No Escape From The NHK Man?

[Ketou]

Looks like NHK is preparing to play hard ball (if you can call it that.):ninja2:

That's an interesting quote....they can seize the property of people who have signed contracts, obvious enough as they have agreed too it. But to attempt civil proceeding to force a contract signing is quite odd, as any contract signed under duress is not enforceable. A contract is an agreement, no court can force someone into a contract.

[Coligny]

That's an interesting quote....they can seize the property of people who have signed contracts, obvious enough as they have agreed too it. But to attempt civil proceeding to force a contract signing is quite odd, as any contract signed under duress is not enforceable. A contract is an agreement, no court can force someone into a contract.

And where are we aboot NHK spendings on blowjobs and hookers ?

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

That's an interesting quote....they can seize the property of people who have signed contracts, obvious enough as they have agreed too it. But to attempt civil proceeding to force a contract signing is quite odd, as any contract signed under duress is not enforceable. A contract is an agreement, no court can force someone into a contract.

I wouldn't want to take on NHK at any time. They play hardball. This year, they even sacked Kenichi Mikawa from the kohaku. Now, that's what I call really tough. I'm almost tempted to withhold my license fees until they restore the battle between Mikawa and Sachiko Kobayashi over who can come up with the tackiest glittering polyester and sequined costume in history.

[Yokohammer]

NHK has lost another lawsuit (yay!).

They were attempting to force a man in Kobe to pay JPY 153,400 in fees for the period from December 2004 through May 2010, but the judge ruled in favor of the defendant. Apparently the defendant was contracted with NHK, but disconnected his antenna in November of 2004 and conveyed his intention to cancel the contract to NHK at that time. NHK have appealed.

This is the second lawsuit of this type that NHK have lost recently.

Link ... (Japanese)

This brings up an issue. It seems to be difficult to cancel a contract with NHK once you've signed (at least NHK doesn't seem to want to acknowledge such cancellations), so maybe it's smarter to simply avoid signing in the first place.

[FG Lurker]

maybe it's smarter to simply avoid signing in the first place.

Yup, which is exactly what I have done. Drives the NHK dudes nuts when you tell them you're not interested in entering into a contract with NHK.

NHK has stated that they are going to try to sue people who refuse to enter into a contract with them. I'm no legal expert but I can't see how trying to force someone to sign a contract would stand up in court...

[GomiGirl]

I am sure they are going to find a way by disabling their service from non-subscribers.

[FG Lurker]

I am sure they are going to find a way by disabling their service from non-subscribers.

I'd welcome this. Who the hell watches NHK anyway?

[TennoChinko]

Yup, which is exactly what I have done. Drives the NHK dudes nuts when you tell them you're not interested in entering into a contract with NHK.

NHK has stated that they are going to try to sue people who refuse to enter into a contract with them. I'm no legal expert but I can't see how trying to force someone to sign a contract would stand up in court...

I agree.

Also, it's hard if/when they don't know your name. It's not like they have legal access to the local ward foreign registry or other equivalents. And, sending a letter as they once tried to "Chinko" doesn't cut it. "Chinko-what, asshole? Not playing the phishing game."

[Yokohammer]

This really is a tricky situation. Technically, if you have functioning receiving equipment you're required by law to pay, whether you watch NHK or not. But NHK are being such thugs about it, and have a history of high-handed thuggery to boot, that a lot of people are disinclined to bend over and get shafted by what is essentially a monopoly. Myself included. Especially since it looks as though they can be even nastier once they get their hooks in. Once they have your signature/hanko, they seem to think they own you for life. Don't like that at all.

[TennoChinko]

This really is a tricky situation. Technically, if you have functioning receiving equipment you're required by law to pay, whether you watch NHK or not. But NHK are being such thugs about it, and have a history of high-handed thuggery to boot, that a lot of people are disinclined to bend over and get shafted by what is essentially a monopoly. Myself included. Especially since it looks as though they can be even nastier once they get their hooks in. Once they have your signature/hanko, they seem to think they own you for life. Don't like that at all.

No - actually it's NOT tricky.

The law indicates if you have receiving equipment you are required to enter into a contract with NHK (not 'required to pay') and as has been stated ad neaseum, there are no provisions for enforcement of this. Why? There is a greater principle that supercedes this law -- that is, we are protected from being forced into a contract against our will. (of course, we might be fooled, shamed, threatened, harassed, misled,or coerced...)

Just say "no".

