Japan to invalidate 2.8 million visas for Chinese amid virus fears

I have mixed feeling about it :/

Identify the source of virus, or it will be too late.

Japan is finally taking some strong measures now that the Olympics are threatened.

Eventually, Japan will have to sever the diplomatic and economic ties with Korea. Only then the whining from Korea will stop. Only Abe has the guts to do it!

Time to get out there and enjoy the sights in peace.

Many, many weeks too late. The deadly virus is well and truly now at community level. Japanese citizens need to know why the bureaucrats took so long.

China had denoted at least 50,000 test kits to Japan two weeks ago, why there are still no large scale examination ?

Entry restriction is the right of any sovereign country. Both Japan and S. Korea should respect whatever each government changes her rules on visa. While advocating one government while decrying the other on the same issue is just oxymoronic.

@Jeff Ko

Eventually, Japan will have to sever the diplomatic and economic ties with Korea. Only then the whining from Korea will stop. Only Abe has the guts to do it!

Yes. I agree that Abe sang has been spectacular in handling both domestic and international issues this year. Hope he will continue to work as the PM even after the 2020 olympic. I am sure he will enlighten Japanese people in the very near future.

Abe must make decision for an extensive test. The Olympics is only a few months away, and it will take at least a few months to wipe out the virus. Quarantine period is extended to 28 days, instead of 14 days, in China. That shows how potentially dangerous it will become.

It is interesting to see how different South Korea and Japan reacted to this.

China accepts it because they are realistic, it's only a temporary thing here.

S Korea is complaining because it's their national past time!

The economic loss is only temporary. Those who want to come will come eventually. In that sense, it is a reasonable measure to take at this time.

This has not been properly thought through. It's just a knee jerk reaction. The virus is in Japan and is already being transferred from person to person. Stopping people entering Japan is not going to stop the spread of the virus.

Or could China's reaction be because they know more than is being let on?

https://theweek.com/speedreads/900488/chinas-coronavirus-recovery-all-fake-whistleblowers-residents-claim

I do not know if the above article is 100% true or not however the above article implies that China is not being honest about the recovery in China. It is also amazing how hard China has clamped down on all leaks that were coming out of the country 3 or 4 weeks ago. The silence from China is rather disturbing actually.

In addition, the U.S. Federal reserve is quarantining physical dollars repatriated from China

https://nypost.com/2020/03/06/fed-is-quarantining-physical-dollars-from-china/

And on the other hand, for those criticizing Japan, contrary to the above the U.S. is not screening arriving travelers from impacted countries. The U.S. does not even use the Flir infrared temperature scanners (they had the same reaction by the way during SARS and the H1N5 flu outbreak so this is not an issue with any administration)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8083543/Customs-NOT-screening-passengers-coronavirus-hot-spots.html

@Yubaru

China accepts it because they are realistic, it's only a temporary thing here.

S Korea is complaining because it's their national past time!

You seem to have little knowledge on visa policy. Visa is a kind of reciprocal policy between 2 countries. Chineses need a visa to enter Japan, but S. Koreans do not for a short stay. Chinese and Koreans are the the same on visa to Japan. S. Korea did just exactly what Japan did yesterday, I mean, reciprocally. Do not decry any country, but remember it was always Japan who first provokes under Abe sang.

re: Eventually, Japan will have to sever the diplomatic and economic ties with Korea. Only then the whining from Korea will stop.

First, this is s step which should have been enforced over a month ago. It is the people who elect those in government to represent them and their wishes. Was this even listened too, NO. Now it is clearly obvious that this is about the Olympics, tourism and of course YEN vs public interest by all the elected officials who have the most control. It took strong push and cries of the people to get this to happen though late in the game. Each country has its own sovereign right to do what is best for its public interests. Japan is no different and has done no wrong, therefore SK has no real bite in its protests and instead is coming across as a whiner IMO regarding Japan. Per the above posted comment, yes I too have to ask WHY? That is a bit too much and excessive without a real reason and will of the nations call. What is the basis aside whining for your argument position on this issue. A much better question is WHO will be paying the economic losses, the country responsible who cries "for peaceful research" yet does totally the opposite. In looking at all the material sorting out fake news, this virus seems more like an economic attack as a bio weapon disguised as a pandemic. There was no need to research or genetically enhance this known dangerous pathogen strain in the first place, else other countries should have all been involved if in the name of research for whatever reason was the intent. That did nor has it happened, until now where many countries are working together for a cure/vaccine.

