##**UPDATED – February 2021 – [**The ban on all New Entries has been confirmed to continue until March 7th,**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/04/national/japan-travel-restrictions/) regardless of whether a COVID-19 variant has been discovered there prior to departure. *At present, entry is only permitted for Japanese Nationals, their Spouses, or Permanent Residents. In any case, we strongly urge you to check with the Embassy of Japan in your departure county to confirm your entry*.**
##**We are continuing our Discussion Thread this month on the Olympics and Travel and Tourism in 2021, and the possibility that there may be neither. Posts on these topics will be redirected to [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/l9ml8l/discussion_the_tokyo_olympics_the_future_of/) until there is an official release from the Government on either decision.**
##**Frequently Asked Questions – February 2021**
>- **If you are seeking information on *first time entry with the new restrictions*, please go to** [**/r/movingtojapan’s Megathread.**](https://www.reddit.com/r/movingtojapan/comments/ls0dqr/covid19_entry_restrictions_discussion_and/) [**Urgent questions should be directed to the Embassy Of Japan in the country *your* passport originates in.**](https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html) **We DO NOT field questions about working in Japan, moving to Japan, or going to school in Japan in this sub. Questions regarding these topics will be removed and redirected.**
>- [**If you are seeking information on *re-entry with the new restrictions*, please go to the Embassy Of Japan in the country *your* passport originates in.**](https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/over/index.html) **Questions regarding this topic will be removed and redirected.**
>- **If you are looking to renew your Tourist Visa while in Japan, you will need to contact the Authorities at the** [**Immigration Services Agency Of Japan**](http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/) **to confirm you are still able to renew and continue your stay if necessary. Questions regarding this topic will be removed and redirected.**
>- **Are you arriving in Japan for transit through to another country? Transit *through* Japan is ONLY possible through Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, or Kansai Airport. *You cannot depart any airport to catch a flight to your destination without facing quarantine measures.* If you are flying on a newly booked or rebooked ticket, please speak to your airline right away if you have concerns. Questions regarding this topic will be removed and redirected**
>- [**Japan-Guide.com is keeping a list of tourist attractions that have been affected by the ongoing pandemic.**](https://www.japan-guide.com/news/alerts.html) This list is updated when closures and re-openings occur, the most recent State Of Emergency clearly affecting many locations in Tokyo due to the serious increase in infections.
>- **Please check [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/search?q=Japan+Travel%2C+COVID-19%2C+And+You%3A+Guidelines+On+Travel+%26+Pandemic+News+Update+Thread&restrict_sr=on&sort=relevance&t=all) for previous Megathreads on this topic, dating back to 2020.**
##**Confirmed Cases, News Sources, and Maps – Updated: 02/28**
>**As of this writing, Japan has 433,432 confirmed cases, and 7,910 people have died.**
>- [**NHK News Japan Prefectural Infection Map:**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/data/) This breakdown is provided by NHK Japan, and the information is culled from the Ministry of Heath in Japan.
>- [**The JHU CSSE Map:**](https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html) is another source for infections in Japan and worldwide.
>- [**NHK World Coronavirus Portal:**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/) Updated with news and confirmed cases daily, short read articles and quick videos on topics related to the ongoing pandemic in Japan.
>- [**The Japan Times Covid-19 Live Thread:**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/liveblogs/news/coronavirus-outbreak-updates/) Also updates with news and confirmed cases, and tends towards longer articles with more sources in regards to the pandemic, travel, and tourism in Japan.
