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02/14/2006 06:21:02 AM · #1
Well I planned to fly to UK today 14th feb with my fiance and at Imigration I was refused, this is due to the fact that in June I was arrested here and had to go to court well aparently I was supposed to register with Tokyo immigration after the court released me.. I never knew about this. Now I have to go to Tokyo Imigration on 27th Feb for interview BUT! my Visa runs out 23rd Feb.. I think I will be so relieved to get back home to UK, Im so totally upset, we lost the tickets and of cause no refund and to make matters worse I now face the possibility of being thrown into jail for visa overstay

This seems to me to be a tad UNFAIR.

If anyone has any information to offer on this matter I would really appreciate it. right now I feel like my world has ended I really do, Im very upset and so is my fiance I dont understand the law on this issue but having a little experience by being in a japanese jail for 3 months I can tell you that they do like to scare the shit out people (I was told by a guard I had to stay an extra month the day before my final court day when I was due to be released).. anyway, 1 more beer and Im happy to say I still have not started smoking again after giving up in June but the idea of a ciggarette right now is very tempting...
02/14/2006 06:34:04 AM · #2
Whoa... visit your embassy, man!
02/14/2006 06:39:20 AM · #3
The british embassy in tokyo:

1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8381
Tel. 03 5211 1100
Fax 03 5275 3164

Get them on the case, I have family that got stuck in russia, and they sorted them right out! Good luck mate

mark
02/14/2006 06:42:05 AM · #4
dont start smoking again. im not sure how the law deals with this situation, but i would advise you to contact the agency which issued your visa and advise them of your situation in advance (i.e. that you cannot leave before a certain date because you have the interview with another legal authority). they may be able to issue a shorter/temporary visa to deal with the situation, but at any rate you should let them know in advance so they can advise you on a course of action.

best of luck! i hope all goes well
Anders
02/14/2006 06:45:42 AM · #5
I've over stayed my visa in Greece many years ago and just had to pay a small fine as I left at the airport. Didn't stamp my passport or anything. I don't know about the court case thing....but you may think the situation is a lot worse than it is. Like everyone else has said your embassy is your best bet. They would have had people in similar situations and will be able to advise you.
Good luck and hope you get back to the UK without any trouble.
02/14/2006 06:50:11 AM · #6
why were you arrested in the first place?
02/14/2006 06:50:45 AM · #7
Yep, try the embassy. It's not without the realms of possibility that they've had to deal with such cases before. Good luck.
02/14/2006 07:04:51 AM · #8
Thanks for the responses.. to answer a question, I was arrested because a letter containing marijuana was sent to the house where i lived and they thought it was mine or that i had something to do with it. I was detained pending enquiries ( they found things at my house that related to marijuana for example, a pipe-unused, huge bob marly flag with a leaf on it. many reggae CDs and a name card from a Yakuza group member that apparently deals with importing such things, I got that card after repairing a PC for someone)

I will call the embassy first thing in the morning but after relenlous googling i have found a few things out that might suggest the immigration place is just a department that deals with the crime part they need to talk to me about the case and what i am doing after that trouble and that they are not in fact anything to do with visa.. that is a small relief.

I doubt i will start smoking again, just the smell of tobacco makes me feel sick now. I think if i was going to be arrested again then they would of done that at the airport but i also think that a deportation is not out of the question.. I have been on the phone all day and have a friend willing to give me a letter of proof of work and also the magazine i take photos for is willing to say that too so it has a small light but the tunnel could be too small for me to get through..

thanks again
02/14/2006 07:29:45 AM · #9
Unless the letter contained a *lot* of marijuanna, I'm surprised they took it that far. Unless they wanted to know where it came from and put pressure on you to shop in the dealer.
Good luck with it all!
Bob
02/14/2006 08:20:12 AM · #10
I've heard recently that Japan has been getting very tough on foreigners. Who's the moron that sent you marijuana in a letter? Many Asian countries are policed based on mood. On a good day, they'll laugh about it and let you go. On a bad day....

Drug trafficking is punishable by death in China and Taiwan and I think a handful of other countries out this way.

And sometimes they DO enforce.

I'd recommend you to send a letter to whoever sent you the letter to never contact you again. He/she could have gotten you killed.

You may be facing blacklisting though and the possibility of not being allowed to re-enter. Embassies can help out with snafu's, but if Japan pulls some genuine law's out of it's hat, you could be out of their hands.

There was a drug trafficker recently killed in China that was from Australia. He was the real deal with multiple offenses in both countries, but the law in China had precedence and he was executed.

On the other hand, it's no secret that countries like Japan and China are very strict on drug use for good reason. I know that in the city I come from in Canada, there are huge areas where hundreds of wasted individuals live that are nothing but a drain on taxpayer's resources. I am frequently amazed as I travel within Asia at the lack of similar areas.

