Covid-19: The Current Situation in Japan and Countermeasures

Poste date: Friday, January 6, 2023

This is a summary of the Japanese government’s response to Covid-19 and the countermeasures taken. In this article you can learn about the situations regarding immigration, socio-economic activities, schools, and more. We hope this information will be helpful for those who are planning on moving or returning to Japan. Since the situation changes daily, please check the latest information on each of the websites linked throughout the article below.


What's New? ( January 6 )

1) Restrictions on Entry to Japan


Current Restrictions in Japan

Quasi-state of emergency (Pre-emergency measures) has been lifted throughout Japan.

Coronavirus Vaccinations

Please read: Cabinet Public Relations Office

You can also call Covid-19 Vaccine Call Centre in English.

TEL: 0120-761770 (calls are free of charge)

Hours: 9:00 - 21:00

Restrictions on Entry to Japan

The situation is constantly changing. Please refer to the following websites for the latest information or contact the embassy.

Bookmark this page below as the situation changes frequently.

Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

Quarantine measures

 

From 0:00 am (JST) on December 30, 2022, all travelers and returnees who have stayed in China (except Hong Kong and Macau) within 7 days prior to the entry and all travelers and returnees coming from China (except Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flight will be required to take on-arrival test at the quarantine station. In addition, from 0:00 am (JST) on January 8, 2023, all travelers and returnees coming from China (except Hong Kong and Macau) by direct flight will be required to submit a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure.
Based on the New Border Measures (34), for all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant (all countries/regions except for those where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant, based on the New Border Measures, on-arrival test at the quarantine station, self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations, and refraining from use of public transportation are no longer required in principle.

In addition, all returnees and entrants will now be required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) of vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) or a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to departing from the original country/region.

https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

Vaccination certificates

For certificates issued in a foreign country, all of (1) to (3) must be complied with.

(1) The following information must be written in Japanese or English.
Name, date of birth, vaccine name or manufacturer, date of vaccination, number of vaccinations

(2) It must show that the applicant has received two doses of any of the vaccines listed below and a third or subsequent dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Janssen

(3) Vaccination certificate issued by the government or other public institution.

Details:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000903661.pdf

Use of public transport after arrival

The use of public transport is permitted during the period of self-isolation if you are traveling to your home  / other facilities within 24 hours of arrival. There is also Airport Limousine available.

Schools

Public Schools and Private Schools

The regulation varies depending on the local government (for public schools) and on the private school itself however, all schools have reopened.

International Schools

The countermeasures taken depend on the school however all the listed schools below have reopened for the new semester. Most of the schools have still been accepting new students for the new semester and you can also find schools that offer virtual school tours.

International Schools (Tokyo, Yokohama)

The current status of each school. Please contact them for further details.

Canadian International School School Calendar
Chiyoda International School School Calendar
International School of the Sacred Heart School Calendar
K International School School Calendar
Seisen International School School Calendar
Shinagawa International School School Calendar
St. Mary’s International School School Calendar
St. Maur International School School Calendar
The American School in Japan School Calendar
The British School in Tokyo School Calendar
Tokyo International School School Calendar
Yokohama International School School Calendar

 

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Where to Call and Ask Questions about Covid-19 in English in Tokyo

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