New Procedures in Entering Japan for Foreigners

[Glenski]

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Reminder: New Biometrics Requirements for Foreigners Entering Japan
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The Government of Japan recently informed us that as of November 20, 2007, Immigration officials at the port of entry will digitally scan the fingerprints of and photograph all foreign nationals entering Japan, with the exemption of certain categories listed below. This requirement does not replace any existing visa or passport requirements. Foreign nationals that are exempt from this new requirement include special permanent residents (Tokubetsu Eijuusha), persons under 16 years of age, holders of diplomatic or official visas, and persons invited by the head of a national administrative organization. Please note that permanent residents will also be expected to submit to this new requirement.

The Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Justice posted an explanatory video on the new procedures on June 14, 1007. The short video entitled "Landing Examination Procedures for Japan are Changing!" can be viewed here.

UPDATE: Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) personnel are exempt under SOFA Article 9 (2) from the new biometrics entry requirements.

http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-newsletter20071101.html#bio

If you want to know about that Article 9, section 2:
http://www.indiana.edu/~easc/security_issues/japan/SOFA.pdf

2. Members of the United States armed forces shall be exempt from Japanese passport and visa laws and regulations. Members of the United States armed forces, the civilian component, and their dependents shall be exempt from Japanese laws and regulations on the registration and control of aliens, but shall not be considered as acquiring any right to permanent residence or domicile in the territories of Japan.

Article 1 defines terms in case you think they are unclear above:

ARTICLE I
In this Agreement the expression -
(a) "members of the United States armed forces" means the personnel on active duty belonging to the land, sea or air armed services of the United States of America when in the territory of Japan.
(b) "civilian component" means the civilian persons of United States nationality who are in the employ of, serving with, or accompanying the United States armed forces in Japan, but excludes persons who are ordinarily resident in Japan or who are mentioned in paragraph 1 of
Article XIV. For the purposes of this Agreement only, dual nationals, United States and Japanese, who are brought to Japan by the United States shall be considered as United States nationals.
(c) "dependents" means
1. Spouse, and children under 21;
Parents, and children over 21, if dependent for over half their support upon a member of the United States armed forces or civilian component.

And a last snippet from Article 9, section 3, then section 4:

For purposes of their identification while in Japan, members of the United States armed forces shall be in possession of the foregoing personal identity card which must be presented on request to the appropriate Japanese authorities.
4. Members of the civilian component, their dependents, and the dependents of members of the United States armed forces shall be in possession of appropriate documentation issued by the United States authorities so that their status may be verified by Japanese authorities upon their entry into or departure from Japan, or while in Japan.

As for being eligible for naturalization, then yes, that's true, but why are you suggesting I give up my nationality? Too extreme a measure, and as a PR holder, I am entitled to practically everything a Japanese resident is, except the right to vote or hold office (and I can live with that).

 

[pipokun]

Thank you for the info. That, the civilian component exemption, is extremely unfair, though I highly doubt McDonalds employees come all the way from the states.

As for being eligible for naturalization, then yes, that's true, but why are you suggesting I give up my nationality? Too extreme a measure, and as a PR holder, I am entitled to practically everything a Japanese resident is, except the right to vote or hold office (and I can live with that).

You take the the fingerprinting stuff as an extreme human right infringement, right? Why don't you get naturalised now?

 

[ArmandV]

In the immigration procedures video, a fellow G-fan spotted actress Shelley Sweeney who works as an actress in Japan and appeared in 5 Godzilla movies. She was a guest at our annual G-FEST convention last July in Chicago.

 

[nanook]

Why don't you get naturalised now?

One might be reluctant ...
If you would greet every friend who comes to your home for a drink with a big insult, you might end up with very few friends, if any, after a while.

 

[pipokun]

One might be reluctant ...
If you would greet every friend who comes to your home for a drink with a big insult, you might end up with very few friends, if any, after a while.

It is also the government who welcomes Asians with the visa waiver program for Korean people and the easier visa application access for Chinese people.

