Japan to further ease COVID-19 entry curbs but not for tourists - Asahi

FILE PHOTO: A passenger, wearing protective mask following an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), carry his baggage at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, March 14, 2020. Pictured taken March 14, 2020. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is considering allowing more foreigners into the country for longer stays starting as early as next month, while keeping the COVID-19 entry curbs in place for tourists, the Asahi newspaper reported on Wednesday.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Japan has adopted some of the strictest travel restrictions in the world, with even permanent residents unable to re-enter the country without prior permission.