Police
The Police in Japan are constrained by a code of law that defines them in a way different to the Police back home; just what can you expect from the Japanese Police Force? In every neighborhood in Japan you will find a KOBAN (police boxes) with local police officers on duty. This is where you can file basic reports such as if you have been robbed. The police at the KOBAN can also be of assistance if you need help finding an address in the neighborhood.
As for being arrested, the police can only arrest you if they have a warrant issued by a judge or if they see you commit a crime. If the suspect of a serious crime is likely to try to escape the police can also arrest the suspect before asking for a warrant. A police officer can also arrest you under the “Obstruction of a Public Official in the course of his Duties” law if you act in a resistant way when approached by police.
The Police can ask foreigners in Japan to show their passport (for tourists) or Alien Registration Card. Since you are by law required to carry your passport (for tourists) or Alien Registration Card with you at all times you can be asked to wait at the Police station until someone can bring the documents if you do not have them with you.
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Police Explained
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Some content adapted from Wikipedia.org.