The step is part of measures announced a day earlier by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, facing a barrage of criticism for his belated response to the outbreak, to toughen border controls and restrict travel from the neighboring countries.

How about doing it because you were voted to be the LEADER of Japan not because you "are facing a barrage of criticism". Why wait for people to criticize you? Are they qualified to criticize you on this crisis? Follow the advice for your advisers, the professionals who know best and are qualified to make such dissensions. Please stop making discussions based on public opinion. I for one am not qualified to offer advise on the direction to go with daily life. That is why I watch the news, the announcements by the leader of the country.

Not saying I'm a fan of Trump (and yes I do know the cases are raising in the states and all over the world) but the fact is as shown on USA TV Trump is not sitting in a big meeting room full of suits and bureaucrats. He is at a podium surrounded by top professionals, touring the CDC, and other places dealing with the crisis and they, the professionals, are feeding him information so that he can make discussions and take the next step. Bottom up info does in must cases does work better than top down.

zichi, do you know how many tests can each kit do ?

SJ

Japan always provokes?

Theres hardly anything Japan can do without Korea cryin spilt milk.

Korea will be whining 200 years from now about the same things.

Only a month or so late, better late than never but this is the problem with being reactive and not proactive.

Hope this virus can be stamped out soon.

@ Jeff ko

”

Eventually, Japan will have to sever the diplomatic and economic ties with Korea. Only then the whining from Korea will stop. Only Abe has the guts to do it!”

what leads you to the conclusion that Shin Kuhn has gut? I can’t remember seeing any bold moves in either of his terms as pm. Please correct my memory.

Japanese government threatens India over blanket ban on visas for Japanese.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/visa-ban-could-hurt-economic-ties-japan-warns-india/articleshow/74501709.cms

The Abe regime's sudden panic over being able to hold the Olympics is appalling. Cancel visas to South Koreans and Chinese, then threaten India when Japanese are denied. Pfft.

You seem to have little knowledge on visa policy. Visa is a kind of reciprocal policy between 2 countries. Chineses need a visa to enter Japan, but S. Koreans do not for a short stay. Chinese and Koreans are the the same on visa to Japan. S. Korea did just exactly what Japan did yesterday, I mean, reciprocally.

I understand that a country has a right to protect it's people! If cases here in Japan increase as well, I would FULLY expect other countries, more than the one's that already have, to refuse entry, or enforce a mandatory quarantine from people from Japan as well!

This isnt about politics! It's about attempting to save lives!

Do not decry any country, but remember it was always Japan who first provokes under Abe sang.

First provokes under Abe? Grow up, this isnt about politics, your response here sounds to me as if it's someone who is just reinforcing my previous comment.

South Koreans complain about anything Japan does!

Bye bye tourism in Japan and for Japanese wanting a little fun for themselves, and even next year too, as bitter memories stay around a bit AND this virus ain't going magically away. It is the new bad common cold, or flu. Here to stay! Bye bye cruise ship industry too! Bye bye Ryokan and amusement industries too, (our Korean and China haters see just can't stand the thought of you all have customers). Factor in the ripple effect, unemployment numbers and you will see the price of hate and fear!

Can’t say I’m upset.

TheRat; I do not know if I understand your post correctly so forgive me if I am misunderstanding.

Are you implying that travel restrictions are "hate and fear"?

If this is the case than a lot of Chinese hate other Chinese at this point in time due to the lock down of Chinese cities (Wuhan and others) and some cities in China preventing the entry of outsiders. Add many other countries to this who have also imposed travel restrictions. Are all these countries engaging in "hate and fear"?

