Precautions to Ensure Safe Everyday Living
While it is said that Japan is a safe country, it can be dangerous to walk alone at night or to let someone you do not know in your home. You should avoid walking alone in areas where there are few other people present and it is best to avoid using a public telephone booth in empty locations a late at night. In addition, please beware of the following points, because if you unknowingly break a law in Japan, you may be arrested or deported:
- It is a crime if you do not have your foreign resident registration card with you at all times.
- It is a violation of immigration laws to work part-time without permission or to do work that is not allowed under the terms of your visa and/or Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted.
- You may be stopped by a police officer if you and another person are both riding one bicycle, if you ride a bicycle at night without turning on your bicycle light, or if you use an umbrella while riding a bicycle on a rainy day. You may be arrested if you are found to be riding a bicycle that is not properly registered for tracing in the case of theft.
- You may be arrested if you carry a knife or other blades for self-protection.
- It is a crime to lend or borrow a foreign resident registration card, student ID card, or National Health Insurance card.
To Report a Crime, Theft, or Traffic Accident (Dial the police department at 110.)
These calls are handled across Japan on a 24-hour basis. If someone is injured, the police can call an ambulance.
How to Make a 110 Call
- Lift the telephone receiver and if there is an emergency button on the telephone, press this button before dialing 110. If there is no such button, dial 110 without an area code.
- Explain whether you are calling to report a traffic accident or a crime (such as a robbery).
- Give the location of the accident or incident, the address, or any landmarks of the location where you are; give your name as well.
Concerning the Use of Drugs
In Japan, production, distribution, sale, and possession of all illegal drugs, including marijuana, stimulants, cocaine, heroin, and LSD, are strictly controlled by the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law. These drugs, which some might consider using for reasons of curiosity, self-satisfaction, or to escape from reality, not only damage the user physically and mentally but also have a negative effect on the user’s family and on society in general. In addition, restoring the user’s physical and mental health requires proper medical care, and it takes time before the person can return to being a fully functioning member of society. You must firmly resist the temptation of drugs and be careful about not using drugs casually out of curiosity.
Created: March 29, 2010 / Last modified:November 19, 2012
