Recording summary · September 2022
[2022-09-23] Why I HATE Japan Reopening to Tourists [f9vdV17fLOw]
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Overview
The Prime Minister of Japan announced that the country will fully reopen to visa-free individual tourism and remove daily entry caps starting October 11th.
Daniel completed non-refundable bookings and a visa application to move to Thailand to meet a woman he has been dating online, causing frustration over the timing of Japan's reopening announcement.
Daniel previously separated from his Japanese spouse, voluntarily destroyed his spouse visa, and left Japan right before COVID-19 border closures, which locked him out for nearly two years.
Daniel demonstrated a compact folding phone setup attached snugly to his shoulder to secretly livestream an interaction with his mother.
Themes
Japan's revised tourism policies and scrapping of strict guided-tour requirements.
Daniel's travel preparations for Thailand and his online relationship with a Thai woman.
Daniel's regrets regarding his divorce and leaving Japan just prior to pandemic travel restrictions.
Daniel's plans to test living in Thailand while keeping Japan as a backup option.
Testing a foldable phone as a covert livestreaming device.
Developments
The Prime Minister of Japan announced that Japan will permit visa-free individual tourism and lift daily entry caps starting October 11th.
Daniel applied for a visa and paid for non-refundable tickets and hotels for Thailand.
Daniel separated from his Japanese spouse, destroyed his spouse visa, and left Japan before COVID-19 travel restrictions began.
Daniel mounted a folding phone on his shoulder and went downstairs to record his mother without her knowledge.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether Japan removed guided tour requirements due to public pressure and lack of interest, or because long-term retention of those rules was never planned.
Whether Japan will close its borders again for winter due to a new COVID-19 variant by the time Daniel finishes his stay in Thailand.