Press Release

報道資料

THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN JAPAN CALLSON GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN FOR EQUAL TREATMENT OF
ALL RESIDENTS
JULY 13, 2020 [TOKYO] – The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
today issued a second statement in response to re-entry travel restrictions placedon residents of Japan who are not Japanese citizens and called on the Governmentof Japan to provide fair and equal treatment for all residents regardless ofnationality.
“Foreign residents of Japan who have made a decision to build a life here andcontribute to the Japanese economy should not be subject to a double standard
restricting their travel, economic, and familial opportunities based on nationality,”
said Christopher J. LaFleur, ACCJ Chairman. “While we applaud and support theJapanese government’s efforts to manage the COVID-19 crisis, a resident’s
nationality provides no basis on which to assess risk or assign travel privilege in
relation to COVID-19.”
Foreign nationals actively and positively contribute to Japan’s economy and society,and do not pose any greater risk than Japanese citizens re-entering Japan.
The ACCJ statement expresses concern among our international businesscommunity that the prohibition currently in place is detrimental to Japan’s longterm interests, in particular as to Japan’s attractiveness as a place to invest andstation managerial employees with regional responsibility.
The ACCJ requests that the Japanese Government establish a re-entry permit orprocess whereby travelers entering Japan under the ‘humanitarian’ exception canreceive an assurance that they will be admitted to Japan before they board flights
outside of Japan.
The ACCJ also requests that any measures taken to permit Japanese nationals totravel for business, or, in the future, travel for other purposes, also apply equally toforeign nationals with proper permanent residency as well as their spouses andchildren, foreign nationals who are spouses or children of Japanese nationals, longterm visa holders and their accompanying family members, and foreign nationals
residing in Japan under a Japanese working visa.
Finally, the ACCJ would like to see the Japanese government announce clear
timelines for the resumption of travel and implement clear policies with theminimum documentation necessary. This will enable those properly desiring toreturn to Japan to make plans free of anxiety and continue their contributions toJapan’s economy, society, and international relations.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
在日米国商工会議所 〒106-0041 東京都港区麻布台 2-4-5 メソニック 39MT ビル 10 階
Tel: 03-3433-5381 Fax: 03-3433-8454 Web: www.accj.or.jp

Read the full ACCJ statement.

About ACCJ###The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) was established in 1948 by representatives of 40 Americancompanies. Over its 72-year history, the ACCJ has positioned itself as one of the most influential businessorganizations in Japan. The ACCJ has approximately 3,000 members who together represent over 600 globallyminded companies with offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka. Working closely with the U.S. and Japanese
governments, business organizations and others, the ACCJ engages in activities that advance its mission of further
developing commerce between the U.S. and Japan, promoting the interests of U.S. companies and members, andimproving the international business environment in Japan including the commitment to demonstrating responsible
corporate citizenship. The ACCJ’s more than 60 committees represent a variety of industries and make policy
recommendations through advocacy tools such as viewpoints, public comments, and white papers. The ACCJ holds
on average 500 events and seminars a year, many of which focus on government policy and economic trends. The
ACCJ is also committed to promoting charitable and CSR activities.
PRESS CONTACT: ACCJ Communications (comms@accj.or.jp)

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Masonic 39 MT Bldg. 10F, 2-4-5 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0041
在日米国商工会議所 〒106-0041 東京都港区麻布台 2-4-5 メソニック 39MT ビル 10 階Tel: 03-3433-5381 Fax: 03-3433-8454 Web: www.accj.or.jp