I have a question about the new COVID-19 rule stating, “Members who have traveled overseas may only schedule dates after 14 days have passed since their return.”

Thank you for your questions and feedback. We have received many similar comments from both within and outside the company, and have partially revised our rules. https://universe-club.jp/information/42506/ *Update added Thursday, February 20, at 12:00* Among members with overseas travel history, we will now be able to arrange dates when the destination was a country other than China, provided we obtain the woman’s consent. We will add an information notice along the lines of: “Mr./Ms. ○○, you have traveled overseas, to a country other than China. As part of our current coronavirus precautions, when arranging a date with someone who has overseas travel history, we require both parties to consent. Do you agree?” We have added the above wording. We understand that obtaining the other person’s consent may put some members at a disadvantage. However, if the destination was the United States, for example, we could explain: “The country you traveled to was the United States. While the number of infections there is lower than in Japan, as a rule, anyone with overseas travel history must disclose it and obtain their date partner’s consent.” We believe this would allow us to proceed with the arrangement after everyone has reached a reasonable understanding of the situation. As for the question of whether travelers to countries other than China should simply be exempt from these restrictions, we will consider relaxing the rules as the situation changes. We would greatly appreciate any additional feedback or questions, especially from those currently living overseas.

Maezawa from the Corporate Planning Office here. Regarding your request, please consult the branch where you registered. For example, I’m not sure whether testing can be done immediately in the U.S. (In Japan, there are very few testing facilities, so it seems you can’t even get tested unless you meet certain requirements.) If you could take a viral test, send us the results, and have the requirement waived, I can personally understand that approach. However, I don’t know what decision will ultimately be made on the ground. P.S. It seems the criteria were changed after the questioner contacted the branch directly. Now, travelers from countries other than China can go on a date as long as the woman agrees. That’s great news. Requests to the branch really do work, don’t they? (Haha)