If this is what you are implying and then you are postulating the subsequent fallout then this will happen to most of the world.

@SJ

Abe sang has been spectacular in handling both domestic and international issues this year.

'Spectacular' is not a word I'd associate with Abe or any of his cabinet. Whatever actions he has taken now doesn't excuse him from his reckless inaction in the past weeks. Residents of Japan (Japanese and non-Japanese alike) have a lot of questions regarding his competency and his ability to lead at times like this.

btw -It's 'San' not 'sang'

Being scared is not gonna solve the problems, only make thing worse, it show how this virus has took.

Better late than never....

Stopping visitors from China, S.Korea, Iran and Italy should be immediate. Any temporary loss of business will pay off in the long run.

In looking at all the material sorting out fake news, this virus seems more like an economic attack as a bio weapon disguised as a pandemic. 

I’m of the opinion this is engineered and not the result of consuming exotic food. Both US and China are doing research in their labs.

Surely this was done to protect visitors from becoming infected in Japan? Thus saving our tourist industry reputation...

Any travelers from SK including returning Japanese citizens will be quarantined as well! It's not a discriminatory measure!

Eventually, Japan will have to sever the diplomatic and economic ties with Korea. Only then the whining from Korea will stop. Only Abe has the guts to do it!”

what leads you to the conclusion that Shin Kuhn has gut? I can’t remember seeing any bold moves in either of his terms as pm. Please correct my memory.

My response keeps getting deleted and I'm tired of writing a lengthy response only to be deleted. But I stand for what I said. The immediate and irrevocable severance of the diplomatic and economic ties between Korea and Japan can do so much good for both countries at this point and prevent further and needless animosities. Divorce works for people. This can also work.

It is nonsense to suggest that Korea and Japan should cease diplomatic relations-nonsense!

Japan will temporarily nullify 2.8 million visas held by Chinese and 17,000 held by South Koreans to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading in the country, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

It's amazing how quickly they came together to get this done. Yet the measures they announced to help people has to wait until the 12th to be voted on. Invalidating the visas of millions of people won't stop the spread of the virus. You're not just profiling, victimizing, and bullying innocent people.

Japan will temporarily nullify 2.8 million visas held by Chinese and 17,000 held by South Koreans to prevent the new coronavirus from spreading in the country, the Foreign Ministry said Friday.

This was obviously tied to Chairman Xi Jinping's postponent of his Japan visit a few hours earlier.

Health minister Katsunobu Kato said foreign nationals traveling from the two countries will likely be requested to stay in hotels, while Japanese will be asked to stay at home.

Closing the barn door after the horse has bolted.

I remember the reason for quarantine on the ship was because there were no facilities to quarantine the 3700 people on the cruise ship.

Where all of a sudden have they come up with quarantine facilities for thousand of people. Or they are assuming the numbers won't be high just like they have been assuming the numbers in Japan won't increase like in other countries yet the trains are running jammed packed and high risk environment like pachinko are still open.

It is nonsense to suggest that Korea and Japan should cease diplomatic relations-nonsense!

I beg to differ. Just like people, countries sometimes sever the ties when the path they pursue is so vastly different that there's no chance for mutual reconciliation. Do I need to remind you of the American Revolution against the British empire? Rather than let the animosities build up that would most certainly lead to a physical confrontation, why not just sever the ties peacefully and let each other mind it's own business?

@Jeff Ko

I beg to differ. Just like people, countries sometimes sever the ties when the path they pursue is so vastly different that there's no chance for mutual reconciliation.

The words of someone that knows nothing of economics or the dynamics of either market. These two countries are too intertwined to shed economic ties. It would be a hit that neither country can afford. The same way the US and China can only bluff but not actually end their ties because of the reliance of their respective economies on each other.

So S.K has announced the same retaliation measures to all other 99 countries YET? Australia?

