Japan on Friday demanded that the United States ease its newly tightened visa application procedures, stating that the move could discourage Japanese businesspeople and tourists from traveling to the nation.
The more stringent steps were introduced in response to terrorism concerns.
During a bilateral meeting in Tokyo on regulatory reform, Foreign Ministry officials urged the U.S. to "maintain a balance" between the importance of antiterrorism steps and the need for easing entry rules, one Japanese official said.
The official added that the U.S. side said it was considering what measures could be taken to resolve the issue.
Since Aug. 1, all visa applicants have been required to undergo interviews with U.S. Embassy officials, inviting complaints that the procedure is time-consuming.
Meanwhile, the U.S. asked Japan to cut landing fees at its major international airports to help facilitate air cargo services, as well as promote the prevalence of credit cards and debit cards, which allow consumers to make payments with ordinary bank cards.