A government statement late Wednesday said that Japan will "lift the entry ban on 106 countries," causing confusion on social media and giving false hope that tourists would soon be allowed into the country.
In fact, there will be no change to the status quo.
“In reality, there will be no change to who can enter Japan,” said a Justice Ministry official when asked to clarify the statement. “There won’t be anyone new who will be able to enter Japan as a result of this change.”