Or, if you insist on being polite, then "no, thank you"

[Yokohammer]

[hundefar]

I am sure they are going to find a way by disabling their service from non-subscribers.

I don't think any TV station run by the state would do that. That would mean that they have entered into the marketplace, and this could result in them losing their privileged position. Stations funded by taxes on receiving equipment are usually justified by claiming that they can supply media content not provided by the free market. So disabling their service from non-subscribes would be like digging their own grave.

What we have seen in other countries is that organizations similar to the NHK have started to supply content on other platforms, such as streaming of shows on the internet or podcasts of radioshows, news on the web and so on. They can then use that to justify further taxation on web-enabled devices such as personal computers and mobile handsets. As politicians usually have strong incentive to have a media organization run by the state, they will usually support these kinds of ideas. I don't know if this is the way it will go in Japan, but this is the reality in some countries in Europe now.

[matsuki]

NHK agents are just that - not employees of NHK. It seems many people mistakenly accord them with some kind of "legal authority" that excuses them for physically forcing their way not just into the genkan, but even into the living room. It's not overly-paranoid to assume that anyone trying to physically force their way into your home is up to no good. Treating them just like any other would-be intruder in a case like this would be a good idea.

Had quite a few bible thumpers of one sort or another knock on my apartment door but as far as I know, no NHK agents. The shitty/useless apartment antennae blew off the roof last year so maybe they don't even bother...but I imagine the agent would be leaving with a beatdown if he tried to force his way into my home. In a body bag if my children are inside the home.

[FG Lurker]

Had quite a few bible thumpers of one sort or another

The JWs seem to have discovered me and come around regularly. The name on the door is in English so I guess they figure it's a chance to proselytize and practice their English as the same time. I never answer the door (obviously) but they did catch me just as I was leaving once. Told them I had outgrown religion and wasn't interested in regressing.

[wuchan]

The JWs seem to have discovered me and come around regularly. The name on the door is in English so I guess they figure it's a chance to proselytize and practice their English as the same time. I never answer the door (obviously) but they did catch me just as I was leaving once. Told them I had outgrown religion and wasn't interested in regressing.

I told them that I was catholic, they hung their heads in defeat and never returned.

[FG Lurker]

I told them that I was catholic, they hung their heads in defeat and never returned.

I might have to try that next time they come around.

(If only it was so easy to get rid of the NHK man eh?)

[hundefar]

The JWs seem to have discovered me and come around regularly. The name on the door is in English so I guess they figure it's a chance to proselytize and practice their English as the same time. I never answer the door (obviously) but they did catch me just as I was leaving once. Told them I had outgrown religion and wasn't interested in regressing.

JW have a worldwide practice of targeting foreigners, because they are perceived as easier to convert. So a foreign name on the door to JW is what a huge pile of shit is to flies.

[FG Lurker]

JW have a worldwide practice of targeting foreigners, because they are perceived as easier to convert. So a foreign name on the door to JW is what a huge pile of shit is to flies.

I'm not sure I like your analogy very much... I see what you mean though.

Funny thing is they'd have far more luck with gullible Japanese than they ever will with me. From that perspective I guess it's better that they waste their time trying to reach me rather than spend it talking to some poor sucker who might fall victim.

[Mike Oxlong]

The only Japanese I have seen fall for things like Mormonism and analagous religions are high school girls and neglected housewives...

[TennoChinko]

This is kind of long-ish, but since it's central to the issue being discussed I'll post the whole thing:


The last paragraph describes the situation pretty well:

As TennoChinko says the law states that if you have the receiving equipment you are required to enter into a contract with NHK. That is understood, legally, to mean that once that contract exists NHK will receive the prescribed fees from the contractee. So logically if you are required to sign a contract, then you are required to pay. The tricky part is that until you have entered into to a contract with NHK you are legally obliged to do so, but you are not legally obliged to pay.

It doesn't really make sense, but there it is.

The NHK and its commissioned agents also apparently do make certain kinds of exceptions - although not consistently. For example, the cars and vans with TV sets seem to be exempt. For the most part, 1-seg mobile phones with TV reception ... as well as PCs, notebook computers, and Nintendo DS. It's a poorly written law without any legal teeth.

Anyways, the point is that one shouldn't be coerced or fooled into signing a contract with NHK. Doing so "just to make him go away" will lead to potentially more problems than it might solve at the moment.

