[GomiGirl]

Does that mean I need to carry my Alien card when I am stumbling home from Golden Gai?

[American Oyaji]

Technically, you're supposed to have it on you at all times.

[GomiGirl]

Technically, you're supposed to have it on you at all times.

Actually I am a good girl and carry it around at all times.. tis a shocking photo though.. Usually the passport photo machines around Japan take excellent photos, however, the ward office at Shibuya has what is commonly called the "Ugly Machine".

I am yet to see a good photo from that booth.. I am sure it is a conspiracy.

[tidbits]

I thought the westerners/ whites do not overstay in Japan? (so there is no worry of the immigrantion officer checking on you) They will only check those Asian gaijin especially those looked like from China, and the face looked like they have swum to Japan..

[tidbits]

I mean something like this :

http://www.asiaweek.com/asiaweek/97/0509/nat6.html

any article you see about Japan illegal immigrants is mainlyl from places like China, Malaysia, Thai.. well maybe some from Russia and Eastern Europe...but probably the majority is Chinese?

[cliffy]

I know for sure thereare heaps of law-abiding, tax-paying, valid visa-holding gaijin of asian decent living in japan. It is not fair on anyone to use such a broad tarring brush.

There is good folks and bad folks everywhere. And pigeon holes are for pigeons.

The press like to use the same old stereotypes because it is easier for the masses to digest.

Am I sounding like a broken record yet?

GG

Yes

[cstaylor]

I thought the westerners/ whites do not overstay in Japan? (so there is no worry of the immigrantion officer checking on you) They will only check those Asian gaijin especially those looked like from China, and the face looked like they have swum to Japan..

Maybe, but I've had the cops stop me a couple of times and ask for the card. Fortunately, I also carry my pet license around too, so I'm not questioned for very long.

[Steve Bildermann]

Maybe, but I've had the cops stop me a couple of times and ask for the card. Fortunately, I also carry my pet license around too, so I'm not questioned for very long.

As you might imagine I get stopped quite a lot.

I have my SEISHIN TECHO around my neck with my wife's KEITAI number on it. One look at that and they usually shrug and wave me on.

On occasion I get to go back the Koban, have tea, senbei and a ride home. Since the introduction of the national computer databank some kobans can look my name and number up. They then know what the problem is and usually go to great lengths to see me home. This would not happen in England.

[GomiGirl]

Steve,

You get to take a ride in the Blue-light taxis? Excellent!! Sounds like the local constabulary treat you as well as we get treated in our neighbourhood.

I have dropped into my local koban a few times for different reasons and the guys have always been fantastic. Have had a cup of tea and senbei as well. But as I am about the only foreigner in the neighbourhood I think they like the novelty factor.

[Steve Bildermann]

But as I am about the only foreigner in the neighbourhood I think they like the novelty factor.

Let me see now - who shall I help today...

The big dangerous looking gaijin who talks to himself, doesn't know who he is or where he lives

or

The beautiful gaijin lady who speaks such good Japanese and smiles all the time.