in the departure and return examinations of Japanese nationals at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport between August 4 to September 5, 2014. As a result, the experts group reported that “facial recognition technology can be rated as having sufficient possibility for use in the departure and return examinations of Japanese nationals”. In response, while conducting a study on problems in its use, research studies pertaining to installment of the facial recognition technology are due to be conducted in FY 2016 with the goal of installing the technology in FY 2018.

## ② Implementation of Bio Carts

In order to reduce the time required for the landing examinations at the Japanese airports, the functions of the personal identification information system were overhauled. In particular, devices (dubbed Bio Carts) to acquire personal identification information (fingerprints and facial photographs) in advance, making use of the waiting time for the landing examinations, were introduced in October 2016 at Kansai, Takamatsu and Naha airports where we expected they were effective. In this way, we are striving to reduce the waiting time for the landing examinations, and the use of these devices is scheduled to be expanded in the future.

## 3 Response to Cruise Ship Passengers

In recent years, the number of cruise ships calling at ports in Japan has increased and they are getting much larger in size. In response to requests from the municipalities hosting the cruise ships at their ports, for prompt processing of post-arrival procedures to enable passengers to fully enjoy sightseeing and other activities within the limited time the ship stays at the port, the Immigration Bureau has been conducting prompt examinations, while securing strict examinations, since June 2012. These efforts include preparation for onboard examinations for large-sized cruise ships, adoption of a new method of

examination utilizing permission for landing at a port of call, utilization of examination devices for which the systems have been modified, and the dispatch of help personnel for examinations across Japan.

Landing permission for cruise ship tourists for allowing the foreign passengers of cruise ships designated by the Minister of Justice to land through the simplified procedures has been operated since January 1, 2015.

Cruise ship examinations

## 4 Measures to Enable the Longer Stays of Wealthy Foreign Nationals

At present, it is possible for foreign nationals who visit Japan for the purpose of sightseeing and recreation to enter Japan with the status of residence of “Temporary Visitor” but, in principle, the maximum length of stay with this status of residence is 90 days. However, amid the rising number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in recent years, a number of foreign visitors requested that they be permitted to stay in Japan for a longer period, and the “Japan Revitalization Strategy (Revised in 2014)” also proposed the establishment of a system enabling tourist longer stays for the purpose of sightseeing to wealthy foreign nationals. In response, the Immigration Bureau has made it possible for foreign nationals who meet the following requirements to stay in Japan with the status of residence of “Designated Activities” for a maximum of one year for the purpose of sightseeing or recreation since June 23, 2015.