Comments on: A Near Miss with Ibuki, Abe Gives Up, & a Warning to Foreigners from the NPA via the US Embassy http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/ Independent Podcasting from Tokyo. Featuring Seijigiri, a discussion of Japanese news and politics, as well as TPR News, our twice a week look at Japan's top stories. Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:57:42 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.3 by: Alex http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8173 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:49:33 +0000 http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8173 I have no problem with handing over my foreigner I.D. to a police offier. It does border a litlte on 'profiling' which I understand what as a major issue in the United States. But yes, there's no way in hell I or anyone else should agree to enter the Koban... Cheers to Debito for putting this together. I have no problem with handing over my foreigner I.D. to a police offier. It does border a litlte on ‘profiling’ which I understand what as a major issue in the United States.

But yes, there’s no way in hell I or anyone else should agree to enter the Koban…

Cheers to Debito for putting this together.

]]> by: DeOrio http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8060 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:30:53 +0000 http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8060 Definitely. One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike some other things the police do, asking to see papers is perfectly legal and the police have the power to ask anyone, Japanese or foreigner, for ID. They don't need a reason. Of course, Japanese are not required to carry ID, so it means that the police will primarily be asking foreigners. I don't see much of a point in refusing to show your gaijin card or passport (whichever would be appropriate), although I have found, when stopped, that the police will tell me why they stopped me if I ask. I've never heard a good reason for it, but they answer. Debito Arudou does some good work. Definitely. One thing to keep in mind is that, unlike some other things the police do, asking to see papers is perfectly legal and the police have the power to ask anyone, Japanese or foreigner, for ID. They don’t need a reason. Of course, Japanese are not required to carry ID, so it means that the police will primarily be asking foreigners. I don’t see much of a point in refusing to show your gaijin card or passport (whichever would be appropriate), although I have found, when stopped, that the police will tell me why they stopped me if I ask. I’ve never heard a good reason for it, but they answer.

Debito Arudou does some good work.

]]> by: Ken http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8016 Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:54:57 +0000 http://www.transpacificradio.com/2007/01/16/ibuki-gaijin/#comment-8016 Kudos for Debito for putting all that stuff together in English. I think it's essential that every foreigner living here have access to that information (in every possible relevant language). That said, I don't necessarily recommend doing anything other than handing the gaijin card to the cop and keeping your mouth shut, provided you're outside. They'll check it and give it back. Do not agree to enter the Koban, the rules change in there. Kudos for Debito for putting all that stuff together in English. I think it’s essential that every foreigner living here have access to that information (in every possible relevant language). That said, I don’t necessarily recommend doing anything other than handing the gaijin card to the cop and keeping your mouth shut, provided you’re outside. They’ll check it and give it back. Do not agree to enter the Koban, the rules change in there.

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