NHK



 

NHK asked major Japanese companies for their reaction to the government's stricter border control measure to contain the new variant Omicron.

There are concerns the government could further step up restrictions, affecting employees of Japanese firms when they return home from business trips.

But most of the surveyed companies believe the impact will be limited.
Electronics giants such as Sony Group and Toshiba say that in principle, they have been banning overseas business trips since earlier last year. Their stance remains unchanged.

Major trading-company Mitsubishi Corporation sees the impact as limited. But it says the new variant's progress could affect policies.

Another trading house, Itochu Corporation, says it has been highly selective when it comes to approving overseas business trips. It says it will continue to do much of its business online.

Toyota Motor says the firm will closely monitor the situation and decide on what to do with employees slated for postings outside Japan.

Honda Motor says restrictions on overseas business trips of its employees were eased a little in line with the government's lifting of the coronavirus state of emergency.

But the company says most of the trips are being suspended to avoid employees going into quarantine.

Major energy firm Idemitsu Kosan says medical situations differ among countries. The firm is taking anti-infection steps in each country in cooperation with its overseas offices.