Important Notice: The 180-Day Rule for Short-Term Visitors to Japan

If you are planning a trip to Japan for a short-term stay, such as tourism or visiting relatives, please be aware of the so-called 180-Day Rule.
Depending on your nationality, you may either be exempt from obtaining a visa or required to obtain one for your short-term visit. However, in either case, a single stay cannot exceed 90 days. It is also important to note that short-term stays strictly prohibit any form of work or employment.
If you repeatedly travel to Japan on short-term stays, there is a risk that your future entry may be denied. This usually occurs because you are deemed to have violated the 180-Day Rule.
Specifically, this rule applies if your cumulative stay in Japan exceeds 180 days within the last one-year period, counting backward from your planned departure date for the current trip. If you exceed this limit, immigration authorities may suspect you are trying to use a short-term visa for de facto medium- or long-term residence, and they will likely deny your entry.
When planning your time in Japan, you must pay attention not only to the standard short-term visa requirements but also to the cumulative limits imposed by the 180-Day Rule.

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AKIRA YAMAMOTO.AKIRA

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