View Full Version : Foreigners to Japan. Be Careful!
kochisho
Aug 20, 2004, 12:16
Long story short, I been to Japan 7 times since 1997. I wasn't the "ugly American", I caused no trouble, was friendly to everyone, gave my bus/ train seat to eldery/handicapped/woman and was well liked from the people who got to know me.
I made one mistake. I broke the hemp law. In American its a small crime to have 1 gram of cannabis, in japan it's no joke. I only got it for medical reasons because I was in deep pain. I never been arrested anywhere and always been an asset to society.
I spent 3 months of hell in the osaka police headquarters/Osaka Kochisho/ Immigration Jail. I was refused english lititure, medical attention and put in isolation.
I didn't understand Japanese law and never thought a little pot would be so much trouble.
I was sentence to 2 years hard labor but was given a 4 year suspended sentence. i was turned over to immigration, then flown home.
I was in jail with Yakuza but those guys treated me well.
i love Japan and the time I had there. I wish this never happened but it did. it was a mistake. now i'm banned from japan.
http://www.geocities.com/bannedfromjapan/index.html
southside
Aug 20, 2004, 12:43
Banned from Japan? I didn't know there were such things as bannable offenses. Any chance we can hear the full story?
Yeah, the link isn't working. I got a "this site is temporarily unavailable" message.
@southside - I believe that there are "bannable" offenses in every country. I've heard of people being expelled for violating certain laws from some countries.
Sinspawne
Aug 20, 2004, 13:51
Aw man, that is a bit harsh... They probably just used you to set an example or something..
PopCulturePooka
Aug 20, 2004, 14:05
Whats dnagerously ironic is shops like Head Shroom etc in Shibuya that heavily promote a drug culture.
Sorry too hear about your plight man.
Keiichi
Aug 20, 2004, 14:55
Ouch... you didn't get any phone calls?
Oh, you might want to spell Aya Matsuura and Maki Goto's name a bit more correctly. ^^'
Keiichi
:blush:
For so little pot? OMG!
That's crap, really too bad for you. Harsh punishment too... for owning too much drugs in this country you just go in jail for one day :cool: :p
Mike Cash
Aug 20, 2004, 20:16
I made one mistake. I broke the hemp law.
Well, there ya go....
In American its a small crime to have 1 gram of cannabis, in japan it's no joke. I only got it for medical reasons because I was in deep pain.
I'm sure the court loved that excuse.
Aw man, that is a bit harsh... They probably just used you to set an example or something..
Harsh? He got 2 years on a crime which allows for 5 years at forced labor, and didn't serve a single day of it.
The time he spent in police custody was pre-trial (and pre-sentencing) confinement. Denial of bail is the norm in Japan, not the exception. He was treated no worse than any Japanese would have been for a similar offense, and perhaps better than some.
When one isn't sure of the drug laws in a foreign country, isn't familiar with the criminal justice system, and isn't aware of further consequences (such as being deported and denied re-entry), then the wise thing to do is to either inform one's self and make decisions on engaging in illegal acts based on that knowledge, or to just leave the stuff alone.
Maciamo
Aug 20, 2004, 22:35
Good you didn't get 15 years of forced labour (see this thread (http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11161)), or be executed like they'd do in Singapore or Malaysia, even for a bit of hemp...
These Asian countries have really no idea of why the West started banning drugs, but copied them anyway just to look "modern" and now end up being criticized for human rights abuse, etc. because they can't think by themselves. Drugs are prohibited to protect people's health, so it is utterly illogical to execute someone or send them to jail for years until their health and mind deteriorate completely, because they "possessed" some relatively inofensive cannabis. And during that time millions of Japanese salarymen get drunk till they throw up in the subway almost every night. :mad:
TwistedMac
Aug 20, 2004, 23:04
wasnt a very smart move.. ofcourse i'd never say that to his face, since his arms are bigger than my WHOLE BODY!!
other than those two hot chicks at the bottom (especially the one with the blue ... piece of cloth...) that site is pretty damn crappy though, what with the spelling errors and general wrongness of some text, as well as the just crappy look of the site..
again, I would never say this to his face.. I'm allergic to pain and he looks like he can inflict a lot of it on me.
