Top Story: 1. May 2008

Genuine?

By Editor in Chief, Jaakko Saari

This week I wanted to write about a certain experience I had with Japanese police. I wanted to write to raise concern about certain type of malice that occurs in Japan every now and then - people who pretend to be who they are not, for whathever means they have.

Also, I wanted to study Japanese culture through this, rather unusual experience.

I was working on my desk when a doorbell rang, afternoon.

First I thought it must be another parcel delivery or maybe a signed mail. But when I opened door, I found tall Japanese man in brown suit standing. He had round glasses and he looked very clean. First I thought he must be jehova's witness. I was surprised to hear when he said he is from police. He flashed his badge that indeed read police. He said he is from Tokyo Metropolitan Police.

He said that recently there have been burglars in this area and that he is patrolling this neighborhood to warn local residents. He said we had better to keep our doors securely locked, even if we visit outside only shortly.

In addition, he mentioned that recently people have been stolen their handbags and suitcases around the nearby street here.

He spoke very kindly, but did not say a word of English. In addition, he asked me where I'm from. And he even smiled when he left. He really did look like jehova's witness in his casual brown suit.

I didn't give it much a thought, until next week.

Few ideas how to find him / her in Japan.

Because then I had another brief encounter with Japanese police. This time the two men were from Kanagawa police.

When I was coming back from grocery shopping, I found two of them in blue suits. They looked busy checking their papers. I recognized in instant that they must be from police. They didn't have the clean look of the previous visitor. They looked tired, busy, and they didn't have that friendly air. They spoke very properly of course. They had brown envelopes and papers in their hands.

The difference between these two encounters made me think.

Apparently they were looking for the previous resident of this house. The person was involved in car accident of some kind, so they really needed to find him. Since I moved here in January they understood I was not the person they were looking for.

Just to make it clear, I showed them my alien registration card and they apologized the trouble and left soon. The younger man followed him, like a sheep.

The difference of these two meetings is what struck my suspicion. First of all, my question is, what is Tokyo Metropolitan Police doing in Fujizuka, Yokohama, warning people about burglars? In my understanding, police have precincts, areas where they are allowed operate. I'm pretty sure Tokyo police doesn't have jurisdiction in Yokohama city, and I'm even more certain that they have more urgent things to do than tell people to lock their doors.

Another thing was the atmosphere of them. The Kanagawa police were busy police officers in their dark blue suits. They didn't wear uniforms, granted, but at least their blue suits looked much more convincing. In addition, the badge which they showed, had identity card on top part, following the metal badge on bottom. The earlier visitor had no such card in his badge. It was just a plain badge.

Then for third, I believe that the real policemen patrol in pairs and when they patrol, they do use police uniforms.

My wife pointed out later that Tokyo Metropolitan Badges could be easier to get than Kanagawa Police badges. This does support the theory that the earlier visitor was a fake.

Moreover, I have been living in this neighborhood since January and not even once I have witnessed or heard a story of any robbery around here whatsoever. This is peaceful, typical neighborhood where mostly families and old people live. I never feel danger to go outside alone after dark. Coincidental accidents happen everywhere, and of course you should keep your doors locked no matter where you live.

But how am I supposed to tell the difference of real police badge from fake one? I'm not expert of metallurgy or regional police badges. One thing I learned is to look for the identification card attached to the badge. When they flip it over you can see the card, with photo. I'm sure if you ask, they will show it for you for proper inspection. If that card is missing, do suspect. Police must always carry such card. Tokyo Metropolitan Police badges can be bought from Don Quihote shop, for example. They look a lot like the one I saw.

And for goodness sake, should Japanese police really do this kind of activity, what are they thinking? This kind of patrol activity is more likely to cause more distress and worry for the residents, rather than feeling of safety.

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traditional clothing?
Check out Japanese Kimono.

What really makes me feel uncomfortable, is the thought that if the earlier policemen really was fake, what is his intention? What would have happened if I was elderly lady living alone, or what if he found a house that was empty and the door was unlocked?

Whether real police or not, I won't open my door easily next time and I will certainly check who it is before I open the door next time. However, today I'm going to pay visit to nearby koban and ask whether Japanese police really conduct this kind of activity or not.

Should the man in brown suit come back, I do have my camera ready.

Then, what do you think?

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