NHK has learned that Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide plans to speak with US President-elect Joe Biden by telephone as early as Thursday.
Suga intends to directly extend his congratulations to Biden when they speak. He hopes to develop a relationship with the president-elect that is built on trust.
Japan is easing entry restrictions on Thursday for foreigners from around the world, excluding tourists.
The Japanese government had denied entry of people from 159 countries and regions in principle due to the coronavirus pandemic. It has already resumed businesspeople's travel to and from Vietnam, Taiwan and some other places where infection is under control.