Korean posters must know it.

why not just sever the ties peacefully and let each other mind it's own business

Because millions and millions of Japanese and Korean citizens have business in/with the other country. Your approach sells out all of them. Is that a government working for the people?

Captain hindsight at the wheel again. Just hope they don’t cry when Japanese visas are invalidated and Japanese refuses entry the same as their Asian neighbors.

@Yubaru

Any travelers from SK including returning Japanese citizens will be quarantined as well! It's not a discriminatory measure!

On this I agree with you. If I go to South Korea for business or otherwise I am subject to the same rules. The rules are literally such that this restriction is not based on nationality or race.

In the end people need to decide how serious of a health risk this is. If it is as serous as everyone says one mechanism to slow down the increase spread is to reduce or restrict international travel as a temporary measure. If this a serious infliction then drastic measures should be taken. A half-assed approach would not work.

If it is considered not so serious then it becomes up to people to manage there own risk and travel restrictions can be reduced.

Unfortunately this has become politicized.

In my country of citizenship they are taking literally no measures regarding arrivals from Korea, Japan, or even China. Not even using the Flir IR technology to take temperature scans at airports.

Interesting read. https://theweek.com/speedreads/900488/chinas-coronavirus-recovery-all-fake-whistleblowers-residents-claim

It's pretty easy to expect South Korea's nee-jerk reaction with a "copy-cat" measure against Japan just over night. But have they also done the same reciprocal (retaliatory?) move to the rest 101 countries who have imposed travel restrictions on SK? In China, 860 Koreans have been detained under quarantine programs ... is any counter-measure planned?

I agree that Japan's latest policy is not scientifically valid or effective; it's rather politically-driven. But instead of letting it go (just like China did), underdog SK is joining another chicken game, with a counter-measure which are futile and self-inflicting.

Why aren't the South Koreans giving Singapore a hard time?

 From 4 March 2020, 2359 hours, all new visitors with recent travel history to Iran, northern Italy or the Republic of Korea within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore, or transit through Singapore. 

Further proof, it's all about Japan!

Chinese still finding virus at Wuhan fish market, [

Dear South Koreans, now is the time to STAY in your country, why on earth they feel the need to travel overseas now puzzled me as most countries already restrict and banning their citizens from travelling to South Korea.

The Abe regime's sudden panic over being able to hold the Olympics is appalling. Cancel visas to South Koreans and Chinese, then threaten India when Japanese are denied. Pfft.

Yes on all accounts. Curious if they'll threaten all the other countries that will inevitably restrict travellers from japan. And some on here are still glibly ignoring one glaring fact. Italy was not banned despite the insane spread of the virus there. Hmmmm, I wonder why.

Italian will be next on the list they have serious problem

Just as I predicted last week, predictable Abe brought out the Korea card yet again.

With support rate at all time low, imminent cancelation of the olympics, failed virus containment, abenomics flunking, GDP per capita now falling behind South Korea’s, the only way for Abe to gain his sheep’s and hardline nippon kaigi’s support was to bring out the Korea card.

And talk about double standards, Abe informs the Chinese gov of its intentions diplomatically but for Korea, it was stuff you, find out through your media. Japan deserves all the retaliation from South Korea. If Abe wants respect, act like a grownup, not an immature headless communist dictator.

Thinking about his citizens? BS. As some people pointed out earlier, if Abe really cared about his people he should have also banned Italy, stopped his citizens from spreading the virus around the world, and actively tested his people.

I have mixed feeling about it :/

finally, Abe did what he was suppose to do!

Gokai wo maneku.

When this virus attacks your lungs and you are placed on respiratory support you will surely get it. There are doctors in their twenties and thirties and other young medical personalities in wuhan who lost their life to this virus. Presently, there are 2 girls in their twenties here in Japan on oxygen support fighting for their life.

The virus has shown that even the young without underlying illness are not spared.

Make matters light at your own peril.

Approximately 30% of Japanese people are over 65. Those over 70, and 80 in particular are at extreme risk of ending up in critical condition or death should they catch this terrible virus. 22% death rate among confirmed covid-19 patients over 80 so far. (Worldometers.info/coronavirus)

Italy has similar demographics, look what is happening there. Tragically, already 200 dead.

