Japan's government is considering a plan to reopen the country to foreign travelers in phases from next month.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said during a visit to Britain on Thursday that border controls against the coronavirus would be eased, in line with other G7 members.

Discussions are already underway with relevant ministries and agencies.

The government may also start accepting small group tours from certain countries on a trial basis before fully reopening.

Officials are also discussing what to do with the cap on overseas arrivals, currently set at 10,000 per day.

They plan to carefully assess the infection situation both in Japan and abroad, so that reopening does not cause an increase in new cases.