RockLee
Aug 20, 2004, 23:20
hehe Mac you wimp :D ...anyways...that was a very stupid move you made with the dope man...every foo knows having drugs in your posession get's you in messy situations...why the hell even take it to another country !!! Just buy painkillers...and another thing, in the pic you look buffed...(it takes pain sometimes, I can speak of it) and yet you have an injury that causes you pain(I guess your back)
PopCulturePooka
Aug 20, 2004, 23:34
HOLD THE PHONE
This is what I miss about Japan the most! Aya Matsuuba and and Miko Goto. Thank you girls and when in New York please email me! LOL
You're implying you MET Maki Goto?
Dude...
DUDE!?
I'd be pissed if I were you as well.
Maki Goto? DAMN!
kochisho
Aug 24, 2004, 10:20
Hey, you guys are alright. Much friendlier than the other board I posted on..LOL
southside..Getting caught with drugs in Japan is worse than assault or murder. And they label pot same as speed and dope.
Keiichi- no phone calls at all! that was the hardest part for my family in America.
mikecash- you are right. the time i served was pretrial. but after interigation i was transferred to prison where i stay for a month. its was hell. Asia is a crazy place, the rest of the world is decriminalizing it.
Maciamo...Bravo!
TwistedMac..Don't be dissing on my site. Its a "Homer Simpson"..LOl I just made a free yahoo page. I got free time because I injured my shoulder and outta commision for a few weeks. And i fixed the spelling errors on the site.
FirstHousePooka...No I never met Maki or Aya...LOL. Just thanked them for entertaining my imagination. I found a clip of Aya running in a bikini in Hawaii and her top fell off. I'll try to uploaded it this sit if it takes zip attachments.
Mike Cash
Aug 24, 2004, 18:21
mikecash- you are right. the time i served was pretrial. but after interigation i was transferred to prison where i stay for a month. its was hell.
Most likely you were just handed over from the police lockup to the immigration lockup. Not a prison technically, but for all practical purposes it may as well be one.
Did you know that people sentenced to death in Japan are not sent to prison? (again....technically).
kochisho
Aug 24, 2004, 21:25
i was in police jail for one month, then transferred to osaka kochisho (prison)
Mike Cash
Aug 25, 2004, 03:37
kochiso is not "prison". Keimusho is prison.
You can say you were in jail, or detention, or lockup, or whatever. But if you weren't in keimusho, then you weren't in prison.
kochisho
Aug 25, 2004, 09:02
Techinally you are correct. If I had to serve my sentence I would be transferred to Keimusho. But the Osaka Kochisho has over 5,000 prisoners, execution facilities, ran like a military boot camp, crowded and dirty. It was a prison to me. Keimusho must be complete hell.
Mike Cash
Aug 26, 2004, 01:35
The reason it has execution facilities is that people sentenced to death can't be sent to prison. Yes, I realize how bizarre that sounds.
Spaceghost
Aug 26, 2004, 17:39
Why do you seem to be wearing the same top in most of the photos?
How did you get caught with the weed? Smoked it in public? Or the police saw you buying it?
Their treatment was harsh compared to America, but you were not in America, you broke the law, you should have researched the penalties before engaging in an illegal activity, although really you should not have done it at all.
kochisho
Aug 26, 2004, 21:40
its not the same shirt. I have tons of wife beaters..lol
actually i wasn't supposed to spend the summer. ever buy clothes in japan? they don't fit right. plus i'm not a fashion bug, I like wearing ginnt tee's when its hot. and japans summer is hot.
does it bother you?
save your lectures...too late for that.
Spaceghost
Aug 26, 2004, 22:09
You did not say what the circumstances were in which you were caught.
The lecture might be too late for you, but it might warn others. I don't have much pity either because it was your own doing, you could have got pain killers but instead you decided to take the illegal route.
kochisho
Aug 26, 2004, 22:22
thats why I posted this...To warn others.
People who use these substances are more aware of the penalties. I didn't think of it out. I had broken ribs (another reason to wear t-shirts) and someone I met from the Netherland said he would send me some medical pot for the pain. he mailed 2 envelope. one with gram of weed, the other blonde hashish. the weed was seized by customs, the hash came a day before I was raided so they found that too.
to tell everyone the truth, I really didn't think it was going to come in the 1st place. I should of taken it more seriosly.
Lopan999
Aug 27, 2004, 05:41
Sorry about that. It's crazy...