Where are the trucks sanitizing streets? We want to see workers in space suits fumigating the streets.

Still no toilet paper in the local grocery stores here in Tokyo. When is this crisis going to end? Then, we can deal with all the diplomatic doings.

Tourists paying out of their pocket 15 days of quarantine. Is that a joke ?

Since not mandatory, they will go out under a mask disguised as Japanese and vitus will still spread, or they will be find out and lynched...

Useless measure since WHO says it is not limiting virus spread now it is endemic.

@showchinmono

So S.K has announced the same retaliation measures to all other 99 countries YET? Australia?

A few Japanese guys here even can not grasp what Abe spectacularly did. No country in the world denied entry based on people's nationality (visa) for the purpose of preventing COVID-19. Japan under Abe was the first ever country to do it. The decision is even closer to racism. Other countries restrict travel by flights based on their origin countries, not passengers' nationality.

@SJ

in Thailand: The minister's post said Japan, Germany, South Korea, China "including its special territories Macao and Hong Kong," Taiwan, France, Singapore, Italy and Iran have been declared as "dangerous communicable disease areas." 

Anyone traveling from those places will have to self-quarantine for 14 days "with no exceptions," Charnvirakul added.

So it begins ...

Yet, with these two East Asian players it is more like So it continues ...

Dear South Koreans, now is the time to STAY in your country, why on earth they feel the need to travel overseas now puzzled me as most countries already restrict and banning their citizens from travelling to South Korea

Maybe because covid19 is more prevalent in SK. They wanna wait it out by travelling in less affected countries.

There will be serious economic consequences for doing this. Many of the local businesses will go out of business.

This is no exaggeration.

On Monday Austria will ban all the flights from South Korea and Italy's more affected regions. Many people here speak about Europe without knowing anything. I say this because I read in one of these comments that in Europe there aren't travel ban or something. Here some Countries are adopting very drastic measures, in some cases blatantly discriminatory, since I wonder how Germany and France are safer for Austria.

I mean, Germany is going easily towards 1000 cases. And they started to test later than Italy. So far they tested around 10000 people Vs almost 30000 tests made by Italy. Which is the point to ban only people from Countries with a higher number since they tested more people? If you are serious, at this point you should ban people from any place with at least 100 cases not related to some travel abroad, because they could be only the tip of the iceberg. I am not against these travel bans. I agree with them and no Country should complain. But you should show an unbiased attitude. If you ban only some Countries you are using the virus as a political tool.

Please, PM Abe and Japanese Government - Quarantine Iranians and Italians for a minimum of 2 weeks also. They have by the far the biggest number of Covid-19 deaths outside PRC and are spreading this disease to multiple nations.

Wonder if this also applies to Chinese / Korean permanent Residents ?

@SJ

A few Japanese guys here even can not grasp what Abe spectacularly did.

Okay understood he refuses entry on nationality (visa). What’s so ‘spectacular’ about that?

You said yourself it’s verging on racism. (Whether or not I believe the same is neither here nor there at this time)

Feel free to also enlighten us, who live here in Japan and experience his incompetence first hand, on how spectacular not calling in specialists (i.e. virologists) from the country’s universities and research centers immediately and following their advice, allowing health officials on the cruise ship who didn’t take basic precautions themselves, allowing infected people to leave the ship and take public transport home, closing schools with very little notice leaving parents struggling to deal with taking care of their kids during the day.

All of the above done when the populace here was wanting border restrictions that weren’t forthcoming until now.

Why is there now more distrust and anger aimed at Abe and his cabinet from Japanese people now more than at anytime in the recent past?

Feel free to enlighten us on the above as most of Japan doesn’t think he is ‘spectacular’.

ps - relatively few people commenting here are actually Japanese as it’s an English language news site. Perhaps you presumed we were and would agree with your seemingly unwavering support for the Japanese PM?