##**TOURISM NEWS UPDATES – February 2021**
**02/28** – [**From The Mainichi – Japan may open border to Olympic athletes from next month: sources.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210227/p2g/00m/0sp/078000c) Athletes barred from entering Japan due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions may be permitted to do so after the current state of emergency is lifted, sources with knowledge of the matter said Saturday. The emergency declaration, aimed at containing the spread of the virus, is scheduled to be lifted entirely on March 7. Japan has temporarily suspended exemptions allowing foreign athletes to train in the country ahead of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
**02/28** – [**From The Mainichi – Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ campaign to remain suspended even after emergency lifted.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210228/p2g/00m/0na/069000c) The resumption of the “Go To Travel” campaign, which some experts believe caused the novel coronavirus to spread nationwide, would come only after thorough preventive measures are taken, the officials said, adding the government will carefully consider whether to restart the program in March in areas where the infection situation is under control.
**02/28** – [**From The Mainichi – Concerns for March end to state of emergency grow as Tokyo infection decline slows.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210227/p2a/00m/0na/006000c) While the Tokyo Metropolitan Government had hoped the seven-day running average for new infections would fall to at least 70% of the previous week’s figure. However, recent new case numbers have fallen short of this target, a sign that the downward trend is ending. With the end of the current state of emergency declaration due March 7, sources close to the metro government have begun to wonder aloud whether they will be able to lift restrictions on schedule. “If cases rebound there will be a fourth wave. For that reason, we must see prevention measures through completely,” said Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike at a metro government pandemic monitoring meeting on Feb. 26.
**02/27** – [**From NHK News – Govt. to bolster watch for virus variants.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210227_17/) As of Thursday, 202 people had been confirmed to be infected mainly with the variant first reported in Britain. The figure includes those discovered at airport quarantine stations. Experts point out that variants with a mutation called E484K may weaken the efficacy of vaccines. They are calling for stepped-up vigilance against the mutation. Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said on Friday at a meeting of the government coronavirus taskforce that a quicker method to detect variants will be adopted in all prefectures, beginning in March.
**02/27** – [**From NHK News – Govt. revises anti-coronavirus basic guidelines.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210226_40/) The new guidelines revised on Friday point out that coronavirus variants found in South Africa and Brazil are a concern as they are believed to be more contagious than the original coronavirus strain. The guidelines also express concern about the virus having the E484K mutation that has been found in some countries, including Japan. The government says that the virus could undermine the immunity and efficacy of vaccines. The guidelines warn that cluster infections of variants have been reported in Japan, and some of them have no apparent links to foreign countries.
**02/26** – [**From The Mainichi – Japan’s ‘Go To Travel’ campaign may partially resume after emergency lifted.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210226/p2g/00m/0na/021000c) The idea of potentially restarting the “Go To Travel” campaign comes as Japan has decided to end its second state of emergency for five prefectures west of the Tokyo metropolitan area at the end of this month as the number of coronavirus infections is no longer considered dire. The five prefectures are Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi and Gifu, officials said, adding that the plan will be finalized by the government’s task force on measures against the virus on Friday after hearing opinions from health experts.
**02/26** – [**From NHK News – Japan to lift pandemic emergency for 6 prefectures.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210226_44/) Suga Yoshihide said, “What is important now is to take thorough measures to prevent the spread of infection and lift the state of emergency across the country on March 7.” **Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Fukuoka, Aichi and Gifu will all be released early from the state of emergency at the end of this month. But Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba will wait until March 7.**
**02/25** – [**From The Mainichi – Policy on Tokyo Olympic spectators to be set around March 25.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210225/p2g/00m/0sp/115000c) **The head of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee said Thursday that how to deal with spectators for this year’s Summer Games amid the coronavirus pandemic may become clearer around March 25.** Seiko Hashimoto, who became president of the committee a week ago following a sexism row sparked by her predecessor, said she wants to set a direction on the issue around that day, when the domestic leg of the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics is slated to begin.
