TOKYO: The government is likely to relax some visa requirements for Chinese nationals visiting Japan, expanding the scope of multiple-entry visas, whose holders can visit the country as many times as they wish during of a certain period, several government officials said.

Multiple entry visas are issued to people visiting for professional purposes as well as intellectuals and cultural figures. There are four types, with validity periods of between one and ten years.

These visas can currently be granted to spouses and children of these individuals as well, and the government is considering allowing 10-year visas to be issued to other family members as well.

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya plans to travel to China this year to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which he is expected to brief Wang on the rule changes.

In November, Beijing reinstated the short-term visa waiver for Japanese nationals.

She asked Tokyo to simplify its own entry procedures, in line with the principle of reciprocity. -The Yomiuri Shimbun