They can just be stricter at the borders. No need to cancel the visas. This move is too much, and will not help a bit. But I guess the stricter border moves has been done in other countries and Japan thought they ought to have some new ideas.

Of course SK will protest. They protest for everything. Even when Moon put a ban on large protests in order to stop the spread of the virus, South Koreans went on to protest the ban. Heck, even China agrees with Japan's travel ban but what does SK do? Protest to anything Japan does.

@Akie. The source is Wuhan's wildlife market in China. Kind of pointless at this moment, just as your PRC's nationalism.

too funny; Korea is finding many cases because they are very actively testing their population

Japan isn't finding any new cases because it is NOT conducting mass testing.

on NHK, news of a guy who went 7 times to see a doctor (at 3 different hospitals) and he was just sent home. The 8th visit at a 4th doctor, he was allowed to be tested and found positive. But had 2 weeks without being tested and he could transmit the virus to everyone around him...

TLDR: there is a big likelihood the epidemic is worse in Japan than Korea because being unchecked, and progressing at an alarming rate while its now being under control in China

Really, it should be the contrary and Korea and China calling for a ban of visitors from Japan !!!

SJToday  02:35 pm JST

@showchinmono

So S.K has announced the same retaliation measures to all other 99 countries YET? Australia?

A few Japanese guys here even can not grasp what Abe spectacularly did. No country in the world denied entry based on people's nationality (visa) for the purpose of preventing COVID-19. Japan under Abe was the first ever country to do it. The decision is even closer to racism. Other countries restrict travel by flights based on their origin countries, not passengers' nationality.

SK has done it ? based on so called the principle of reciprocity. So where is SK's application of the same principle toward other 101 countries? Especially China, Australia, Singapore..... endless.

Even Korean major media keep questioning SK's emotional knee-jerk reaction, overreaction, whatever.

https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/17927672/

For those who pointing out why not Italy on Japan's list, Australia has not included Italy yet either.

Heck, think a bit about percentage of entrants from each countries.

https://www.jetro.go.jp/biznews/2020/03/858987d163c3d83d.html

And Visa control is racism? How do you deal with infected entrants coming around by way of other areas/countries?

Fagui CurtainToday  06:34 pm JST

too funny; Korea is finding many cases because they are very actively testing their population

Japan isn't finding any new cases because it is NOT conducting mass testing.

on NHK, news of a guy who went 7 times to see a doctor (at 3 different hospitals) and he was just sent home. The 8th visit at a 4th doctor, he was allowed to be tested and found positive. But had 2 weeks without being tested and he could transmit the virus to everyone around him...

TLDR: there is a big likelihood the epidemic is worse in Japan than Korea because being unchecked, and progressing at an alarming rate while its now being under control in China

Really, it should be the contrary and Korea and China calling for a ban of visitors from Japan !!!

SK's active testing is a must! Why not, it faces factual super-spreading of the cult, legacies of SARS/MERS/PM2.5, their cultural behavior to eat anything, to share the same pot with your chopsticks

Are you implying that travel restrictions are "hate and fear"?

If this is the case than a lot of Chinese hate other Chinese at this point in time due to the lock down of Chinese cities (Wuhan and others) and some cities in China preventing the entry of outsiders. Add many other countries to this who have also imposed travel restrictions. Are all these countries engaging in "hate and fear"?

Well, Tokyo-engr, take India's and Japan's tit for tat, doesn't come off as a scientific, let's put health first, more like hate and fear. Did Japan consult South Korea as to the best way to deal with this? Probably not. But invalidating millions of visas is a bit much. If we are THAT worried about this new flu (which is only slightly worse than the old one which we didn't care about or freak out from), then we would prevent anyone from Hokkaido. The cow is out of the barn. The AFTERTASTE from this is bitter, Abe will be lucky to have any foreigners, even athletes, show up for his precious Olympics. Oh and Korea haters, think that the 750 invasions from Japan over a thousand years might be linked to Korea whining a lot?