This is a country that allows wierd porn stuff on the streets but blurs out pubic hairs when it's on TV. This a country that has beer venders on the streets, allows public drunkeness but arrests someone for having mail sent to them with pot in it and the rest of your story. And that sells energy drinks with nicotine in it.
I want to go to Japan but I wouldn't mind a list of the harsh laws in Japan before going there.
I've heard stories from people who've been there that it's perfectly allowed for men to rub and feel up chicks (who they don't know) in public places (to women who don't like it).
I'm not bashing Japan. I'm just interested in knowing what's what in that country.
Apollo
Aug 27, 2004, 07:21
Sorry about that. It's crazy...
This is a country that allows wierd porn stuff on the streets but blurs out pubic hairs when it's on TV. This a country that has beer venders on the streets, allows public drunkeness but arrests someone for having mail sent to them with pot in it and the rest of your story. And that sells energy drinks with nicotine in it.
I want to go to Japan but I wouldn't mind a list of the harsh laws in Japan before going there.
I've heard stories from people who've been there that it's perfectly allowed for men to rub and feel up chicks (who they don't know) in public places (to women who don't like it).
I'm not bashing Japan. I'm just interested in knowing what's what in that country.
Yeah, some countries are "dubious" law-wise, not only Japan....
In Denmark, it is legal to "drink till you drop" (a Scandinavian thing *giggle*), but you can't make your own wine/beer/spirits, you can't buy alcohol after 8pm in supermarkets--only in bars (where they are more expensive).
It is illegal to smoke pot in Denmark, except you may purchase it in a part of Copenhagen called "Christiania", and in an amount which is "suitable" i.e. for your own enjoyment/health, in which it is considered "legal".
..however, if you don't smoke your "suitable" amount while the police approach you, but you have it in your pocket, you can get a fine...hmm..weird, so make sure you light your pot when you see the blinking lights!! :giggle:
I don't smoke pot, I did twice in College but did not like it. In Denmark, it is legal if it is for health reasons...ie you must have a prescription from doctor.
TwistedMac
Aug 27, 2004, 07:27
the christiania dealings are not exactly "legal" XD
they're just sort of accepted and almost legal... like an odd stalemate between the inhabitants of christiania and the cops =P
Apollo
Aug 27, 2004, 07:34
the christiania dealings are not exactly "legal" XD
they're just sort of accepted and almost legal... like an odd stalemate between the inhabitants of christiania and the cops =P
hehe, yeah, but us people (inhabitants of Copenhagen) consider it legal, as the police just stands by...
however, the current government wants to make it completely ILLEGAL, that is why inhabitants of Copenhagen (and people interested in the unique life of Christiania have demonstrated "bevar Christiania")....
I drive by Christiania almost everyday, (not to buy, but it is right next to my workplace almost), and see "spooky people" selling pot and all sorts....:-) hehe. I think if the Government makes it illegal to sell pot in christiania, the sellers would just move to another part of copenhagen....
yutaka kaneshiro
Sep 25, 2004, 04:53
Long story short, I been to Japan 7 times since 1997. I wasn't the "ugly American", I caused no trouble, was friendly to everyone, gave my bus/ train seat to eldery/handicapped/woman and was well liked from the people who got to know me.
I made one mistake. I broke the hemp law. In American its a small crime to have 1 gram of cannabis, in japan it's no joke. I only got it for medical reasons because I was in deep pain. I never been arrested anywhere and always been an asset to society.
I spent 3 months of hell in the osaka police headquarters/Osaka Kochisho/ Immigration Jail. I was refused english lititure, medical attention and put in isolation.
I didn't understand Japanese law and never thought a little pot would be so much trouble.
I was sentence to 2 years hard labor but was given a 4 year suspended sentence. i was turned over to immigration, then flown home.
I was in jail with Yakuza but those guys treated me well.
i love Japan and the time I had there. I wish this never happened but it did. it was a mistake. now i'm banned from japan.
http://www.geocities.com/bannedfromjapan/index.htmlhmm so my govrnment banned you from my country,well thats bad but thats how our justice system is,and before you go anywhere else you should study another countrys laws and customs before you go cause you can get in alot of trouble,you didnt study our law before you came,and well even tho
ignorance of the law isnt an excuse,you should of asked some one what our laws was and you wouldnt have been banned,and depending on how serve your crime was the highest bann pennalty is 10 years,but if it was a capital offense you would have been permanetly banned.sorry bout what happaned to you tho, :sorry:
TwistedMac
Sep 25, 2004, 13:32
don't be, koch was an idiot that got himself banned from this site aswell... and from japantoday.com.. and probably anything else he ever touched... serious brain-damage on that guy...
