In Tokyo now, weather is still in Autumn. Nice feeling.
Guess what, Malaysia, with all our rotten news, is not giving us a good image overseas, especially in developed countries. For example, we hear that UK might slapped us with a Visa requirement if we do not control-or improve our immigration well, those who travel to UK.
In Japan, people will wonder what you want to do in Japan, because there are too many Malaysians that have overstayed in Japan, and with our current economic situation there, Japanese see us in different perspective. Taiwanese and Koreans, once are on par or same level with us, in terms of economic performance, have move forward, and they are very much welcomed. And we, I do not really have that feeling. The customs here will asked many questions and check and search our bags, because I trust Malaysia is under their 'to watch list", and they will check everything under the sky for Malaysians traveling here.
What I am trying to say is that, if our country image is good, and healthy, the treatment would be different, but we are not.
Choong, Tokyo
1 comment:
Taiwan and Korea were colonized by Japan for quite a long period of time. There are many Japanese cultural influences in Taiwan and Korea. Therefore, many Taiwanese and Korean love to travel to Japan because they are familiar with Japanese culture.
It's normal for Japan government to act friendly towards taiwanese and korean travelers because of the historical tie among the 3 countries. The government of Hokkaido, for example, have sent immigration staffs to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to fasten the immigration process. Thus, Taiwanese can get immigration clearence in Taipei without waiting in long queue lines at Hokkaido airport.The can get their luggage and start spending money in Hokkaido as soon as possible!
There is also great possibility that Taiwanese need notto apply for a US visa to travel to the USA starting from year 2010. I wonder this will ever happen to Malaysian traveler?!
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