If you keep things like a hash pipe, related ideological symbols such as Bob Marley paraphernalia, whether his ideology is harmless or not in your opinion, you are indeed inviting a certain element of danger.

The fact that they pulled something like a name card from a Yakuza is indication that they may be trying to make something of an example of you. That's pushing it a bit. If you really were connected with Yakuza, you probably wouldn't have his namecard kicking about.

You might consider taking a drug test at a hospital. Something with a long-term check. Hair samples are often used. If you are indeed clean, this could be a good indicator.

If you aren't clean, it's called consequence.
02/14/2006 08:21:50 AM · #11
Oops, I misunderstood... I thought he was arrested in the UK then went to Japan. Ah, this is more serious! Good luck.
02/14/2006 08:32:36 AM · #12
Originally posted by eschelar:

Drug trafficking is punishable by death in China and Taiwan and I think a handful of other countries out this way.

And sometimes they DO enforce.


I'd be hunkered down in the engine compartment of the first bus out of the country if I were you man ... that sounds like some serious stuff...screw that!
02/14/2006 08:36:54 AM · #13
Originally posted by deapee:

I'd be hunkered down in the engine compartment of the first bus out of the country if I were you man ... that sounds like some serious stuff...screw that!

Might not work so great on an island...
02/14/2006 08:47:41 AM · #14
Call the Yakuza dude. He can probably get you out. :)

02/14/2006 08:52:39 AM · #15
to clear a few things up here.. I dont use drugs and nobody i know sent me the letter the house i lived in was a rented thing and had had other people there before me, and also the offense is over and i was judged already and was given a suspended sentence of 8 months for a period of 2 years.. that was for the fact that I had related objects and the letter MIGHT of been for me and also alleged envolvement with yakuza members.. all of which i might add i AM TOTTALY NOT GUILTY OF.. but anyway.. the concern here is not the court case but the fact that i was not allowed to leave the country because i had not gone to see the immigration after the court released me but i never realised i HAD to go (my lack of understanding and state of shock at the time).

Say a prayer for me anyway I will be renewing my visa status, I have been here 9 years and have a child here so im not just a regular foreiner trying to jump on the band wagon and over stayed, its a long story really and i feel a bit better after a think and a drink but i will be calling the embassy tomorrow morning for sure..

thanks for the input and concern everyone.
02/14/2006 08:53:42 AM · #16
I'm with JDuffet, I'd probably not be cramming myself into the engine compartment of any buses that purported to be DRIVING out of Japan...

There are cruise ships and freighters though.

Something very important to remember though is that this could be a more serious offense than just dealing with a little jail time. This could get your name blacklisted with Interpol because if Japan DOES have a legal leg to stand on, they CAN demand extradition to Japan to pay for said crimes. In Asia, Japan would probably get their demand. If you made it back to Europe, you'd probably be safe from such extradition. On the other hand, you could forget traveling outside of Europe for the rest of your life though.

I know this guy once who thought it was pretty funny when he got busted in America (Canadians here) for driving 280 km/h on their freeway during rush hour. They gave him tickets and deported him on the spot. Police escort to the border. Great badge of honor for a young punk. Pretty F***ing stupid though because he will NEVER be allowed to take his family to Disneyland in America when he gets older. He will never be able to visit the Grand Canyon or visit Yellowstone National park either.

Consequence.
02/14/2006 09:09:17 AM · #17
Originally posted by eschelar:

I'm with JDuffet, I'd probably not be cramming myself into the engine compartment of any buses that purported to be DRIVING out of Japan...

There are cruise ships and freighters though.

Something very important to remember though is that this could be a more serious offense than just dealing with a little jail time. This could get your name blacklisted with Interpol because if Japan DOES have a legal leg to stand on, they CAN demand extradition to Japan to pay for said crimes. In Asia, Japan would probably get their demand. If you made it back to Europe, you'd probably be safe from such extradition. On the other hand, you could forget traveling outside of Europe for the rest of your life though.

I know this guy once who thought it was pretty funny when he got busted in America (Canadians here) for driving 280 km/h on their freeway during rush hour. They gave him tickets and deported him on the spot. Police escort to the border. Great badge of honor for a young punk. Pretty F***ing stupid though because he will NEVER be allowed to take his family to Disneyland in America when he gets older. He will never be able to visit the Grand Canyon or visit Yellowstone National park either.

Consequence.


Im guilty of nothing friend, I had bob marly stuff at my house yes but that hardly secures my involvement in drugs, im not a trafficer either, I have BEEN to court already and been JUDGED. I live here in JAPAN and have done for 9 years. I wont run away from it..

