Japan has offered to ease visa rules for Chinese visitors as the two sides seek to step up engagements.
Japan will extend the maximum length of multiple-entry visas from five years to 10 years, while the maximum stay for groups of tourists will also be increased from 15 days to 30 days, Japanese media reported.
It follows China’s decision to add Japan to its visa-free entry scheme last month, allowing visitors to stay for up to 30 days.
The measure was announced by Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on a visit to Beijing on Wednesday, where he met Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and invited the latter to visit Japan when it is mutually convenient for economic talks.
Both sides agreed to promote cultural and educational exchanges, including more visits by young people, and work to increase the number of students studying in the other country, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
They also agreed to measures to promote tourism and boost connections between the media and think tanks to “play a positive role” in influencing public opinion.