Japan is better off without him...
Mike Cash
Sep 25, 2004, 17:55
Has anybody else ever managed to get two red balls?
PaulTB
Sep 25, 2004, 19:11
Has anybody else ever managed to get two red balls?
Yes, but I don't think anybody has managed to get two red balls and survive.
the stuff is practicly legal in Toronto I see people smokin the stuff in public, the cops wont bother you if you have small amounts of it with you, because they have better things to do like fighting the Triad. Well Koch it is your fault for not knowing the countries laws, you should have been more smart about things and sorry to say you are an F'n idiot! LOL you actually had the sh-it mailed to you? What did you think would happen? That the Japanese government wouldn't know? You deserved what happened to you and I have no remourse for you what so ever. Oh well to bad you wont be feeling the touch of a sweet, beautiful girl in Japan for the rest of your life :D Ok now that I'm done flamming ya we all make dumb mistakes God knows I've made stupid ones to we are all human so don't get down on yourself. It seems to me you learned your lesson, hey there is always Thailand which I think is lots better then Japan. Take care.
okaeri_man
Oct 4, 2004, 11:01
i've seen a documentary on the japanese prison system and the death row they run up there. it doesn't seem too good... sometimes not even very democratic. well i've learnt my lesson - don't get put into jail.
At the airport in Lahore Pakistan there is a sign behind the ticketing counter that says "IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS YOU WILL BE EXICUTED"
At the airport in Lahore Pakistan there is a sign behind the ticketing counter that says "IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS YOU WILL BE EXICUTED"
I wonder what happens if you see this sign when you arrive, remember that you have a bit of marijuana in one of your suitcases & turn that in directly. Will the custom officers be happy?
Tateishi
Oct 5, 2004, 09:48
Just don't pack any drugs with you on flights period!!! It's just plain stupid.
sadakoyamamura
Oct 5, 2004, 13:38
I say Koshiso brought it upon himself. The first thing my "Law and Governance" professor told us the first time we met was "Ignorantia legis no excusar" or "Ignorance of the law excuses no one". I was wondering why he resorted to pot in the first place aren't there drugstores in Japan or couldn't he see a doctor if he needed something with prescription?
don't be, koch was an idiot that got himself banned from this site aswell... and from japantoday.com.. and probably anything else he ever touched... serious brain-damage on that guy...
Japan is better off without him...
Yes, but I don't think anybody has managed to get two red balls and survive.
Hmmm, so much for errr :? Mr. Popularity(?)...
Mike Cash
Oct 5, 2004, 17:45
I say Koshiso brought it upon himself.
Who would imagine that they would have the drug dogs sniffing mail from The Netherlands?
antantrevolution
Oct 6, 2004, 05:39
Has anybody else ever managed to get two red balls?
Red?? Blue is painful enough and you're here wondering about 2 red ones? Wow!
:)
Ant
Alchohol consumption only renders those who drink it stupider than they were when sober. Marijuana has the potential to open your mind to new ways of thinking. Which do you think is more dangerous to government?
Also, I try not to mistake what the law says for morallity. Just because the it's illegal to do something, doesn't make it "wrong." I'm not, though, condoning the general use of drugs - I just don't think that prohibition is consistent with freedom.
I wonder what happens if you see this sign when you arrive, remember that you have a bit of marijuana in one of your suitcases & turn that in directly. Will the custom officers be happy?
Pakistani customs will have AK47's pointed at you faster then you can say Samosa. You will be sent to jail to await your execution date. I know because my uncle is a lawer in Pakistan.
Pakistani customs will have AK47's pointed at you faster then you can say Samosa. You will be sent to jail to await your execution date. I know because my uncle is a lawer in Pakistan.
That's what I expected. :D
Then it's pretty useless to set up these signs where people arrive. Tooooo late!
That's what I expected. :D
Then it's pretty useless to set up these signs where people arrive. Tooooo late!
I guess the Pakistani's like warning you before you die LOL! I compare it to the customs officer at Narrita showing you those pictures of guns and other obviously illegal things and asking you if you have any in your baggage LOL
antantrevolution
Oct 7, 2004, 06:10
I guess the Pakistani's like warning you before you die LOL! I compare it to the customs officer at Narrita showing you those pictures of guns and other obviously illegal things and asking you if you have any in your baggage LOL
Yet at any hobby/electronics store, any number of ridiculously realistic replica air rifles can be purchased without any type of hesitation. Ironic.
