Asia News: Japan Relaxes Visa Rules; KBS Song Fest; Indonesia May Loosen Concert Permits

JAPAN

Visa Rules Relaxed For Foreign Artists

The Japanese government on Aug. 1 relaxed visa requirements for foreign entertainers.

Previously, musicians or other performers who earned at least ¥500,000 ($3,500) a day could remain in the country up to 15 days. That period is now extended to 30 days, thus allowing particularly popular artists to tour Japan for a longer period of time and play more dates.

In addition, lesser known artists, who often had to jump over particularly high hurdles to gain permission to perform in Japan, will now have a much easier time of it. Previously, foreign performers could only work at venues that do not sell food and drink and which have a seating capacity of at least 100. That restriction has been removed, which means foreign artists can perform at relatively small venues that sell alcohol.

Moreover, promoters and organizers with at least three years of experience related to foreign performers will no longer have to meet certain requirements for their foreign performers, which could often seem arbitrary.

A representative of the Immigration Services Agency told the Japan Times: “There have been many requests [for changes] from inviting institutions involved in such events in Japan. And the change allows for activities in smaller venues, making it possible for artists who can’t arrange for big venues to perform in smaller ones. Another aspect is that it reduces the burden on applicants, and by relaxing the screening requirements, the immigration authorities can process applications more efficiently.”

The changes were purposely made in line with a sharp increase in the number of foreign performers wishing to come to Japan following the pandemic. Ticket sales for live music and stage performances in 2022 recovered to 90 percent of what it was before the pandemic, and will likely be even higher this year.

KBS Song Fest Comes To Japan

The 2023 KBS Song Festival, an annual year-end music show hosted by a major South Korean broadcaster and featuring top K-pop acts, will partially take place in Japan, according to Star News, making it the first time the festival has ever been held outside of Korea.

Earlier this year, rumors had spread that the 2023 edition would take place in Japan, angering some K-pop fans who said it should be held in Korea.

According to the August 1 report, the festival will be held over two nights this year: December 9 at the Belluna Dome in Saitama, just north of Tokyo, and at a venue to be announced later in Korea on December 16. However, Star News said KBS would not be broadcasting the two concerts live, but rather at a later date, also to be announced.

Nevertheless, after the report was published, KBS responded by saying, “Nothing has yet been decided [regarding the 2023 KBS Song Festival],” and no confirmation has been forthcoming.

INDONESIA

Concert Permits Could Be Relaxed

Indonesia is considering relaxing concert permits after several international artists on tour this year decided to bypass the country and play extended concert runs in Singapore, according to the Straits Times.

Indonesia’s minister of tourism, Sandiaga Uno, made the point on August 1 when he asked why Coldplay were only doing one concert in Jakarta while performing six times in Singapore,

indicating that he felt his country was missing out. As it stands, many of the tickets sold to Coldplay’s six-show run in Singapore next year were bought by Indonesians who couldn’t get tickets for the Jakarta show. Some, reportedly, even went as far as buying tickets to Coldplay’s Japan concerts.

Indonesia’s licensing process for foreign artists is infamously complicated. Taylor Swift is avoiding Indonesia altogether during her upcoming Asia tour. Uno has said he is determined to simplify the permit process by “digitizing it,” starting in September. Also, instead of issuing permits at the last minute, which makes it difficult for promoters and artists to plan properly, the government will ensure they are issued at least 21 days before an event in the case of an international artist.