Playlist

Japan Raises Visa Fees for Tourists Fivefold

22 Jun. 12:38

Source

The Government of Japan has decided to increase the visa processing fees for single-entry visas for foreign nationals fivefold, raising the tariff from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen, effective this July. The policy update was reported by international media outlets, citing the Japanese news agency Kyodo.

Driven by inflation and the weakening of the national currency, this adjustment represents the first visa fee increase in Japan since 1978. During a press briefing, Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi clarified the state's position, stating: "We do not expect this financial decision to have an immediate negative impact on inbound tourism."

The media reports further indicate that the upward adjustment of visa tariffs was strategically aimed at aligning Japan's consular pricing structures with the operational benchmarks found across other Group of Seven (G7) member nations.

















Shavkat Mirziyoyev Gifts Two National Uzbek Ayvans to Donald Trump

Today in 11:20

Source

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has presented U.S. President Donald Trump with two traditional wooden ayvans featuring intricate Uzbek woodcarving craft. According to The New York Times, the structures have already arrived in Washington, D.C., and assembly has begun in West Potomac Park, where Trump plans to establish the "National Garden of American Heroes."

U.S. Department of the Interior spokesperson Cathy Martin stated that park visitors will be able to view the ayvans starting this autumn. Uzbekistan's Ambassador to the U.S. Furkat Sidikov shared on X (Twitter) that the gift serves as a symbol of friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations. The report also highlights other notable foreign gifts received by Trump, including a luxury aircraft from Qatar and a pair of cheetahs from Saudi Arabia.