While visitor numbers plummeted during the pandemic, the attraction has seen a significant rebound in recent years. Official figures indicate that nearly 12 million people have already visited this year, signaling a strong recovery from its 2019 peak of nearly 40 million. This resurgence demonstrates a renewed public interest and a successful return to popularity for the site.
Effective February 1, the Japanese government has discontinued the practice of notifying lawyers representing foreign nationals two months prior to their deportation, a system established in 2010. The Immigration Services Agency cited instances of foreigners going missing after receiving these notices, which it claimed disrupted operations and hindered deportation proceedings. While the agency asserts that foreign nationals will still be informed of their deportation deferral for one month to allow for legal action, the bar association has protested the change, arguing it impedes foreigners’ right to a trial and that the shortened grace period is insufficient for seeking judicial relief. This decision aligns with the government’s broader policy to strengthen immigration controls and increase deportation numbers.
John Q. Hosedrinker