What Are the Japanese Police Like?
When living in Japan for over 30 years, I’ve had several interactions with local police officers, and while many may hold positive assumptions about Japanese law enforcement, my personal experiences have been a bit mixed. Let’s look at some of the encounters I’ve had with the Japanese police:
Case 1: The Alien Card Stop
One day, I was casually walking through my neighborhood when I was stopped by a police officer who asked to see my alien card. When I asked why I was being stopped, he told me they were searching for a robber who looked Chinese. I found this rather odd, considering I am Caucasian and certainly do not resemble someone of Chinese descent. It left me questioning the professionalism and judgment in handling situations like these.
Case 2: The School Pickup Incident
On another occasion, I went to pick up my daughter from her elementary school, and as soon as we approached the school gates, we were surrounded by four officers. They immediately asked me for my papers and proceeded to ask my daughter if I was indeed her father. My daughter was understandably confused, and the whole situation escalated quickly. It was a moment that made me feel alienated rather than supported by the authorities.
Case 3: The Cycling Accident
After I had a minor cycling accident, I approached the officer at the scene to ask him to write a report for my insurance claim. To my surprise, he was uncooperative and didn’t seem interested in helping me resolve the situation. It took a lot of effort and a visit to the police headquarters before I was finally able to get the documentation needed for my claim.
Case 4: The Stolen Bicycle
On another occasion, my bicycle was stolen. When I went to report it, the police officer barely acknowledged my presence, making me feel invisible. I returned with my wife later, and to my surprise, the same officer suddenly became attentive and prepared a report quickly.
Reflecting on My Experiences
In my personal experience, the Japanese police have often shown a lack of professionalism in situations involving foreigners. While I’ve never had major issues when asking for basic directions, I have encountered frustration in more formal or personal matters.
Positive Thinking and Moving Forward
Despite some negative experiences, I remain hopeful and optimistic about the future of law enforcement in Japan. Just as in any other country, improvements in communication, understanding, and cultural sensitivity are always possible. It’s important to focus on how we can all contribute to positive change, both as individuals and as a society. Whether you are a foreigner or a local, mutual respect and understanding can help bridge gaps and lead to better experiences for everyone.
Reference from : Quora Digest
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