Job Discussion Forums

Chris_Travel_the_world · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 33 Location: Canada

Ok, so I am taking my laptop to Japan with me and I was wondering if I really need to delete all my downloaded songs. Sure they are all illegal, but do they even check through your computer? For that matter do they really search your stuff? Not like i'm going sneak anything in with me just wondering if it's going to be an ordeal or casual.

Thanks,
Chris

Jon Taylor · Joined: 09 Mar 2005 Posts: 238 Location: Tokyo

You may be asked to switch your laptop on (I was) but then they decided not to have a look what was on my laptop.

I wouldn't risk it....there's no point.

Customs officials have really tightened up in the last month or so.

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

I wouldn't worry about it at all. I'd say, if you have any, delete the porn to be on the safe side. Apparently they don't like (ironic when you see what they have on offer here!) that but the chance of being searched is very very very slim. (side note, I don't and didn't have any porn. Honest!)

When I came through, the Japanese guy in front of me had his bags searched but it was like a 5 second search, if that.

I got asked why I was there, how long etc. (be prepared for questions designed to trip you up) and he also asked me (in a very Dirty Harry tone - seriously) if I'd ever tried marijuana in my home country. That was my customs experience.

When I came back when I went to Hong Kong, it was even less than that. Customs searched the bag of my friend (Japanese) who was with me but didn't give me a second look.

So, in short (sorry it went a little long), I wouldn't bother getting rid of anything. In fact, I'd advise against it.

Not long now, eh? Getting excited?

callmesim · Joined: 27 Oct 2005 Posts: 279 Location: London, UK

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

Burning to cds or dvds would be worse. Keep then on the computer. If you want to be extra careful, just encrypt the files on your computer. There is nothing they can do.

http://axcrypt.axantum.com/

Honestly, you're worrying about nothing.

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

Silly to worry. When I came to Japan I brought my entire CD collection in MP3 format..... Completely legal, as I own all the originals -- I just didn't take them with me due to the bulk.

Customs isn't an agent for the MPAA or for RIAA. Their business is not trying to figure out whether your MP3 files have been legally obtained or not. Their job is to restrict bad things from entering the country... I.e. pornography, drugs, weapons, etc, etc....

Khyron · Joined: 10 Mar 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Tokyo Metro City

PrinceofZibo · Posted: Thu Sep 07, 2006 7:29 pm Post subject:

JimDunlop said it all...

Mp3 are not illegal, you can actually legally download songs that you have on cds.

Immigrations officers are never gonna ask you anything about the cds you have nor about mp3s, especially if they're on your computer. When I came back from japan this summer, I had about 50 dvds with songs, movies, everything and they never asked.

Don't worry about that. If you look too worried you'll be suspicious and then they might think search you. And even then, they're not gonna look at every directories on your pc, they have other things to do, like: confiscating your alcool.

womblingfree · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 826

There is no way of telling if an MP3 was downloaded, bought from an online store or imported from a CD.

Customs have far better things to worry about.