NHK reported that Foreign Minister Motegi announced today that Japan has reached an agreement with Vietnam to allow business travel between the two nations on the condition that travelers undergo PCR testing and test negative for COVID-19. The network noted that this will be the first time for Japan to ease its entry restrictions since the coronavirus outbreak began. The GOJ reportedly decided on Thursday to ease some restrictions on business travelers from nations where the number of COVID-19 cases is dropping on the condition that they test negative before they arrive in Japan. The network said the GOJ is holding similar talks with Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand, adding that Motegi said the GOJ is likely to reach an agreement with Thailand next. Motegi reportedly said: “When considering whether to ease travel restrictions, it is important to examine whether the infection situation in that nation is under control or whether there is a need for business travel. We will take all of these factors into consideration when determining whether to further relax entry restrictions.”