The mistake I made was not realising that after my release from the court back in Sept 2005 that I had to register with the immigration so hence when I arranged to fly out to UK to visit family and get married with my fiance I was stopped at Imigration at the airport and sent back home to Chiba in Japan.. now they have arranged an interview that takes place AFTER my current visa has expired.. that is my only concern really.

Embassy is the best idea and also I can simply apply for a visa renewal and Im sure the embassy can apply for an extension considering the circumstances..

Consequence I agree is fitting in some cases and I hope to god they are in a good mood that day. IF it was SERIOUS ultra major problem then I very much doubt they would of let me leave the airport.
02/14/2006 09:20:13 AM · #18
Funny/ironic that you live in "Chiba" :P
02/14/2006 09:32:05 AM · #19
Sorry to hear about the immigration problems. When you go to the imigration office, I think you need go with an even-tempered male Japanese friend or family member that is at least in his 50's, and make a public show of apology. The reason I suggest a man is because the last time I was at immigration one of our fellow 'Gaijin' had some sort of problem and his female Japanese friend was trying to explain the reason for whatever it was. The immigration guy went off on her. You know how important it is to put on a 'show' of remorse in Japan. I think if you 'show' remorse things will go smoother. Good luck.

Edit:
Just to be clear, I'm referring to apologizing for not going in to the Tokyo immigration office. - risu81

Message edited by author 2006-02-14 23:27:40.
02/14/2006 11:00:29 AM · #20
I realize that you are are a little touchy on the subject alionic. My last post was split into two portions. The last part was an anecdote about what happened to someone who ran from it in response to others who were suggesting (albeit somewhat tongue in cheek) that you run away. I was stating that it is important to be careful about leaving issues like this.

It was more directed towards them than you.

As far as you being guilty about something, I already said that you could go forward one step by getting a hair drug test. This would be a good show for the police officers that you are taking them seriously.

Whether you are clean or not is about your behavior. Only you know that.

What you did say though was that you spent three months in their Jails. Is it common for people who are 'guilty of nothing' to spend that much time in jail? You didn't say if you were JUDGED as guilty or not. If you were judged as guilty in the past, then you may have a rocky road ahead.

If you were judged innocent and really are innocent, you should be in the clear. The British Embassy will help you and you should have little difficulty in securing an extra three days to a week extension.

I've only been living in Asia for three years and haven't been to Japan yet, but it's probably a fair bit more civilized than Taiwan. I helped a friend of a friend last week who was being deported and they were jacking around with his situation quite a bit. They were completely disorganized and he had been brought a prescription for his asthma condition three times, yet they still had no record of it.

Owning Bob Marley stuff isn't a crime, but when you have a lot of it, especially the more gaudy stuff, you are still making a statement to whoever comes into your house (I'm talking about the cops here) and inviting trouble. I hope you got rid of it. If you have been in Japan for 9 years, I'm sure you already appreciate how much of a difference appearance can make.

I will also second the advice to bring an older Japanese friend. Father of the bride? Relatives of someone at your school?
02/15/2006 03:44:19 AM · #21
Today I recieved a call from the Tokyo Immigration office...

I can purchase my own ticket and declare myself to the Tokyo office with my baggage and my ticket the day before my flight where I will have to spend the night in their custody and then in the morning I will be taken to the Airport and escorted out of the country with my personal things..

I consider that a RESULT.

Thank you for your thoughts NAM-MYO-HO-RENGE-KYO
02/15/2006 04:08:07 AM · #22
sounds like a good plan.
Good luck man!
02/15/2006 06:25:43 AM · #23
I know things have not been going your way this week but do you think you might be here for the london GTG of Saturday?
The new plan does sound good.
All the best anyway

02/15/2006 06:45:21 AM · #24
Originally posted by benhur:

I know things have not been going your way this week but do you think you might be here for the london GTG of Saturday?
The new plan does sound good.
All the best anyway


Hello Ben, yes you are right things have not been so smooth of late but Im strong and I will get through it all, there is nothing I would enjoy more than to be in London on the 18th but I will be deported on 22nd Feb I am looking for tickets as we speak I think I can only afford Aeoroflot Russian airlines because i lost so much money on the other tickets that were direct flight with Virgin Atlantic.. I have no money now and have to sell my Gibson and my 1974 Fender Tele to cover it.. I will be still bringing your lens it is in my suitcase right now and I must apologise for the delay.. I will bring it up to nottingham when i get there and catch my breath so please e-mail me with a phone number..

I hear that Aeoroflot have really gotten better, the online reviews about them only say that the food sux but the pilots are brilliant
02/15/2006 08:11:47 AM · #25
good luck with everything.
have a pint of Fuller's for me when you get to the UK.
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