Japan shuts its borders again- some are saying xenophobia, others call it a rash decision. Personally, I’m just exhausted. Also, this is what happened when I went to the embassy to apply for a Japanese work visa during the travel ban (my appointment happened to be on the very day the borders shut, hours before the restrictions were officially restored).
README: I fully support a country’s efforts to protect its citizens. However in Japan’s case, they have so many exceptions and so many issues with reciprocity with other nations that this sudden decision to restore one of the world’s strictest border policies takes on political undertones, particularly from a newly-elected prime minister who has been criticised in the past for being too hesitant.
The anger and frustration stems from this: Japan has spent the past year making its future workers and students wait with no timeline given for them to create a set of procedures to allow the safe entry of work/student visa holders (not tourists). They created extra documents which took so much time, that the borders were shut again and these new procedures suspended before people could enter Japan and continue their lives.
There is no definite indication on when the borders will reopen to visa holders- last year they said the ban would last for a month, and then they continued to extend the banner for the entire year.
I have been waiting since October 2020 to start working at my company who have been amazing in supporting me through this process. I am willing to follow whatever safety procedures the Japanese government demand. I just want to return to my long-term workplace. I just want my life back.
💌 Get in touch
Instagram: @ellisjwarren
email: ejameswarren@gmail.com
⌛️Timestamps
00:00 Visa preparation and requirements for Japanese visa
01:15 Visiting the Japanese embassy on the morning the borders shut
05:07 Who can enter Japan during the travel ban?
11:55 Us and Them: Japan’s fear towards foreigners
18:02 It’s not just a dream: Why we can’t just ‘change countries’
19:31 What happens now?
🎵Music
Smile High, Teddy Roxpin – Seeds for Tomorrow
#JapanTravelBan #JapanBorders #JapanVisa
AloJapan.com