Japanese Police

[OkiKat]

I read the thread about the Japanese Judicial System which is really interesting. I'm curious if anyone has had experience dealing with the police outside of a speeding ticket? What if you have a dispute with a Japanese person? I would guess due to the exclusionary nature of Japan that the police would be bias in favor of the Japanese (IMO). What if it is a problem between is between Americans or other foreigners - do the police care?

[okisteve]

I read the thread about the Japanese Judicial System which is really interesting. I'm curious if anyone has had experience dealing with the police outside of a speeding ticket? What if you have a dispute with a Japanese person? I would guess due to the exclusionary nature of Japan that the police would be bias in favor of the Japanese (IMO). What if it is a problem between is between Americans or other foreigners - do the police care?

I was not involved myself but I watched a situation between 2 Americans unravel here with the potential for violence, and the J police did as little as they could. It's an understandable attitude and it was a complicated situation because at least one of the parties was mentally unstable, but they are supposed to enforce whatever laws pertain.

Sometimes someone at the Consulate can intervene with the police if they feel it is necessary when an American is involved in a police problem.

[OCanadaOurHomeAndNativeLand]

It's likely the police would have become more involved if the situation had been more like what the OP suggested - a foreigner involved in a dispute with a Japanese person. There are an abundance of horror stories regarding such events. Japanese-Japanese, or foreigner-foreigner incidents are more likely to be monitored, but with no direct intervention.

[hankypanky]

Been there, done that. jp's are pretty good at getting you to apoligize and let bygones be bygones. I've been in Ginowan police station a few times due to too much awamori, don't really want to go back. but they are pretty good blokes and even have had them at my bar drinking together in groups. No problem here!:w00t:

[DoctorP]

I have been to the Ishikawa Jail a few times because of conflicts. All of them were the locals fault, and each time they (the local) tried to put it off on me. The JP's were smart enough to see what happened and didn't buy into it though.

I also had to go down to help a friend. He got off, and then later I found out that he was indeed the one who started the fray...seems as though he had spit on the local and caused everything to escalate...but the JP's took my word for what happened and he got off! I felt guilty after that one!