Ant
Yet at any hobby/electronics store, any number of ridiculously realistic replica air rifles can be purchased without any type of hesitation. Ironic.
Ant
HAHAHAHA!! so true my friend soooo true!
antantrevolution
Oct 7, 2004, 17:38
HAHAHAHA!! so true my friend soooo true!
So it just baffles my mind how a country with an obvious fear of firearms can have no trouble buying replicas of those fears.
Ah well.
Ant
Mike Cash
Oct 7, 2004, 18:37
Presence of fear doesn't equal a lack of fascination.
Having grown up in a house full of various firearms, I've always taken them for granted. So it always amazes me how many Japanese I meet have an amazing fascination with them.
So it just baffles my mind how a country with an obvious fear of firearms can have no trouble buying replicas of those fears.Presence of fear doesn't equal a lack of fascination.
Having grown up in a house full of various firearms, I've always taken them for granted. So it always amazes me how many Japanese I meet have an amazing fascination with them.
I think the point may be that if you control firearm sales you should also control realistic replica sales. After all I doubt that while your bank is being held up it would be a very good idea to say "Er, would you mind firing a shot so we can be sure that's a real gun?" :p
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/2635003.stm
Mike Cash
Oct 8, 2004, 00:15
The thing is, though, that real firearm control has been such an overwhelming success in Japan that they don't get their panties in their crack over replicas.
The thing is, though, that real firearm control has been such an overwhelming success in Japan that they don't get their panties in their crack over replicas.
You think everybody would just assume they're replicas because they couldn't have got hold of the real thing?
Actually a decade or so ago I was walking back from Surrey University when someone I think was 'lacking in accomodation while benefiting from care in the community'* confronted me waving around something that looked like a submachine gun and threatening to 'shoot me dead'.
[EDIT - back]
As it happened he'd been 'firing' it before and the very plastic-fake sound didn't leave me inclined to dive behind cars for cover (not that I suppose that really works too well outside of films ...)
* e.g. Chucked out on the streets and not taking the meds.
Mike Cash
Oct 8, 2004, 03:54
You think everybody would just assume they're replicas because they couldn't have got hold of the real thing?
From common sense....no
From experience....yes
antantrevolution
Oct 11, 2004, 06:17
Presence of fear doesn't equal a lack of fascination.
Having grown up in a house full of various firearms, I've always taken them for granted. So it always amazes me how many Japanese I meet have an amazing fascination with them.
I just thought it was ironic, that's all.
DAMN YOU MIKE CASH!!!! WHY MUST YOU ALWAYS CHALLENGE ME!!!???
Haha.
Seriously, I thought it hilarious that I could go to the electronics store, buy some CD's, get the (at the time) brand new Initial D for PS2 and buy a P-90 replica.
Could have coupled that with the Batle Royale II camo and accessories and made a day of it.
Heh, what a country.
Ant
Rukasu
Oct 19, 2004, 03:26
Here in the Netherlands some drugs are legal.
you may have 1 gram with you I believe (not sure what kind).
TwistedMac
Oct 19, 2004, 09:31
You're only allowed to smoke pot in a coffee shop or your own home though, right?
Rukasu
Oct 20, 2004, 06:47
I'm not sure, but I believe you can smoke it on the streets.
As long as you don't have more than you may carry with you.
Yeah, I think by jailing people for minor drug offences, you are creating a much larger problem than to begin with. Prison is brutal and should be the last resort - not the knee-jerk reaction. It's simply creating more damaged criminals.
Mishima_Kazuya
Nov 24, 2004, 20:28
Sorry about that. It's crazy...
This is a country that allows wierd porn stuff on the streets but blurs out pubic hairs when it's on TV. This a country that has beer venders on the streets, allows public drunkeness but arrests someone for having mail sent to them with pot in it and the rest of your story. And that sells energy drinks with nicotine in it.
I want to go to Japan but I wouldn't mind a list of the harsh laws in Japan before going there.
I've heard stories from people who've been there that it's perfectly allowed for men to rub and feel up chicks (who they don't know) in public places (to women who don't like it).