I just saw that news story. Absolutely spine chilling!!!

Wake up everyone! This is happening here in a Japan!

on NHK, news of a guy who went 7 times to see a doctor (at 3 different hospitals) and he was just sent home. The 8th visit at a 4th doctor, he was allowed to be tested and found positive. But had 2 weeks without being tested and he could

I have no doubt that Abe has been too slow to act and that Japan isn’t doing a good enough job on the testing and that there are guaranteed to be more infected, but speculating about the numbers infected being is ridiculous. This South Korea complaint though... long before the virus appeared South Koreans and their supporters were cheering the boycott of Japanese goods and cheering the downturn of Korean visitors to Japan, and now Japan has decided to do something to protect its citizens and residents wellbeing and South Koreans are complaining about it. Just ignore it Japan. It isn’t worth losing sleep over.

@showchinmono

SK has done it ? based on so called the principle of reciprocity. So where is SK's application of the same principle toward other 101 countries? Especially China, Australia, Singapore..... endless.

I just cite the Australian case as some Japaneses here seem to have difficulty in reading English.

Foreign nationals who have been in mainland China, Iran and South Korea are not allowed into Australia for 14 days from the time they left those countries.

Australian citizens and permanent residents will be able to enter Australia, but need to isolate themselves for a fortnight.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-05/coronavirus-travel-ban-korea-italy-china-iran/12027348

Australia ban the entry of foreigners from S. Korea, regardless of their nationality (of course most of them are S. Korean), except Australian citizens and permanent resident. This Australian example is not visa control. Abe invalidated the visas of S. Koreans to Japan, and this is visa control.

@SJ

some Japaneses here seem to have difficulty in reading English

You’re having trouble understanding who this site’s visitors are.

Very few commenters here are Japanese. It’s tough to put forward a convincing case if you don’t know who you are addressing.

@Akie. The source is Wuhan's wildlife market in China. Kind of pointless at this moment, just as your PRC's nationalism.

Garthgoyle, there’s not enough information. I believe the Chinese are up to something. Wet market is the coverup.

The 2 week quarantine period has already been shown as not 100% some people, only show symptoms up to a month after being exposed, others seem to have recovered only to get sick again shortly afterwards.

I guess as with any virus, once you have it, it's there to stay, perhaps lying dormant until something triggers it and only having an impact if you're in a vulnerable state. So in short, we may all have the virus, and not know it.

@SJ

Frankly speaking, you are the one who seems having problem in reading English.

If reciprocal measure is justified, how come SK does not ban the entry of foreigners from Australia, or not take several other reciprocal measures accordingly against all other 101 countries?

That's the question. Got it?

You can start from what SK has done against Australia, China as starters

In the spirit of fairness and natural justice is it about time to forbid entry to Japan from the following CV invaded countries: UK, France, Italy, Germany to begin with ?

Japan let the way on a run on toilet paper. UK quickly followed (incl bacterial dispensers, pasta, masks, dry goods) Not to be left out France is beginning to catch up slowly but surely (bacterial dispensers, masks, disinfectant). There is serious price inflation for soaps and masks in both countries and France is attempting to control this.

@Japanoob

Very few commenters here are Japanese. 

Absolutely not.

This place is 90% Japanese, based on the ratio of Japanophile vs Japan critics(foreigners)

 is it about time to forbid entry to Japan from the following CV invaded countries: UK, France, Italy, Germany to begin with ?

Oh be patient. It's inevitable at this point.

Oh be patient. It's inevitable at this point.

All the more reason to want to slow down the progression as much as possible so that the medical community can better deal with it, no? Am I missing something here?

@showchinmono

If reciprocal measure is justified, how come SK does not ban the entry of foreigners from Australia, or not take several other reciprocal measures accordingly against all other 101 countries?

Sigh... The reciprocal principle applies to visa, not to travel restriction. S. Koreans can visit the EU countries without visa, and the people of the EU countries also can enter S. Korea without visa. S. Koreans need visa to enter China, because Chinese need visa to enter S. Korea.