 

[Glenski]

Why don't you get naturalised now?

That is such a ridiculous question that I can't even think of a polite way to answer.

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

That is such a ridiculous question that I can't even think of a polite way to answer.

I totally concur. Talk about taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's not like we're trying to take a bath in Hokkaido .


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[ifjames]

Oh for heavens sake, if its for everyones security then what is the problem? Entering the USA is the same: polite request for photo, polite instructions as to how to do the fingerprint bit: if you have nothing to hide then ......There are a zilion ways for "Big Brother" to have info on us all: it will happen everywhere soon so....build a bridge

 

[pipokun]

I totally concur. Talk about taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. It's not like we're trying to take a bath in Hokkaido.
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Did the Japanese embassy request to submit your crime report for your visa application?

 

[Davey]

So, the question is now: What can we do about it? or who can do something about it to stop it.

What's JNTO their opinion about it? and how long is it going to take? It looks like it is at least going to take 5 minutes a person, instead of the 30 second/2 minutes max we are having now.

 

[Glenski]

Oh for heavens sake, if its for everyones security then what is the problem? Entering the USA is the same: polite request for photo, polite instructions as to how to do the fingerprint bit: if you have nothing to hide then ......There are a zilion ways for "Big Brother" to have info on us all: it will happen everywhere soon so....build a bridge

But it is NOT for everyone's security. Haven't you been reading any of this thread?

No foreigner has ever been found to have committed terrorist acts in Japan. Only Japanese have done that!

Not all foreigners are being subjected to this policy. Koreans and Chinese (two groups who are on the government's hit list for various crimes and indignities) are exempt, as are all members of SOFA (which includes civilian families and most contractors).

Does the USA share its fingerprints with other governments, other branches of its own government, with its police force and that of other countries? I don't think so. Japan will and for no good reason!

It matters not if we have "nothing to hide". Fingerprints will be shared, and that means we are all put in a pool for any suspected criminal investigations, and since prints are not exact, there is the likelihood that someone could falsely be identified as a criminal. Plus, there is the simple indignity of being forced to stand in a line different from your husband or wife and kids while you go through immigration, even though you currently don't have to do that. Sixteen days and ticking until the change, though. Fel1city, do you even live here? Your profile says you have never even been to Japan. For that reason, I wonder how you feel you can even conceive you have something constructive or relevant to say on this matter?

Dutch Baka wrote:

So, the question is now: What can we do about it? or who can do something about it to stop it.

Well, aside from putting superglue on your fingertips to hide the prints, as some people are proposing, how about reading what is on Debito Arudou's blog, to see the petition and letter of complaint that have been drafted? At present, those are about the only rational approach to all this, aside from staying at home and never having to enter/reenter the country.

 

[Ewok85]

Oh for heavens sake, if its for everyones security then what is the problem? Entering the USA is the same: polite request for photo, polite instructions as to how to do the fingerprint bit: if you have nothing to hide then ......There are a zilion ways for "Big Brother" to have info on us all: it will happen everywhere soon so....build a bridge

Its not that simple - its not everyone. Its only foreigners. Its not that we have nothing to hide, its that it is assumed we DO have something to hide, and they want to know what it is.

 

[pipokun]

Does the USA share its fingerprints with other governments, other branches of its own government, with its police force and that of other countries? I don't think so. Japan will and for no good reason!

Just google "UN Security Council Resolution 1269". Japan is just following it.

And it was with the No Fly List of your country that a South Korean plane to San Francisco had to make an emergency landing at Narita. FBI agents took the suspects (at that time) to your country with the interenational cooperation between South Korea, Japan and the US.

Two held in US over al-Qaeda camp
Umer Hayat has been accused of lying about his son's activities
A Pakistani-American and his son have been arrested in the US after the son admitted attending an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan, officials say.
BBC NEWS | Americas | Two held in US over al-Qaeda camp
*this BBC coverage does not include the arrest at Narita.

