Enter Japan and get a Criminal Record

As of Today, ALL foreigners (except diplomats etc) will have their fingerprints and photo taken upon landing in Japan. This includes those already living there and returning from a holiday, even if they are married to a Japanese.

The reason behind this (not an opinion, the OFFICIAL reason) is that Japan sees Gaijin as potential criminals, and they think by building a database on foreigners it will help prevent crimes committed by foreigners within Japan. More so, Terrorist

As an Anti-Terrorist Tactic, the only advantage this can have is by scanning the prints against an existing database of potential terrorists (This would undoubtedly come from the US) and would take time to scan every person. Even the realistic CSI wonder machines take time. Other than this, I don’t think they’re going to be able to pull a print post-attack.

You might think what’s the big deal - but it is already putting people off going to Japan (was that their goal?).
Business men don’t want to go through such a process because of the “Mug Shot” Stigma, the time involved etc. It is apparently modeled on systems in the US (like their Visa system, ugh), and that alone is causing fear. America wasn’t on my top list of places to go anyway, but I don’t even want to transit through there now because of the headaches. Many people stop in Tokyo between London/Sydney/LA wherever, and spend a few nights. This will deter them.

I don’t know what happens on the second time you land in Japan after going through the process the first time, but I have technically gone through customs about 4 or 5 times in the last 2 years Alone. And I’m assuming this new feature will have an affect on someone say.. Juggling 2 passports.

But hey, I guess that 2% Foreign population was getting a tad high.

More Info: Re-entry Japan Blog