The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines stated that the “substantial relaxation of multiple visas” for the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam began on September 30, 2014. The decision is a tactical one designed to enhance Japan’s image as a tourism-oriented country. The Embassy even said that the country has the long-term goal of attracting 20 million foreign visitors.

The new privileges for multiple-entry visas include:

• Relaxed visa issuance requirements

• Visa validity extended to “up to five years”

• For applicants living outside of their countries of origin, an opportunity to apply at the diplomatic mission (i.e., akin to an Embassy/Consulate) which has jurisdiction over their place of residence

Before the move to loosen its visa policy, Japan only issued multiple-entry visas to businessmen, artists, specialists and immediate family members of Japanese residents.

Shaun Staller contributed to this article.