 

[mr.sumo.snr]

Another interesting Daily Yomiuri "Letter to the Editor" (Sunday 4th November):

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"An open letter to the justice minister.

Excellency, I am a permanent resident of this country. In 1951, I landed in Yokohama with my entry into Japan approved under the clearance granted by the Supreme Commander, Allied Powers. I am one of the thousands who left their countries to open schools, hospitals, orphanages and churches, through which organizations we have provided health care and teaching, not forcing our values on the people we love so much.

As for myself alone, I met over 25,000 boys and girls in the academic field. For 56 years I have devotedly worked among your people with great enthusiasm and fervor. At 80, I still provide rice and other foodstuffs to help serve 2,500 meals a week to the thousands of homeless in four parks in Tokyo—people whose existence your government tries to ignore.

A few questions for you Mr. Minister: Who spread sarin gas in the subways of the capital? Foreigners? No. Not even a "friend of a friend who was a member of Al-Qaida." (Those were your words reported in newspapers to justify fingerprinting, which statement you tried to change later to avoid inflating your gaffe.)

Were the members of the Japanese Red Army that committed terrorist acts in other countries foreigners? They were Japanese, but foreigners outside Japan.

Can you justify your decision by obliging long time taxpayer-residents, who obey the laws and in spite of their gray/white hair work for the benefit of your people?
Is it feasible to acquire permanent residency holding a fake passport?

This new system is discriminatory. It will be very humiliating for me to be treated differently from my wife, sons-in-law and grandsons.

Unfortunately, my two non-Japanese daughters, born and raised in this country, will stand in the potential-terrorist lines."

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[ArmandV]

While I understand peoples' feelings over these new procedures, I think it is a bit of an overreaction. My only concern is waiting longer in line at immigration for the people ahead of me to be processed through.

By the way, I discussed these procedures with the actress in the video yesterday. Even though she's a permanent resident of Japan, she still has to be fingerprinted and photographed. She says there's another category, special permanent resident, who do not have to be subjected to fingerprinting and photographing. She was a little annoyed by that, understandably.

 

[bakaKanadajin]

If you don't spend the time at immigration you'll spend it deplaning, standing in front of the luggage carousel or hunting for a cart. Either way airports in general are a *****. Actually, if a pleasant female immigration officer guided me through the process I'd look at it as just one more opportunity to co-operate and practice my Japanese.

But all sarcasm aside, the real issue here is discrimination against, who? Westerners apparently, as someone stated the new regulations are not applied to South Koreans and Chinese nationals in the same way. So why would Japan want to keep track of Westerners? Well maybe Japan doesn't want to, maybe the Western nations do. I think 'global security' is just a euphemism for the process by which powerful nations keep track of where their citizens are. And I think there is no other reason than wanting greater control and power. It has nothing to do with security, unless by security you mean the money lenders better organizing their chess board. I hope everyone here realizes that for the true players in global 'politics' this is nothing more than an add-on patch for their real life version of 'The Sims'.

 

[ArmandV]

If you don't spend the time at immigration you'll spend it deplaning, standing in front of the luggage carousel or hunting for a cart. Either way airports in general are a *****. Actually, if a pleasant female immigration officer guided me through the process I'd look at it as just one more opportunity to co-operate and practice my Japanese.

This year, the whole process from getting in line at immigration to walking into the arrival lobby was no more than 30 min. total at Narita. They seem to be better organized than other airports I've been to.

 

[bakaKanadajin]

I'd agree, getting into Japan was easy..actually the most hassle I ever received was trying to get back into my own country. Some skinny four-eyed joke of an immigration officer picked me out of a crowd of people and decided to give me a hard time. Then she dragged me into the inspection area and they tossed my luggage.

Never had a problem in Japan though, either entering the country or flying domestically. (Aside from having to remove my boots and belt for the metal detector).

 

[Glenski]

While I understand peoples' feelings over these new procedures, I think it is a bit of an overreaction. My only concern is waiting longer in line at immigration for the people ahead of me to be processed through.

