There is a U.S. Embassy Alert that went out about foreigners being stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents.
It’s important to note that this is nothing new, but it’s the first time that the U.S. Embassy has sent an alert.
The U.S. Embassy has received reports of foreigners stopped and searched by Japanese police in suspected racial profiling incidents. Several were detained, questioned, and searched. U.S. citizens should carry proof of immigration and request consular notification if detained. pic.twitter.com/a8BkAU7eCR
— U.S. Embassy Tokyo, ACS (@ACSTokyo) December 5, 2021
You have Japanese and many foreigners in Tokyo and may it be to see if travelers from another country do have their passport with them (which one should have at all times), those who a travel Visa (to make sure they are not overstaying)and if they can show it to them, or there was a theft and a foreigner was reported.
Unfortunately, It does happen…
THIS HAPPENED TO ME FRIDAY
I got really upset and basically in a big argument with them because out of hundreds if not thousands, they stopped only me. They said they stop others and I said I didn’t believe them. https://t.co/kBMKLE80EQ pic.twitter.com/BcslxdDwQR
— Song 🎶 (@songrensei) December 6, 2021
Under applicable American Law, every LEGAL visitor to the United States must carry a passport and show it upon request to Law Enforcement. You can also be legally detained for 72 hours without a charge due to Patriot Act based on whim. Please don’t throw rocks in a glass house.
— Introman$ (@Introman_) December 6, 2021
That’s because there are a lot of people who enrol in with a tourist visa and overstay as it is. Such people gather a lot in the city centre. Japanese people also get questionned and profiled,Maybe American surprise because they’re not used to it?
— モモ天 (@nekonek28408438) December 7, 2021
Not a U.S. citizen, actually I’m a Japanese citizen, but I’ve also been part of these kind of incidents.
The worst place were is well known for Racial Profiling random detentions is Nagoya Airport. I was stopped once there, while in a meeting call waiting for my flight.— 新型Shiki Byakko (@shikibyakko) December 7, 2021
Again, for those who can’t speak the language, I always recommend having Google Translate or some translator available because you can find yourself in situations that probably can lead to miscommunication.
With that being said, I have never been racially profiled in Japan. In fact, I have been helped and I have had conversations with those in law enforcement in Japan. I have not had one problem but one.
I’ve talked about this before.
One time, someone left their smartphone and I took it to the police. I figured Japanese are kind people, they would take lost items to the police but what was a good kind-heart action in my mind, led to me being questioned by multiple police asking if I took money out of the phone case? why did I return the phone? Where am I living? Why was I at that area?
And my Japanese friends contacted me on social media telling afterward, if you see something left there, just leave it there. Avoid the hassle.
I learned a lesson that day.