Another trick they employ is to prepare an invoice and stuff it in your mailbox. Look at it carefully. Often they don't have your full name - because they do not know it. And, more importantly, look at the date. There often isn't one. It's not a real invoice - and can't be if you haven't signed a contract. That makes them no better than the Nigerians.

[BigInJapan]

Funny thing is they'd have far more luck with gullible Japanese than they ever will with me. From that perspective I guess it's better that they waste their time trying to reach me rather than spend it talking to some poor sucker who might fall victim.

I haven't encountered any Jehovahs or their ilk for several years, but in the past I would ask them if they were selling religion.
If they said yes, I would ask them why attendance at their church was so low that they had to go door-to-door peddling their sad excuse for a religion. That stumps them for a bit, but they usually have a patented comeback.
Then I would tell them that in my home country they are also viewed as irritating religious fanatics and everyone slams the door in their face.
If that doesn't get rid of them, ask if they are part of a cult and indicate that you will call the police to report them, that oughta do it.

[Iraira]

I haven't encountered any Jehovahs or their ilk for several years, but in the past I would ask them if they were selling religion.
If they said yes, I would ask them why attendance at their church was so low that they had to go door-to-door peddling their sad excuse for a religion. That stumps them for a bit, but they usually have a patented comeback.
Then I would tell them that in my home country they are also viewed as irritating religious fanatics and everyone slams the door in their face.
If that doesn't get rid of them, ask if they are part of a cult and indicate that you will call the police to report them, that oughta do it.

Tell them they are on time for "the slaughtering of the virgin (insert animal of choice)" and invite them in. Some satanic speed metal playing in the background adds a proper ambiance. Make it a practice to answer the door wearing a werewolf costume, that generally keeps most unwanted guests from ever coming back. Although I feel for the psychological damage it does to the takubin peeps.

[Greji]

I haven't encountered any Jehovahs or their ilk for several years

I like to use the approach when they show up on the doorstep, that I am really, really interested. I have a gold bracelet that an old gf gave me that looks like a locator device. When the Missionaries arrive I say I am really interested and immediately start asking detailed questions about the children's programs and if they have any problems with me starting immediately as a children's instructor. I follow this with a wave of the wrist so the bracelet flashes, quickly and say that I am so happy that they are a member of God's organization that doesn't begrudge a guy a few mistakes. I further mention that I may not be able to attend some meetings do to limitations that have been levied on me for reporting my locations and activities to different Police stations, but don't see this as a problem I can't work around. Usually, by the time I start drooling a bit while thanking them for this new chance in life and asking how soon I can start and who will introduce me to the kids, especially the little girls who are so cute in their ribbons and bows, they start trying to find ways off my doorstep, back-peddling all the way out into the street. I keep urging them on by shouts like, "Wait" I know I can do this" and "please wait, I won't mess up this time." This really helps to speed up their retreat, sometimes even encouraging them to break into a run. They will normally not reappear even in the neighborhood for several years, or at least until there has been a complete change in their mission staff and a new cast of suckers appear.

[matsuki]

The only Japanese I have seen fall for things like Mormonism and analagous religions are high school girls and neglected housewives...

THIS....

One girl I met last year tried to tell me about her relationship with Jesus. I asked why she was Christian and she basically admitted it was forced on her by her family growing up. I asked why her family was Christian and she admitted her father was mentally ill and "found Jesus" after a particularly rough episode. Trace it back enough and I think you'll always find a source like this...

[Mulboyne]

[FG Lurker]

Still waiting to see if they ever manage to force someone to sign a contract. I've never signed a contract with NHK and I certainly don't plan on doing so now...

[Mike Oxlong]

In Okinawa they are still hardcore door-to-door pimping. They've been coming in pairs lately, with a chick playing good cop, and a young fella trying his herbivore best to play bad cop.

[FG Lurker]

In Okinawa they are still hardcore door-to-door pimping. They've been coming in pairs lately, with a chick playing good cop, and a young fella trying his herbivore best to play bad cop.

We had a guy come around recently and ask again for a contract. My wife just tells him he needs to talk to me, and of course the guy wants to know when I'm home. She tells him, "He works all the time." No flies on that woman!

[Iraira]

what would happen if I signed the contract "Hugh G. Rection"....would I still be liable to pay?

[Mike Oxlong]

what would happen if I signed the contract "Hugh G. Rection"....would I still be liable to pay?

SJ, Cyka, and Greji would all be beating your door down, only to find SDH had already charmed his way in!:p