Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the second meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussion took place on a draft Action Program toward the realization of Japan as a tourism-oriented country. Following the discussion, the Action Program was decided.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

"Japan has many tourism resources that we can recommend with confidence to the people of the world, such as our wonderful nature, culture, history, and cuisine.
Today we compiled an Action Program that utilizes these resources toward the realization of Japan as a tourism-oriented country full of attractions.
Within the Action Program, it was decided to simultaneously alleviate certain measures related to visas. First, given that this year is the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, in regard to visas for tourists from ASEAN countries, we will:
1. Offer visa exemptions to citizens of Thailand and Malaysia;
2. Create a multiple-entry visa for citizens of Viet Nam and the Philippines; and
3. Lengthen the period of stay offered to holders of multiple-entry visas from Indonesia.
These measures will be carried out by this summer.
In addition, the entire Government will work together to promote the Japan Brand overseas through such activities as the extensive development of content for broadcast abroad and the procurement of channels overseas on which to present such content. We will also cement the position of Japan as the number one location in Asia for the holding of international conferences.
We will immediately execute this Action Program in order to first set a new historical record of 10 million foreign visitors to Japan annually, and then aim to receive 20 million foreign visitors per year.
I request the cooperation of relevant ministers so that we can achieve economic growth, regional vitalization, and help many people around the world directly experience the beauty of Japan."