As a sign of its omotenashi, a Japanese term for the spirit of hospitality and service, Japan aims to attract more Indonesian tourists by making its visa application process easier.

Japan opened a new Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC) on Friday, facilitated by technology provider VFS Global, to cater to the growing demand for outbound tourism to Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masafumi Ishii said the number of Indonesian tourists traveling to Japan had increased by more than 30 percent to 270,000 visitors last year. This year, Japan expects to see a 35 percent increase to around 360,000 visitors from Indonesia.

“In my mind, JVAC means shorter waiting times for application and reception. Much more comfortable,” he said.

The expanded services provided in the new center include longer operational hours to receive visa applications and an increased number of service booths, up to 15 from the previous five.

People intending to apply for a visa can also make a reservation online to shorten their waiting time.

Unlike Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand citizens, Indonesians are still required to obtain a visa before entering Japan. In 2014, Japan waived visa requirements for Indonesian citizens who have an e-passport for a maximum of 15 days, but they are still required to register first.

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