From Ambassador (To Iceland - Increased number of visitors from Japan!)
2023/5/26
I have not written an essay for a while, but I would like to resume.
When I first arrived in Iceland two years ago, there were strong restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I, too, had to undergo a PCR test at the airport upon arrival and then quarantine at home for five days. In February 2022, all restrictions on entry to Iceland were lifted and, finally on April 2, 2023, presenting PCR test results nor proof of vaccination when entering Japan was no longer required. The number of visitors from Japan has been increasing gradually.
Since the beginning of the year, we at the Embassy of Japan in Iceland have been busy preparing for the visits of major dignitaries, such as the visit of Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister on Women’s Empowerment, Ms. Masako Mori in January and the visit of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura in April.
The number of visits from Japanese tourists seems to be increasing, too. Recently, we received guests from a Japanese construction company, which is preparing to tender for a bridge construction project in Iceland.
Japanese business people do not visit Iceland often. This is especially true when it comes to the construction industry!
Recently, it has become common to hear from Icelanders that they have been to Japan, or that they are going to Japan for their upcoming holiday.
As Ambassador, I am delighted that at last personal exchanges between our two countries are returning to normal.
When I first arrived in Iceland two years ago, there were strong restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and I, too, had to undergo a PCR test at the airport upon arrival and then quarantine at home for five days. In February 2022, all restrictions on entry to Iceland were lifted and, finally on April 2, 2023, presenting PCR test results nor proof of vaccination when entering Japan was no longer required. The number of visitors from Japan has been increasing gradually.
Since the beginning of the year, we at the Embassy of Japan in Iceland have been busy preparing for the visits of major dignitaries, such as the visit of Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister on Women’s Empowerment, Ms. Masako Mori in January and the visit of Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura in April.
The number of visits from Japanese tourists seems to be increasing, too. Recently, we received guests from a Japanese construction company, which is preparing to tender for a bridge construction project in Iceland.
Japanese business people do not visit Iceland often. This is especially true when it comes to the construction industry!
Recently, it has become common to hear from Icelanders that they have been to Japan, or that they are going to Japan for their upcoming holiday.
As Ambassador, I am delighted that at last personal exchanges between our two countries are returning to normal.