Japan will grant visa-free access to Hong Kong passport holders starting April 1 as part of the government's effort to bring in more foreign tourists.
The 90-day visa-free arrangement will be applied to tourists and businesspeople, but those seeking employment in Japan will not be eligible, the Foreign Ministry said.
Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi explained the visa-free arrangement at a meeting Wednesday with Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's chief secretary for administration.
Kawaguchi was quoted as telling Tsang the arrangement will boost bilateral exchanges and is expected to increase the number of tourists to Japan from Hong Kong.
"This is a landmark arrangement that will produce significant benefits for both Japan and Hong Kong by strengthening our economic and cultural links," Tsang said in a statement.
"It also demonstrates the Japanese government's confidence in Hong Kong's immigration controls under (the Chinese government's policy of) 'one country, two systems,' " he said.