**02/25** – [**From The Mainichi – Olympics: Decision on overseas fans at Tokyo Games expected in April.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210225/p2g/00m/0sp/056000c) Speaking at an online press conference, Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi said the IOC wanted the decision made “as late as possible, but as early as needed,” to observe the progress of worldwide efforts to combat the virus, while also allowing enough time for planning. **”Towards the end of April would be the right time,” said Dubi, who also suggested separate decisions might be made for fans traveling from abroad and those based in Japan.**
**02/23** – [**From NHK News – 4 Governors Request Lifting State Of Emergency.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210223_20/) The governors of Osaka, Hyogo and Kyoto held a video conference with the minister in charge of the coronavirus response on Tuesday. Their request was based on an overall improvement in the situation, including fewer new daily cases.
**02/21** – [**From The Mainichi – Japan Minister Warns Of Slower Pace Of COVID-19 Vaccine Shots For Elderly.**](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210221/p2g/00m/0na/014000c) For people aged 65 or older, a group of about 36 million, vaccinations will start in April under the schedule set by the health ministry. But Kono, speaking on a TV program, said that the **vaccine will be only available in limited areas and among limited age groups during that month. He said it would be difficult to achieve the government’s goal of completing vaccination of the elderly in two months and three weeks in large cities.**
**02/21** – [**From The Japan Times – Japan Mulls Lower Go To Travel Payments If Program Restarts.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/21/national/japanese-economy-covid-19-japan-go-to-travel/) Several options are under consideration. One of them is to reduce the amount to ¥10,000 first before cutting it further in stages, the sources said. Another calls for slashing the sum to ¥5,000 while extending the program until autumn this year or the end of the year beyond the current expiration at the end of June, they said. The Go To Travel program received about ¥1 trillion in funding under the government’s fiscal 2020 third supplementary budget. But the program has been put on hold since December due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases.
**02/19** – [**From The Japan Times – COVID-19 Cluster Discovered At Immigration Facility As New Strain spreads In Japan.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/19/national/covid-19-immigration-facility/) **The new strain appears to have originated overseas but is different from other strains that have been found sporadically in Japan, according to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases. Among mutations seen in the new strain is the so-called E484K mutation, on the spike protein of the virus, which has also been identified in some other strains and may undermine the effectiveness of vaccines.**
**02/16** – [**From NHK News – Japan Ready To Start Vaccine Rollout.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210216_30/) Health care workers in Japan are set to get Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine on Wednesday. They’ll be the first in the nation to receive the jab. A hospital in Tokyo received the vials on Tuesday evening. It will keep the vaccine at a temperature of around minus 75 degrees Celsius in a special freezer. The minister in charge of the vaccination program announced that about 40,000 medical workers at 100 hospitals across the country will be inoculated first.
**02/03** – [**From NHK News – Japan Passes Revised Anti-Virus Laws.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210203_43/) Officials will soon be able to levy fines against people or businesses that break anti-virus rules. That includes those who test positive for the virus and are told to check into a hospital, but refuse. Individuals who lie to health officials or refuse their inquiries will also face punishments.
Government efforts to stem the spread of the virus include shortening operating hours for bars and restaurants. Under the new rules, businesses that don’t comply can be fined up to about 3,000 dollars. Conversely, the legal changes make it mandatory for governments to take financial measures to help affected businesses.
**02/03** – [**From The Guardian – Olympic Organizers To Ban Singing In Silent Tokyo Games.**](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/03/olympic-athletes-to-be-tested-every-four-days-as-tokyo-publishes-playbook?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other) Detailed guidelines for broadcasters, athletes and the media will be released in the coming days. While a decision on whether to allow fans to attend is not expected for a few months, anyone watching the events will be told to refrain from singing or shouting and to show their support by applauding instead.
**02/02** – [**From The Japan Times – Japan Should Restart Go To Travel Campaign In March, Senior LDP Official Says.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/02/02/national/seko-go-to-travel/) Japan should look to reinstate its domestic travel incentive program as soon as March to shore up the tourist industry, a senior ruling party official said, even after a study last month indicated the campaign may have spread the coronavirus.
