The Law and the Yankee Visitor

MWThomas · Dec 2, 2004, 12:12

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 · Dec 2, 2004, 12:51

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 · Dec 2, 2004, 16:02

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

TwistedMac · Dec 3, 2004, 00:55

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

GaijinPunch · Dec 3, 2004, 08:47

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 · Dec 3, 2004, 10:12

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

GaijinPunch · Dec 3, 2004, 12:51

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.

Dec 2, 2004, 12:12	#1
MWThomas Regular Member Join Date: Nov 29, 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 62	The Law and the Yankee Visitor 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?

Dec 2, 2004, 12:51	#2
TwistedMac 夜露死苦! Join Date: Mar 4, 2004 Location: orz.eu Age: 27 Posts: 2,044	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. __________________ 夜露死苦! www.orz.eu I find affence at your post as I ware eyeglass and have lmited site. Sankyuu~! http://japan.orz.eu - A site for my trip to Japan.

Dec 3, 2004, 08:47	#5
GaijinPunch 遠いから行きません Join Date: Nov 25, 2004 Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,244	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? Last edited by GaijinPunch; Dec 3, 2004 at 12:42.

Dec 3, 2004, 10:12	#6
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	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 __________________ Over 100 destinations in the Japan Sightseeing Guide + detailed Tokyo Guide and Kyoto Guide Eupedia : Your Guide to Europe in English Read the "Maciamo FAQ" "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

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Dec 2, 2004, 16:02	#3
MWThomas Regular Member Join Date: Nov 29, 2004 Age: 23 Posts: 62	Is it easier for Europeans in Japan? Or are they as strict with Europeans as they are Americans?

Dec 3, 2004, 00:55	#4
TwistedMac 夜露死苦! Join Date: Mar 4, 2004 Location: orz.eu Age: 27 Posts: 2,044	as strict. foreigners are foreigners. All us white and black boys are from the west to them ;)

Dec 3, 2004, 12:51	#7
GaijinPunch 遠いから行きません Join Date: Nov 25, 2004 Location: Tokyo Posts: 1,244	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.