Of course you would say that. You are a tourist. Apparently, you are not thinking of the bigger picture (residents) or of the fact that your prints will be kept for 70-80 years and spread to other governments and police departments.

By the way, I discussed these procedures with the actress in the video yesterday. Even though she's a permanent resident of Japan, she still has to be fingerprinted and photographed. She says there's another category, special permanent resident, who do not have to be subjected to fingerprinting and photographing. She was a little annoyed by that, understandably.

Are you just finding this out about special permanent residents, after all the information posted here? I have probably mentioned it at least twice.

Armand also wrote:

This year, the whole process from getting in line at immigration to walking into the arrival lobby was no more than 30 min. total at Narita. They seem to be better organized than other airports I've been to.

Wait until Nov. 20. And, the waiting time alone is not the point here. Geez, have you not even been reading one single word?

bakakanadajin wrote:

But all sarcasm aside, the real issue here is discrimination against, who? Westerners apparently,

No, it's against all non-Korean non-Chinese non-Japanese foreigners. Pretty silly to consider Africans, Arabs, Europeans, Russians, Aussies, and every other group as a "westerner".

 

[Taiko666]

Why don't you get naturalised now?

If any of the non-Japanese posters here naturalised, would you consider them Japanese, or merely gaijins with Japanese passports?

 

[pipokun]

...
No, it's against all non-Korean non-Chinese non-Japanese foreigners. Pretty silly to consider Africans, Arabs, Europeans, Russians, Aussies, and every other group as a "westerner".

It is not ture. Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese people except the infamous special permanent resident status are the same as you. About 465,000 in total here.

If any of the non-Japanese posters here naturalised, would you consider them Japanese, or merely gaijins with Japanese passports?

They are Japanese who have to submit our police report to the US or EU nations when we apply visa such as non-immigrant, student or else.
If the person in the post of mr.sumo .snr had more privilages, it would cause another discrimination.

 

[Pachipro]

Does the USA share its fingerprints with other governments, other branches of its own government, with its police force and that of other countries? I don't think so. Japan will and for no good reason!

Umm, I think you better do a little more research as the the US government does share with everyone and expects the same in return. Do you seriously believe that Japan is implementing this on it's own? HA!

The reason why Japan is implementing the fingerprint procedure is because the US "forced" their hand to do it in order to keep track of its people and that Japan is just a puppet of the US and dutifully does what it is "requested" of by the US.

"Terrorism" is just the ruse behind it. Say the word "terrorism" and everyone will shake in their boots and be all for it in the name of "safety". What a crock. If that were the case the US boarders would be sealed. Besides, the US does it to Japanese so why not Japan?

In this "New World Order" that is coming into it's own, your fingerprints will be on file, one way or another, for the all the worlds governments to have access to. Next it will be your DNA and some kind of tracking system either with a chip under the skin or some other way like in all new US passports. Doubt it? Do a little research. In the not too distant future you will not even be able to go to the store without "them" knowing where you went, what time, what duration, and what you bought.

Debito can b*itch and moan all he wants and issue any number of petitions, but it will not stop the inevetable. Want to avoid it? Go find an island somewhere and live there forever and ride it out or fight it in numbers and i mean NUMBERS!

Besides doesn't the Japanese government already have your fingerprint on file when you received your "gaijin card"? Has it changed? I know I had to provide a thumb print back when I had mine so they already have mine. The military also has mine from when I was in.

Another unfortunate thing is that most people say, "If you have done nothing wrong then you should have nothing to hide", and "for safety and to thwart terrorism, I am all for it." That's what they are counting on. The thing they fail to realize is that, little by little, so-called free peoples' freedoms are being taken away from them in the name of safety and "anti-terrorism" and they are freely giving them up. Benjamin Franklin said it best,

"Those that are willing to sacrifice their freedoms for safety deserve neither safety nor freedom."

The sad part about the whole thing is that by the time enough people wake up and realize just what is happening to their so-called "freedoms" and "rights" it will be too late. Remember, I said "enough people", not just a handful. Until then we'll just have to suck it up or accept the consequences.

