Job Discussion Forums

E. Singer · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Somewhere nice

.................almost! Those f-in cops! Got stopped on my bike AGAIN tonite. I asked why are you stopping me and they said because you are a foreigner and I asked why do you want to see my ID card- they said to prevent crime!

Do you think that these police realize they are damaging the reputation of the entire country by acting like such biggots?

Maybe I should go out and commit some crimes!

Tamago86 · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 23

Mmmm...so you're pissed because they stopped you and wanted to make sure you weren't an illegal immigrant? i.e. you're mad at them because they were doing their job? Gimme a break, do you have any idea how illegal immigrants are treated in other countries like the US?

Maybe next time you'll get lucky and score a cavity search Laughing

cevanne · Joined: 03 Mar 2005 Posts: 36 Location: Osaka, Japan

Apologies before I say this but I just gotta! Just be happy they were trying to stop crime - as most of the time they are usually soooo busy picking up garbage and other such important duties. I've seen real police stories on TV here where the policemen run away from criminals. Again sorry to anyone who does real police work! Smile

E. Singer · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Somewhere nice

stopping foreigners on bikes who are not in the process of commiting crimes is hardly police work.

please dont make excuses for bigots.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

Yet another reason why the immature should never leave the comfort of their home countries.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Thanks, Paul... I was going to post the same link but you beat me to it.

As for the rest of you.... What the hell is wrong with you? I'm sorry, but I'm with E. Singer on this one... All the way. Police in Japan notoriously overstep their bounds. They have absolutely no right to stop someone just because they are a foreigner under the pretence of preventing crime. That's illegal. If you disbelieve me, click on the link that Paul provided.

Singer (as far as we know) did nothing wrong but you are jumping down his throat as if HE were the criminal. Gee, I hope you get more sympathy than him when it happens to you. It has nothing to do with maturity and it certainly has nothing to do with crime prevention. I highly suggest you read the information Paul linked to and if that doesn't change your mind, continue onward to www.amnesty.org and read the reports on Japan. If after reading all that you are STILL unconvinced, go HERE http://www.phaseloop.com/foreignprisoners/prison-japan.html to read about how innocent people in Japan are routinely treated by the authorities.

I have absolutely NO patience for anyone who believes that violating human rights is EVER acceptable. http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Carry your gaijin card, it's the law.

When you start mouthing off you are doing what they expect and you will be harassed repeatedly. Not only that but we will, too. If you were in your neighborhood, they know you. Be cool and they will know you better.

How do you think criminals are apprehended? You think they turn themselves in?

We experience a great deal more freedom here than in a lot of places.

You're allright,
s

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

Having experienced first hand how bad the police can be and how much they do sometimes discriminate against foreigners I can agree with what a lot of what Singer said.

However, I think part of the problem here is the subject line for this post. People may have responded negatively to Singer's post because that subject line is so strong. If you really do hate Japan the answer is simple ........ leave!

Nagoyaguy · Joined: 15 May 2003 Posts: 425 Location: Aichi, Japan

I am generally fairly sympathetic with the police, as they have a tough job to do. It really depends on their attitude to the situation.

One good thing to do, IMHO, is to treat them the same way. Basically, if they ask you for your identification, then YOU have the right to do the same to them. Ask for their meishi, ask to see their police ID, etc. After all, these days one can never be too careful? There are lots of crazies running around dressed like police, but who are really stalkers.

So, it becomes a game of "I'll show you mine if you show me yours". Make sure to write down the names of the officers, the time, and the details. Be polite and courteous, but also get as much information as possible. If you are asked why you want the information, tell them it is for 'crime prevention'.

SEndrigo · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Posts: 437

I'm with JimDunlop and E.Singer on this one as well....let's not become Japan apologists and say the police were just doing their job.

Where are they when the Yakuza are involved? Where are they when bribery and corruption are involved? It's too convenient to blame all crime on foreigners.

I've received great treatment here from the police, but actually I might have been lucky so far.

Yes, coming out and saying "I hate Japan" is a bit strong but he is understandably frustrated.

E. Singer · Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 17 Location: Somewhere nice

hmmmmmm.........asking them for their meishi.......sounds like a good idea! Do you know if cops carry them?

I am thinking of getting rid of my bike anyways........I have never been asked for my ID till I started riding one. I dont enjoy feelong like a piece of s#it.

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

I have never been stopped while riding my bike. I did have an interesting expirience with me locked bike once in Osaka. My key broke off in the lock(cable kind) and I went to the nearest Koban. They asked me to bring me bike to them(lazy if you ask me, but I won't go there). They looked at the lock and then cut the lock off with some bolt cutters. NEVER ask to see my ID. I could have been stealing that bike for all they know. Then they asked me if I wanted to keep the cut bike lock.

JezzaYouBeauty!! · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 86

I am with Sendrigo....who is with JimDunlop....who is with E.Singer....on this one. Very Happy

....he...he...Actually am.....

Oh, I love us on these forums.....we do put the boot in sometimes a bit.....jumping down throats.....up on our high horses

Is japan making some of us gaijin arrogant?

Yeah, these forums are about our opinions.....so ok I guess... maybe......Apologists/non-apologists......etc

Anyhow, it seems like there was absolutely no pretense to stop E.Singer and ask for ID except that he was foreign.... (right E.Singer?...help me mate...i don't wanna get the boot shoved in too?.....)...

It is racial profiling right?

Anyhow, our countries do it too, me stupid idiot.

Myself...don't shove the boot in to myself!....agahgahga