I'm not bashing Japan. I'm just interested in knowing what's what in that country.
everything u have said here i think is good lol Japan-AV is awesome dont call it weird porn ^_^ haha being aloweed to be drunk in public mad sounds good feeling up gurls u dont even know icing on the cake ahhaha! =D=D=D all the more reason to live in japan!!
PopCulturePooka
Nov 24, 2004, 21:43
everything u have said here i think is good lol Japan-AV is awesome dont call it weird porn ^_^ haha being aloweed to be drunk in public mad sounds good feeling up gurls u dont even know icing on the cake ahhaha! =D=D=D all the more reason to live in japan!!
Oh if you ever come here, please DO try and grope a women in public. Please.
I then hope you post the subsequent events here for us to read.
Mishima_Kazuya
Nov 25, 2004, 14:55
haha sure will.. now im interested what will happen to me ? :souka:
PopCulturePooka
Nov 25, 2004, 21:07
haha sure will.. now im interested what will happen to me ? :souka:
Molestation, groping or as the Japanese call it 'chikan' seems to be one of the worst crimes you can commit in Japan. If a girl even ACCUSES you of doing it, with no proof, you will likely be attacked by others in train and physically forced to the ground and restrained before you are arrested. Then a report of your arresst will reach your employer, who likely wont be happy about having a molester working for them and fire you.
Mishima_Kazuya
Nov 28, 2004, 00:04
o_0 damn that is crazy... i think i will decide on not doing this hahaha hmmmm what aboiut fighting..? is fighting in japan considerd a bad crime coz maybe u could fight ur way out of it! =D
MWThomas
Nov 30, 2004, 18:20
That's a bit extreme banning you, but I understand Japan has a system of zero-tolerance and mandatory sentences.
SkippyDaStudent85
Nov 30, 2004, 18:45
That is a bit harsh, but thats also why I dont smoke weed
GaijinPunch
Dec 3, 2004, 13:08
If a girl even ACCUSES you of doing it, with no proof, you will likely be attacked by others in train and physically forced to the ground and restrained before you are arrested.
You're more likely to get stared at or ignored by the other people on the train. There's traditionally one type of person that will attack a Chikan, in an effort to help a defenseless woman -- gaijin. As just about any Japanese girl that's been groped on the train. Pleas almost always go unanswered.
Then a report of your arresst will reach your employer, who likely wont be happy about having a molester working for them and fire you.
This is true of just about any crime though. They tend to call the wife, then the boss. I was in a wreck on my scooter with no license (yeah, I know). Getting arrested (IE, incarcerated is pretty hard to do) but getting the talk of shame, accompanied by the phone call of doom to your wife/boss is pretty easy.
As for the drugs:
The original poster should've known better. I have a friend that got busted with some hash. Sad story. He was a good business man, and bailed a lot of companies out of debt by reforming their practices. One day - gone. He knew the risks though.
He was put on probation and allowed to stay, but since you can be held for a month without being charged... then another month AFTER being charged, you kinda lose your job and desire to stay in Japan. I went to visit him three times in the slammer. There's a cop in there with you (listening), and you're not allowed to speak English. So, you look like two goofy white guys speaking Japanese.
MeltdOwn_Akira
Dec 10, 2004, 18:32
no marijuana in japan? say it isnt so...
damn you japan... no marijuana. or is there?
Kei_Shugojin
Dec 10, 2004, 21:03
maybe it's just a good idea to... oh, I dunno... NOT use marijuana in Japan?
Bob in Iowa
Dec 10, 2004, 21:16
no marijuana in japan? say it isnt so...
damn you japan... no marijuana. or is there?
You can find it there, it's just a really good to leave it alone while you are in Japan due to the fact that if you are caught, even with an amount so tiny that it will barely give you a buzz, you will go to jail.
PopCulturePooka
Dec 10, 2004, 21:18
I know HEAPS of people that hit the weed here.
Especially down the enoshima/fujisawa way.
Kei_Shugojin
Dec 11, 2004, 17:19
hmm... Do you get a cash award for turning in people who break that law?