S. Korean could enter Japan without visa, because Japanese also could enter S. Korea without visa. For a long-term stay, S. Koreans need visa to stay in Japan, and Japanese also need visa to stay in S. Korea.

If one country wants to change the status of visa, then she should notify and discuss it with the counterpart country, because it is reciprocal. Abe did it suddenly without any prior consultation with S. Korea, not to mention his cabinet members. Diplomatically it is unacceptable in the world. It is just a political provocation.

This place is 90% Japanese, based on the ratio of Japanophile vs Japan critics(foreigners)

Rubbish.

Probably a smart move. But if this is bring done to try to save the Olympics, there is little chance the Olympics will go ahead on schedule. Even in the unlikely event that Japan is virus free, to bring athletes and fans from all over the world would risk spreading it again both in Japan and in other countries as they mingle and return to their home countries. I just don’t see it as any more than a remote possibility that countries would permit this. Best base is that it will be rescheduled to later in the year. But I would not even bet on that because the virus may well resurface in Autumn.

My neighboring country, Tanzania, and the island of Zanzibar has stopped ALL Italian tourists from visiting to protect their population from COVID-19.

It's befuddling why Koreans insist, nay, demand that they MUST be allowed into Japan.

Indeed, Koreans are a unique lot.

There are plenty of things for you to do beautiful Chosen! Watch K-pop!

Please stay home; tafadhali.

SJToday  04:45 am JST

@showchinmono

If reciprocal measure is justified, how come SK does not ban the entry of foreigners from Australia, or not take several other reciprocal measures accordingly against all other 101 countries?

Sigh... The reciprocal principle applies to visa, not to travel restriction. S. Koreans can visit the EU countries without visa, and the people of the EU countries also can enter S. Korea without visa. S. Koreans need visa to enter China, because Chinese need visa to enter S. Korea.

S. Korean could enter Japan without visa, because Japanese also could enter S. Korea without visa. For a long-term stay, S. Koreans need visa to stay in Japan, and Japanese also need visa to stay in S. Korea.

Sigh... since when people started applying the reciprocal principle only to visa control?

In international relations and treaties, the principle of reciprocity states that favours, benefits, or penalties that are granted by one state to the citizens or legal entities of another, should be returned in kind.

For example, reciprocity has been used in the reduction of tariffs, the grant of copyrights to foreign authors, the mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments, and the relaxation of travel restrictions and visa requirements.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocity_(international_relations)

If one country wants to change the status of visa, then she should notify and discuss it with the counterpart country, because it is reciprocal. Abe did it suddenly without any prior consultation with S. Korea, not to mention his cabinet members. Diplomatically it is unacceptable in the world. It is just a political provocation.

Japan notified SK before it gets effective on Mar 9.　　So Vietnam consulted with SK in advance for it's visa waiver suspension? and SK retaliated based on that principle?

http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200228000813

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/02/29/vietnam-to-suspend-visa-free-travel-for-south-koreans-amid-concerns-over-covid-19-outbreak

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Vietnam-isolates-all-South-Korea-arrivals-squeezing-Samsung

I think all nations should take these measures although i do believe its too late. Health before the economy health.

Am I missing something here?

Yeah, the fact that it's too little, too late now. The horse is miles from the barn now.

yubaru:

South Koreans complain about anything Japan does!

If I remember correctly, Japan was also throwing a hissy fit when India said they wouldn't allow people coming from Japan to enter. Just saying.

Yeah, the fact that it's too little, too late now. The horse is miles from the barn now.

How so? How has the horse bolted making it impossible to slow the progression of the virus?

Japan to invalidate 2.8 million visas for Chinese amid virus fears

Those with concerns about the economic impact of this virus are right to be worried. People are getting sick and dying - that’s a big deal. So far the fatalities are lesser than the regular flu but the unknown extent of the outbreak requires caution. The cumulative economic impact to small businesses will be extensive and devastating for some. 2.8 million fewer tourists translates to big money lost to small businesses across Japan.