World Cup worry for Japanese

Japan must strengthen immigration controls to be able to handle the expected flood of tourists for the 2002 World Cup.

The warning came from justice minister Mayumi Moriyama, who said today: "Preparing the Immigration Agency for the rise in visitors is a matter of urgency."

The agency handles customs and visas for non-Japanese entering the country. Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected next summer but ministry spokeswoman, Mie Usui, said that while there are plans to tighten border controls, no specifics have been decided.

Japan has two main international airports and is considering expanding air services to a third airport before the World Cup.

The talk of tougher controls comes a month after a man believed to be the eldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il entered Japan with a forged passport.