rich people.

I would point out that a said on here a couple of days ago that tourism would be the preserve of the rich in future, with us proles all stuck at home.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

So rich people don't transmit covid?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

@JK

”So rich people don't transmit covid?”

Your question is irrelevant here.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@GBR48.

you are thinking too much. We are not planning to shift from mass the wealthy tourism. This is just a plan to make procedures simpler for wealthy folks once the country reopens for tourism/foreign visitors. Procedures for mass tourists remain simple of course and they would still be the mainstay of the industry.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

It's all about reviving the travel industry's business where many got laid off due to the pandemic

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This is just so absurd

the super wealthy don’t come to Japan anyway

Yes they do

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

This is nothing to do with COVID.

Covid rules will always take precedence over the subject of this article, so that is a moot point.

The fact that captains of global industry can come to Japan more easily is (directly and indirectly) a good thing economically for Japan.

Agreed with @theResident that this is a very poorly written article.

Superyachts represent one of the fastest transfers of wealth from UHNW to normal working people, and a large super yacht will spend millions of dollars per month cruising in Japan and usually that money is flowing directly to very local area economies and local people.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Agreed with @theResident that this is a very poorly written article.

Superyachts represent one of the fastest transfers of wealth from UHNW to normal working people, and a large super yacht will spend millions of dollars per month cruising in Japan and usually that money is flowing directly to very local area economies and local people.

What a wonderful fantasy. The staff working at service jobs in these places whose livelihoods are dependent on the super yachts cruising in. And of course a percentage of their income tax from their small wage going toward helping these yacht cruising elite make the visit even easier.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Bar @N.Knight - The rest of you have totally missed the point go this article and are once again traipsing down your 'anti-elite', 'anti-privileged', 'anti-big anything' well worn road again. It's nothing to do with COVID, its nothing to with jumping immigration lanes, or dodging quarantine it is simply bringing Japan into line and reducing the ridiculous bureaucracy in place here when people who do have the extreme wealth wish to visit Japan, Which for those with time constraints can be extremely costly from that point of view. If anything it will being a few more tax dollars in - let alone landing fees, apron use , ATC costs etc. Doesn't anybody here find it slightly odd that at present only 5 private jets a day can land at Haneda? The 'outrage' signaled by many of the comments above stink of jealousy rather than anything else to be honest. Too many of the opinions above are a little sad to be honest.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

No biggie. Tourists are not allowed in Japan anyway.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

But they probably will be next Autumn.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

All right, here come the Chinese billionaires to uplift the economy.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@Cheradenine Zakalwe

What a wonderful fantasy. 

You don't have a clue. Multiple economic impact studies globally have been done that show the positive effects on local economies. This is proven in multiple locations around the world (most recently Australia) and there is nowhere that it has been shown to have any kind of detrimental effect.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Lol us poor folks don't exist we come by foot!

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

Well said, @theResident.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

hattorikunDec. 14  03:23 pm JST

Everyone is subject to current restrictions. What the article suggests is potential changes in licensing process for these folks… Postpandemic. Someone here just conveniently ignored that and focused on other things, which are irrelevant.

> I think you should crunch the article more carefully first…The amount to be spent by these folks is not relevant. Once the border reopens, visitors will be back in, if Japan is still a destination they want, and it doesn’t hurt to make it easier for wealthy folks to get in by their private modes of transport. Although it is likely to be easier it still requires three days of processing… do the math.

First, the article states "The government plans to simplify the immigration procedures for foreign travelers arriving in Japan by luxury transport such as private jets and super yachts usually used by the wealthy, sources close to the matter said Monday." So, that implies that they are going to get lighter COVID immigration restrictions. Perhaps shorter quarantines or no quarantines. Where is the specified regulations that just state it is about licensing and shortening the flight permit process? I haven't seen that anywhere.

Second, the amount of money spent by the travelers is completely relevant because that is the sole reason why the government is changing the immigration procedures for the uber wealthy. They are trying to bring more foreigner money into the Japanese economy. The numbers are very important. Foreign travelers spent 43.6 Billion USD in Japan in 2019. That foreign travel money disappeared from the Japanese economy during the pandemic and in other countries as well. How much will a handful of uber wealthy spend? Nothing close to 43.6 Billion USD.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

@crashtestdummy. Hopeless. Sorry I said that.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

@CrashTestDUMMY. I think I need to put it simpler so you will get the gist of the article… Current regulation is for those folks traveling in style like that I to Japan it will take 10 days to process a permit be it landing or port call. If the new regulation becomes a reality, the time taken will be shortened to 3 days. Got that? This has nothing to do with quarantine. If they are lucky to get in Japan now, they are subject to the same quarantine like everybody else. The proposed change is more about postpandemic, if it is ever passed. On the point re spending, all matters when you run a business. Inbound spending has been literally wiped out in Japan during the last 19 months or so. Everyone knows that. Making it easier for wealthy folks to come to Japan the way they prefer doesn’t hurt or make anyone richer overnight and also wouldn’t tip the balance between high scale versus mass tourism spending. It is incrementally positive to be fair to both JP and visitors but it would not change the economics of the Japanese tourist industry.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

You don't have a clue. Multiple economic impact studies globally have been done that show the positive effects on local economies. This is proven in multiple locations around the world (most recently Australia) and there is nowhere that it has been shown to have any kind of detrimental effect.

"No detrimental effects" besides environmental degradation, the creation of low-wage,dead end jobs, and an industry which can make a whole sector of staff unemployed with the next viral spike.

You have a lot of confidence in your unsupported and baseless claims N. Knight.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Japan doesn’t know how to do simple…

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The more things change, the more they remain the same!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Great! Let's all break out the Don Perignon and make a toast....

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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