Job Discussion Forums

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

What was everyone carrying in their luggage when they were searched? I've a theory that it depends on suspicious x-ray images...

I was searched because I had a PS2 in my luggage. I'm guessing most Japanese travellers are mainly taking clothes and toiletries with them. I was in the middle of moving back home, so I found it entirely acceptable that they searched me.

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Searches are random, depending on how busy they are, how many custom agents there are, what you say, what you don't say, how many people they've already searched that day, how close it is to their break time...whatever.

If you fly, you can expect to be searched. When you aren't, that's the bonus. Some people think the world is always against them. Crying or Very sad

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

osakajojo · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 229

I have been through Kansai customes 6 times- 5 times I was alone or with a friend. We are both white, somewhat clean-cut late-20's guys. We had never been bothered. One time, however, we went through customes with my friend's brother, who had long hair in a pony tail and two gigantic henna tattoos from Thailand on each of his arms. They did about the same thing to him as they did to you, though they never mentioned a full-body search. Of course, we assumed it was his apearance.

observer · Joined: 15 Nov 2004 Posts: 27

on www.debito.org

The guys a naturalised Japanese, you may have heard of him in relation to the Otaru discrimination Lawsuit filed to redress his (and friends) exclusion from a Japanese only onsen.

From Arudo Debito/Dave Aldewinckles home page:

http://www.debito.org/activistspage.html#checkpoints

He discusses his experiences, and what you can say...didn't exactly apply to customs though - aimed at police checkpoints-SORRY. Still, should prove interesting, and if you have further questions, you could email him.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:50 am Post subject:

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

chi-chi- · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 194 Location: In la-la land

I also agree with the OP that minorities are singled out and searched as well.

BlueSky · Joined: 22 May 2004 Posts: 13 Location: FUKUOKA

I have flown into Fukuoka three times, each time through Seoul. I have had my luggage searched each time while every other person on the flight has gone through without a problem. Each time I have been the only white person on the flight - everyone else being of Asian origin, mostly Korean or Japanese. I am a female and don't have piercings or a strange hairstyle, I dress normally - jeans and a jacket. I agree with zzonk that you shouldn't have to dress up to go on a 12 hour flight with sometimes long layovers in between.

This time it really pissed me off, I had felt so refreshed from my holiday and to come back to this typical BS really made me angry. I had a snowboard bag with me, which not only did they search, but X-rayed too. I can't understand what the point of that was. Meanwhile, all the Koreans and Japanese were passing through with golf bags, and other unidentified over-sized bags. Last time it happened the male officer went through my toiletries holding up tampons and other personal items for everyone else to see.

It isn't really a big deal, but when you are tired and haven't had a shower for 24 hours and all you want to do is get home, to be greeted in this kind of manner can really put you in a foul mood. I completely understand OPs feelings.

MindlessFudge · Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 40

*Insert random opinion/anecdote here*