Twenty-seven countries and regions restrict entry from Japan in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said Saturday.

Sixty-three countries and regions restrict movement after arrivals from Japan, the ministry said.

A senior ministry official expressed concern about these measures, saying they "may spread an image that Japan is dangerous."

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday that the ministry has been asking India and others to lift their entry restrictions on travelers from Japan.

"We are making necessary requests while explaining Japan's situation and measures," Motegi said at a parliamentary meeting.

India invalidated visas issued to Japanese citizens before Tuesday. Trinidad and Tobago banned entry of people within 14 days of their departure from Japan, China and some other countries.

On Friday, South Korea said it will suspend visa waivers for Japan.

Liberia has decided to quarantine travelers from Japan, China and some other countries for 14 days for monitoring, while Kuwait is asking travelers from Japan to stay at home for 14 days.

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that his country may impose travel restrictions on Japan.

Foreign media have been increasingly doubtful that this summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be held as scheduled.

Japanese Foreign Ministry spokesman Masato Otaka told a U.S. newspaper on Monday that Tokyo will take every measure to contain the outbreak of the virus and to hold the Tokyo Games safely and successfully.

JIJI Press