If so, could you give me the location of these peoples so that I may jump-start my fantasy life as a bounty hunter? he he he... :evil: :evil: :evil:
Pachipro
Jan 20, 2005, 03:34
I feel for you man. I was busted for posession of hashish in '87, but didn't get banned from Japan. Maybe it's because I have a Japanese wife. Three of us foreigners were busted at different times, and the three of us had Japanese wives and were not banned from Japan. Maybe, if time permits, I'll post the complete story. Some may find it interesting and enlightening about Japanese law.
lexico
Jan 20, 2005, 04:50
I've heard stories from people who've been there that it's perfectly allowed for men to rub and feel up chicks (who they don't know) in public places (to women who don't like it).Sorry to sidetrack from your topic, Kochisho(what a terrible id, you must be suffering still!). Not any more, Lopan. Those people who used to release their libidinal force via puerile venues are eagerly and aggressively sought after by dedicated officers of law and are often punished to the maximum extent at least where I live. I know this from one of the TV stuff aired just last year; I don't read much news. I just wanted to demystify some of the ancient legends that might mislead any~one out there reading the stuff. True in the past, that was probably the case. I remember reading in the papers about a school teacher offending one of his students decades back, but this was the only instance in those ancient times. Now, the reports are more numerous. The specific crime rate may not be that different, I'm not sure, but now the victims are more outspoken, and the legal system has become more sympathetic to their cries for justice. As for laws regarding drug-abuse, ther's no sign of loosening at all. The ex-president Pak's son has frequented the gaols all his life for using hemp until his recent release. It's not a perfect system, but Asia isn't so backward anymore as some legends might lead you to believe.
Sorry for what happened to Kochisho. I personally think the use of hashish should be legalized especially for relieving pain. I remember a certain American mother of a terminal cancer patient risking arrest by baking and feeding her son muffins with some hemp in them. I don't know what the legal standing is in the US now, but Holland is known to be more liberal regarding marijuana. The notion of absolute authority in general, and especially within the legal system, in Asia may have something to do with the harsh treatment of the so-called offenders. I wish you, Kochisho, speedy recovery from your multiple injuries to the body and the soul. And please get a piece on your well-made torso, if you get a chance! Nice looking body, but even better with some man-made fabric on it! :-)
lexico
Jan 20, 2005, 05:26
I wonder what happens if you see this sign when you arrive, remember that you have a bit of marijuana in one of your suitcases & turn that in directly. Will the custom officers be happy?I once turned myself in 15 minutes before actally breaking the curfew because I knew there was no escape, but they still made me serve for 6+ hours till daybreak.
I think it will give them less motivation to treat you harshly; who knows, they might even employ you in a "turn all your illegal drugs in" campaign! Good question, but I don't think it will give you automatic immunity unless specifically stated in the Pakistani criminal law.
In the worst case, you could be used to set an example for other foreigners. They would be lying, but you wouldn't have much say in that awkward position. :(
lexico
Jan 20, 2005, 05:28
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS YOU WILL BE EXICUTED"Do you mean like "off with her head!"? :?
For 10g of marijuana? :?:?:?
lexico
Jan 20, 2005, 05:45
In Denmark, it is legal if it is for health reasons...ie you must have a prescription from doctor.Hmm...Denmark seems like a humane country because it makes allowances for the suffering, the miserable, and the grief-stricken. I might consider moving there...one day...
No I don't do pot, it works against my cold knees...too bad. :(
Anyway, I'd like to know if the prescription has to have the letters "m-a-r-i-j-u-a-n-a" spelled out, or could it have just some kind of "pain controller" that a dose of marijuana can replace as an equivalent remedy?
In the original message he clamed that he was sent pot in the mail. The law also states that if you had no knowledge of the illegal drugs being sent to you, you can not be prosecuted. You have to make them feel that you did not have any knowledge and that some wacko friend had sent it or someone you do not know and they did it as a joke. If you can convince them (police or customs) good chance you will be off the hook. Of course in his case they also found hash in his apartment so a little more difficult to prove that he had no knowledge. But not impossible
yuriandre
Feb 23, 2005, 04:58
bad for u, dude. :( I have heard so many stories about it. Even overstaying foreigners or people who do not have proper documents are given the same harsh treatments by Japanese police when caught. I think its a just punishment though but Japanese people should also think of the human side of all things. That is something that they should think about.
clive00
Aug 10, 2005, 20:04
. Denial of bail is the norm in Japan, not the exception. He was treated no worse than any Japanese would have been for a similar offense, and perhaps better than some.
Isn't that human rights abuse? Refusing an individual the right to bail is against the principle of "innocent until proven guilty'. Sure, I understand that there are times when bail has to be refused (in Western countries it is sometimes refused for serious indictable offences such as murder) but in general bail has to be considered becasue it is a basic human right.
