The Law and the Yankee Visitor

[MWThomas]

Are there any laws in Japan that apply to foreigners and tourists specifically?

Are the Japanese more strict with tourists in the enforcement of their laws?

How hard is it for a foreigner to adapt to society and become productive in Japan?

[TwistedMac]

well, from what I've read recently, don't overstay your visa.. I'm talking not even by a day.. leave a week early!
they are anal about that.

[MWThomas]

Is it easier for Europeans in Japan? Or are they as strict with Europeans as they are Americans?

[TwistedMac]

as strict. foreigners are foreigners.
All us white and black boys are from the west to them ;)

[GaijinPunch]

The only rule that applies to foreigners only (technically) is always carry your passport / gaijin card.

Don't be surrpised if you're stopped on the street and searched, while they let Japanese people just walk by. It's extremely rare (never happened to me in 7 years) but it happens.) What do you expect with a right-wing racist as the Mayor of Tokyo?

[Maciamo]

In general White/Caucasians are treated better than other foreigners. Regarding the law, it is easier for most Westerners to stay on a tourist visa in Japan, as they get 3 months instead of 2 weeks for Koreans or nothing for most other countries, who need a proper visa before reaching Japan. I'd say that Germans and British citizens are the two most priviledged countries, as they get 6 months as tourists (along with Swiss and Austrians), AND they can apply for the working-holiday visa (along with the French, Canadians, Aussies, NZers, Koreans and HKers).

Foreigners might be checked more often when riding a bike, refused accommodation, etc. but in general other Asians are much more prejudiced against than Westerners (except if they speak Japanese like native speakers, llok Japanese and use a Japanese name ;-) ).

Please see my article Discrimination in Japan (http://www.jref.com/society/discrimination_in_japan.shtml)

[GaijinPunch]

When did the UK get working holiday? I know the Frenchies got it a couple of years ago, but didn't hear anything about the UK. I think the US definitely has it the hardest of the western nations if you're thinking of going to get a job, for reasons stated. You've got three months, and can't renew.

I think westerners that speak great Japanese get more slack than the Asians that do. I suppose since we're BLATANTLY foreigners, there's no denying it. There's a seperate set of jobs for us and everything. A Japanese-born Korean, or immigrant basically doesn't have that priviledge, and is competing with other Japanese for their jobs. Just my take on it.

I guess one point that's clear -- it's harder to dehumanize someone if you can communicate with them.