**02/02** – [**From NHK News – State Of Emergency Extended For One Month.**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210202_38/) The state of emergency covers 11 prefectures and was originally set to expire on Sunday. Suga said the number of new infections has been decreasing in Tokyo and across the country since the state of emergency took effect last month. He said measures, including shortened business hours for restaurants and bars, have been successful.
##**MONTHLY SUMMARY**
>**January 2021 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 390,687 – Deaths – 5,765**
>- [On January 7th, Japan declared a State Of Emergency for the Tokyo Area.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210107_46/) The declaration included Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures. This was modified on January 13th to include Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi and Fukuoka.
>- [Word began circulating that the Organizers of the Tokyo Olympics were uncertain of the Games’ future with the current pandemic raging.](http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14091366) The event was scheduled to start within 200 days. However, with the virus situation worsening in the Tokyo metropolitan area, prompting the government to declare a monthlong state of emergency – **“The Tokyo Olympics could be canceled if the state of emergency is not lifted by March,” an official of Tokyo’s organizing committee said.**
>- [With 3 new variants discovered, Japan expanded restrictions to include those entering Japan on business and began to toughen laws on people who break quarantine.](https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Coronavirus/Japan-halts-business-travel-threatens-to-deport-quarantine-violators) This halted business travel agreements reached with 11 partners including China and South Korea, in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
>- [The Health Ministry announced a plan to track foreign entrants who test positive for COVID on entry to Japan.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210117_04/) The authorities currently register the names and nationalities of foreigners entering Japan at quarantine stations, but the database is separate from the nationwide system called HER-SYS. The Ministry was working to link the two data systems using passport numbers of travelers this month.
>- [A top Government Official indicated that widespread vaccination in Japan would not be a prerequisite for the Tokyo Olympics to be held in July.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/01/19/national/tokyo-olympics-coronavirus-vaccine/) This time, the focal point is whether the government is able to lift the state of emergency before the start of the torch relay, set for March 25 in Fukushima Prefecture.
>- [ANA announced that from March 28 through October 30, the following routes would be restricted or halted entirely.](https://www.anahd.co.jp/group/en/pr/202101/20210126.html) If you are affected, please contact ANA directly for more information.
>- [By the end of January, the Government began to make arrangements to extend the SOE for another month, along with adding hard hit prefectures like Okinawa to the list.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/01/31/national/japan-emergency-coronavirus-extension/) The final decision on whether to extend the current virus emergency covering 11 of Japan’s 47 prefectures beyond the original end date of Feb. 7 would be made in early February, but a source close to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said an extension would be inevitable for eight of the 11 prefectures.
>**December 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 236,464 – Deaths – 3,505**
>- [IOC and Tokyo 2020 Organizers began processing refunds for the cancelled dates,](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201203_29/) and advised that resales will be based on maximum numbers allowed in the Venues – which should be decided in the Spring of 2021.
>- [Japan indicated it plans to allow large-scale tourism in to the country for the Olympics,](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/02/national/overseas-visitors-olympics/) with qualifications for entry being discussed by organizers and the Government.
>- [Japan also announced limited resumption of tourism in the Spring from Asian countries,](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/06/national/japan-inbound-tourism-coronavirus/) like China and Taiwan through tourist groups. These groups would have to adhere to restrictions such as travel only by hired vehicles, and use of a tracing app to log daily updates on their health.
>- [As a result, Japan launched a Health Monitor Center for inbound tourism.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/09/national/japan-health-center-tourists-coronavirus/) **Tourists will be required to register their passport numbers with the center and input daily updates on their health condition for two weeks, the sources said. If a person is suspected to be infected with the virus, the center will provide consultations, available in multiple languages, and the information gathered at the center will be made available to public health centers and prefectural governments. […] All Travelers will be required to take a polymerase chain reaction test for the virus, submit the results before entry and buy medical insurance, among other conditions.**
>- The Ministry and Keisei Electric Railway began preparations for accepting International tourists [by designating cars for use on Express Trains departing from Narita Airport.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201211_02/) The arrivals will be asked to use designated routes in the airport and train stations to prevent mixing with other passengers. They will also be asked to use hire cars or private vehicles from Keisei-Ueno Station. If any of them are later confirmed to be infected, their personal identification information and train seat reservation numbers will be used to trace close contacts.