 

[ArmandV]

Of course you would say that. You are a tourist. Apparently, you are not thinking of the bigger picture (residents) or of the fact that your prints will be kept for 70-80 years and spread to other governments and police departments.
Are you just finding this out about special permanent residents, after all the information posted here? I have probably mentioned it at least twice.
Armand also wrote:
Wait until Nov. 20. And, the waiting time alone is not the point here. Geez, have you not even been reading one single word?
bakakanadajin wrote:
No, it's against all non-Korean non-Chinese non-Japanese foreigners. Pretty silly to consider Africans, Arabs, Europeans, Russians, Aussies, and every other group as a "westerner".

Jeez, did you get out of the wrong side of the bed? As I mentioned, I do understand some's concerns. Some of you are acting as if this is the end of the world. As for the special permanent resident thing, I was only confirming what you posted. Maybe I wasn't clear. Chill, bro!

The sad part about the whole thing is that by the time enough people wake up and realize just what is happening to their so-called "freedoms" and "rights" it will be too late. Remember, I said "enough people", not just a handful. Until then we'll just have to suck it up or accept the consequences.

Just think, all of this data may go into the hands of President Hillary and Prince William! What a pleasant thought! ;-)

 

[Glenski]

It is not ture. Korean, Chinese, and Taiwanese people except the infamous special permanent resident status are the same as you. About 465,000 in total here.

Perhaps I didn't write clearly enough earlier. Sorry. I was referring to the special permanent residents, as described above.

They are Japanese who have to submit our police report to the US or EU nations when we apply visa such as non-immigrant, student or else.
If the person in the post of mr.sumo.snr had more privilages, it would cause another discrimination.

But, those visas are one thing, and visas like spouse visa or status like permanent resident status are completely different situations. Again, we are comparing short-term visits (true visitors, although immigration labels all of us as that) to long-term residents (except the exempt special permanent residents).

Armand wrote:

Some of you are acting as if this is the end of the world.

Come and live here for a while, be a resident, not a tourist. Then, see how you feel. It's pretty serious for those of us who have chosen to make this our homes.

pachipro wrote:

Umm, I think you better do a little more research as the the US government does share with everyone and expects the same in return. Do you seriously believe that Japan is implementing this on it's own? HA!

My question was a serious one -- what does the USA do with its biometric data? I said I didn't know. If you can point me to info that shows how and where the USA shares its data, I would be grateful. And, no, I wasn't so naive as to think Japan did this all on its own, but it is doing it in a different way and partly for different reasons that offend us.

the US does it to Japanese so why not Japan?

One of Japan's reasons is that terrorism is likely to hit its shores, but it is a proven fact that terrorism from the outside has not happened. Only from within. And, Japan's policy is inconsistent. Special permanent residents and people on SOFA status (some, anyway) are just as likely as the rest of us foreigners to be potential terrorists and criminals, but they are exempt. Unfair!

Debito can b*itch and moan all he wants and issue any number of petitions, but it will not stop the inevetable. Want to avoid it? Go find an island somewhere and live there forever and ride it out or fight it in numbers and i mean NUMBERS!

Or you can do the more sensible thing and fight the unjust policy. You have already conceded defeat. The fingerprinting ordeal shows that change can happen. (Sadly,it came back.)

 

[ArmandV]

Armand wrote: Come and live here for a while, be a resident, not a tourist. Then, see how you feel. It's pretty serious for those of us who have chosen to make this our homes.

Ooh, they are going to use your picture and fingerprints to come get you in the middle of the night and toss you in a gulag! The government most likely has enough data on you already.

One of Japan's reasons is that terrorism is likely to hit its shores, but it is a proven fact that terrorism from the outside has not happened. Only from within.

So your solution is for Japan to sit and wait for an attack from non-homegrown terrorists? Since Japan has participated in the Gulf, sooner or later some wacko terrorist group from that region may decide to hit Japan in some way. It is probably prudent for them to bolster security to be on the safe side.