On 11^th June 2013, the Government of Japan has decided to abolish the requirement of a short-term visa in the near future for Malaysian Nationals who stay in Japan in the short term. Since 1993, the Government of Japan has strongly encouraged Malaysian Nationals to obtain a visa prior to entering Japan to ensure smooth entry.
 
The Japanese authorities concerned are in the midst of deciding since when this abolishment will be implemented. Malaysian Nationals who plan to visit Japan soon are advised to check the date of implementation.
 
The Government’s Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country has decided such measures as easing the conditions for granting visas to ASEAN Member States’ nationals in an effort to further attract visitors from ASEAN Member States to Japan.
 
This initiative is a part of activities to mark the fortieth anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in 2013. In 2013, Japan and ASEAN Member States plan to carry out exchange projects in a wide range of fields, including political dialogue, economy, culture, youth, and tourism to further strengthen ASEAN-Japan cooperative ties.