>- But as the third wave began to crest in Japan, [locals expressed serious concerns, and outright rejection of the Olympics being held in 2021 – or at all.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/15/national/most-oppose-holding-olympics/)
>- By late December, the news for those seeking entry was not good as [Japan halted new entries of foreigners](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/27/national/japan-entry-foreign-nationals-coronavirus/) in response to a newly discovered variant in the UK and South Africa. This closure is set to end January 31st, 2021 but will be revised closer to the expiry for the safety of Japan and its citizens.
>- Japan announced that it continues working on the [tracking system for foreigners](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/27/national/japan-tracking-system-travelers-overseas-coronavirus/) intended to assist during the influx of tourism expected for the 2021 Games.
>- [The Go To Travel campaign is suspended for the Christmas and New Years’ holiday,](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/12/29/national/go-to-travel-suspension-tourism/) in an attempt to curb the explosion of the virus in the last 30 days. Resumption is set for January 11th, 2021, but this will rely heavily on the ability of individuals to stay home and flatten the curve.
>- [A State Of Emergency could be declared again](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201231_02/) in Japan as a result of the current spread of COVID-19 and the arrival of variants from overseas in the past week.
>- [Japan begins expanding Airport Quarantine Measures](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201230_11/) and adding more countries to the Ban List, based on the discovery of the UK and South African variants of COVID-19 in those locations.
>**November 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 151,734 – Deaths – 2,206**
>- Early November saw the Government begin to step up efforts against cluster infections in Japan, as cases again began to rise with Christmas holidays and New Years’ festivities on the horizon.
>- [Olympic organizers began to scrutinize the response from other major sporting groups in an effort to develop of plan for the 2021 Olympics.](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/1366/)
>- [Japan also began to consider lifting quarantine for Olympic spectators from overseas.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/11/national/japan-quarantine-olympics-spectators-overseas/)
>- [By mid-November, Tokyo raised the alert as Japan sets a daily record with 2,000-plus COVID-19 cases.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/18/national/tokyo-coronavirus-alert-level/)
>- [This led to the Government to revise the Go To Travel Campaign amid the Nationwide surge in infections.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/21/national/go-to-travel-coronavirus-surge/) Cities began to be excluded from the Go To Travel campaign entirely as hospitals began to strain under the admitted cases.
>- [The end of November saw a frank warning from the Virus Response Chief in Japan,](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/11/26/national/japan-virus-emergency-possible/?app) as a new State Of Emergency is floated if the virus is not brought under control by late December – in time for the holidays.
>**October 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 102,166 – Deaths – 1,783**
>- The Government is considering [ways to lift the Tourism shutdown imposed on International travel on a trial basis](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/10/05/national/japan-entry-ban-foreign-tourists/) earlier than the expected re-opening date of July for the Tokyo Olympics.
>- [Public opinion is reigniting debate on the Games,](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/10/08/national/cancel-or-proceed-public-statements-reignite-debate-on-2020-games/) as there is a high likelihood that the influx of non-residents could trigger another widespread outbreak.
>- [Specialized contact tracing methods are being developed](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201027_39/) to adapt to the massive scale of the work required to keep as many people safe as possible.
>**September 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 84,414 – Deaths – 1,588**
>- The IOC looks at easing virus restrictions for athletes that would compete in the 2021 Olympics, confirms the 2021 Games would happen with or without Covid-19, and began the task of cutting costs intended to [to counter the pandemic concerns from the international community.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/09/25/olympics/olympics-organizers-agree-52-items-simplifying-tokyo-games/)
>**August 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 68,200 – Deaths – 1,285**
>- Full-fledged antigen testing started at Narita, in preparation for re-opening the borders to business entry, and allowance of residents to return home. This test is saliva based, allowing a faster return time on results, but all new arrivals to Japan were still required to comply with a 14 day quarantine – many in hotels before they can return to their proper residences.
