Re: [tlug] [OT] Interesting info for foreigners living in JP

[CL <az.4tlug@example.com>]

Curt Sampson wrote:
> it's nice to think that there's a possibility that one day I can head
> south out of Shinjuku down Meiji-dori on my bicycle of an evening and
> not get stopped by the police.

I really do not understand how anyone can get stopped and checked 
continuously, but you and Debit seem to be the two exceptions that prove 
the rule.  What are you doing to bring such attention to yourself?  You 
don't understand how difficult this is.

If this really is a continuing problem:

-  Ask to see his keisatsu teicho (this is the _only_ thing Debit does 
correctly).

-  Try introducing yourself and giving a business card to the cop who 
stops you.  If he tries to give it back (most won't), just tell him that 
you have a lot more and it is okay to keep it.

-  Get his name and refer to him by his family name at every 
opportunity.  (Police call each other "-kun," NEVER "-san" unless you're 
addressing someone who is so high up in the hierarchy he has a halo.)

-  Tell him that it's cold right now (and "gokurosama") and let him know 
that your office is here and there's always a pot of hot coffee for 
warming up.

Usually you'll embarrass them to the point that they'll make a point of 
leaving you alone in the future. If you get stopped again, do the same 
thing, but be sure to ask the cop who stopped you whether he knows the 
last guy who did so.

--
CL