News Japan to ease requirements for entertainment working visas

[thomas]

You're mistaken if you were thinking of the Filipina bar in the shady street behind the station. Foreign entertainers have to meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Earn at least JPY 500,000 a day while in Japan during a stay not exceeding 15 days
• Perform at a venue with a seating capacity of at least 100 people that does not sell food or drinks
• Take part in public events sponsored by the government, schools or other entities.

Following the easing of the restrictions, overseas artists will be allowed to stay in Japan for up to 30 days, allowing performers to undertake month-long tours. Furthermore, venues can include standing patrons among their customer-respective counts, and the provision of fee-based food and beverages will also be permitted, allowing foreign entertainers to perform at venues that vend alcoholic beverages. Procedures for artists who cannot meet one of the three requirements will also be greatly simplified. Currently, overseas performers who do not meet these standards must have "at least two years of overseas performing experience" and have made arrangements to perform at a venue with a stage measuring at least 13 square meters.

Japan to Significantly Ease Requirements for 'Entertainment' Working Visas