The US embassy in Japan has stopped accepting in-person visa interviews for study abroad.

According to the report from the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, on the 30th, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the US Embassy in Japan has stopped accepting student visa interview applications for those hoping to study in the US, however, appointments that have already been scheduled will proceed as planned. According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US embassy stated: "This is a temporary response before implementing new measures such as enhancing social media screenings." Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono stated: "People planning to go to the US have expressed concerns, and we are highly concerned about this. We have requested the US to provide full information and will continue to maintain close communication."