Mike Cash
Aug 10, 2005, 21:36
In the original message he clamed that he was sent pot in the mail. The law also states that if you had no knowledge of the illegal drugs being sent to you, you can not be prosecuted.
Could you specify which section of which law that is, please? Thanks.
Mike Cash
Aug 10, 2005, 21:39
Isn't that human rights abuse? Refusing an individual the right to bail is against the principle of "innocent until proven guilty'. Sure, I understand that there are times when bail has to be refused (in Western countries it is sometimes refused for serious indictable offences such as murder) but in general bail has to be considered becasue it is a basic human right.
I agree with you in sentiment, but I don't agree that refusing bail is against the principle of "innocent until proven guilty". (A concept which doesn't even get lip service in Japan anyway, for the most part).
Xkavar
Aug 11, 2005, 03:56
Yeah, I've got an opinion and I'm not a U.S. attorney or anything. But...
Bail isn't just a part of "innocent until proven guilty" here. Let me point out how the system works here:
1. You're arrested.
2. You're processed.
3. You appear before a judge to determine whether or not you should stand trial. If you do, you go to jail. Under Nevada law, you cannot be held in jail for longer than a year, and it's for either a misdemeanor crime or for holding until your trial.
If the judge offers you bail, you are being offered the chance to make a promise that you will be released on your own (sometimes not) until your trial date. This helps the court system streamline your process and keeps them from getting overburdened (if you're not a threat, you don't need to go to jail for holding, so you're not draining court resources like cops and dinner.)
That's what bail is supposed to do, in this country at least. That's why it was designed as a part of the U.S. government back in the 1700s.
I'm done.
nurizeko
Aug 14, 2005, 23:03
No suprise really, ive already read up on how japanese treat their prisoners, to us (in comparison) liberal westerners with our (again in comparison) liberal laws, and treatment of prisoners, japan seems overly harsh and dare say, not following human right laws regarding prisoners.
Ohwell.
nope
at a hotel i was staying at once, met a guy working there whose english was so good
found out he had been raised in the states (california) since he was 3
got in trouble with drugs and sent back to japan -- after 5 years in u.s. prison
ullvarg
Feb 1, 2006, 01:57
Yeah, I've got an opinion and I'm not a U.S. attorney or anything. But...
Bail isn't just a part of "innocent until proven guilty" here. Let me point out how the system works here:
1. You're arrested.
2. You're processed.
3. You appear before a judge to determine whether or not you should stand trial. If you do, you go to jail. Under Nevada law, you cannot be held in jail for longer than a year, and it's for either a misdemeanor crime or for holding until your trial.
If the judge offers you bail, you are being offered the chance to make a promise that you will be released on your own (sometimes not) until your trial date. This helps the court system streamline your process and keeps them from getting overburdened (if you're not a threat, you don't need to go to jail for holding, so you're not draining court resources like cops and dinner.)
That's what bail is supposed to do, in this country at least. That's why it was designed as a part of the U.S. government back in the 1700s.
I'm done.
The bail system is one of the things thats f*ck up about america, don't get me wrong, I love it over there but the bail system seperates poor and rich from equality for the law. A rich man can buy his/her freedom for the time leading to the trial but the poor can't.
gaijinalways
Feb 3, 2006, 23:36
Hmm, of course 'the equality' of no one getting bail doesn't make me feel better!:(
Drugs and violence you want to try and avoid here, they usually lead to trouble.
Good you didn't get 15 years of forced labour (see this thread (http://www.jref.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11161)), or be executed like they'd do in Singapore or Malaysia, even for a bit of hemp...
These Asian countries have really no idea of why the West started banning drugs, but copied them anyway just to look "modern" and now end up being criticized for human rights abuse, etc. because they can't think by themselves. Drugs are prohibited to protect people's health, so it is utterly illogical to execute someone or send them to jail for years until their health and mind deteriorate completely, because they "possessed" some relatively inofensive cannabis. And during that time millions of Japanese salarymen get drunk till they throw up in the subway almost every night. :mad:
There has been many Australians who gotten themselves in trouble in South East Asia over drugs handling. Every time I see news like this I think this is the end of it but these kinds of news just keep on coming, doesn't people learn lessons from other people's mistakes? I am not justifying capital punishment though.:(
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