>- Late August confirmed what many had feared – **Japan was enduring a second wave of the outbreak of COVID-19.** Tateda Kazuhiro of Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases said, “We are now in the midst of a second wave. People may think coronavirus infections have peaked out, both in Tokyo and nationwide. But we need to closely monitor the situation for whether a resurgence is underway.” Tateda said the situation may be worse now than a few months back.
>- The Japanese Government finally announced that re-entry for Residents of Japan with certain statuses would be allowed as of September 1st. [**Detailed on the MOFA website,**](http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001327497.pdf) **this opens up the borders for Foreign Residents who have status for re-entry – namely “Permanent Resident”, ”Spouse or Child of Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” and “Long Term Resident” (including the spouse of a Japanese national or Japanese child who does not have these statuses of residence; the same applies hereinafter) – and those who have special exceptional circumstances as noted by the Embassy of their home country.**
>**July 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 35,521 – Deaths – 1,020**
>- [Major airports began to set up PCR test centers to help restore Int’l travel.](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200702/p2a/00m/0na/006000c)
>- Coronavirus cases exceeded 30,000 in late July, and the Governor of Tokyo explored the possibility of calling another State of Emergency for the city in August.
>**June 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 18,631 – Deaths – 972**
>- IOC confirmed they would require the Olympics to be held in 2021 – or not at all. The IOC says they will have a plan finalized for the 2021 Olympics in September 2020.
>- Mid-month, the Japanese government revealed it was beginning a [plan to allow up to 250 businesspeople into the country each day](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/06/11/national/japan-250-business-travelers-four-countries-daily/#.XuI2-UVKiUk) from areas like Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam.
>- [Businesspeople from Vietnam became the first to be allowed into the country](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/06/cd172dae467b-urgent-travel-from-japan-to-vietnam-to-partially-resume-this-week-motegi.html) after a long closure to flights due to the virus.
>**May 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 16,759 – Deaths – 882**
>- The State of Emergency that began in April was extended in May due to the strain presented on the medical system, even though daily infections were seeing a downturn.
>- It was also revealed that if the Tokyo Olympics could not go on in 2021 due to COVID-19 spread, they would be cancelled outright – although the IOC advised they are doing their best to plan for as many possible outcomes as they could.
>- Finally, after widespread confusion, [Japan quelled rumours it would pay for half of international tourists’ expenses](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/05/27/national/japan-wont-pay-half-visitors-expenses/#.XtCSwDpKiUk) as a poorly sourced article had indicated. This article was clarified in english to state that the credit would only apply to local, domestic tourism within the country, which began the Go To Travel Campaign in Japan.
>- As new cases begin to surface again in Tokyo, the Minister in charge of the virus response says there were no plans in place to revive the State Of Emergency for Tokyo or other cities in Japan.
>**April 2020 Summary – Confirmed Cases – 14,119 – Deaths – 435**
>- Japan began increasing travel restrictions into the country on April 3rd.
>- [Foreigners were given an automatic Visa Renewal of 3 months,](https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/04/504b65db2f19-foreigners-given-extra-3-months-to-renew-stay-due-to-coronavirus.html) no application necessary.
>- A State of Emergency is declared, further restricting movement to, from, and within the country.
>- On April 29th, Japan added more countries to the ban list, barring citizens or those who had traveled to many parts of Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.
>**March 2020 Summary**
>- A World Wide Pandemic is declared, and Japan begins to close borders to International Travel, as travel advisories are issued worldwide, and citizens are asked to return to their home countries.
>- [**The Tokyo Olympics are postponed officially, with a re-start date of July 23rd, 2021 being selected.**](http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13254665)