Yesterday when I went to Gifu City to take care of my RE-entry permit for my trip to Hong Kong, I bumped into a friendly but suspecting policeman. I was sitting at the train station bench, waiting for my train, when he approached me and asked how old I am. I believe he even made sure that he approached me from a direction 90 degrees to the bench I’m sitting on. (you know, in case i take off running once I notice him). He probably thought I’m running away from my parents, or skipping class.
I was wearing a black hooded fleece, with a black jacket over it. I had jeans and sandles on, and my hair was bad. I knew I looked liked a burglar but the office lady at the Immigration Office didn’t seem to mind.
half-related picture
The Officer asked for my registration card, and while meticulously copying down every detail on that card into his notebook, he tried to chit chat me for details like why I’m in Japan, do I have a job.
After I got back to Hashima, I had to change before going to work. At the lobby of my dorm, a cleaning lady was vacuuming the floor. As I walked in and she looked up, her body froze and her face stunned. Usually during working hours there should be no one in the dorm building, so she’s just casually vacuuming thinking she’s alone. If you would just imagine you’re a cleaning lady doing your job in an empty building, then suddently some sloppy, burglar looking guy dressed in all black appears in front of you.
She was completely stunned. Good thing I foresaw all of this coming when I was taking off my shoe at an area out of her sight, and thought I would greet her when I see her. So right as she looked up i said “konnichiwa”, which turned her stunned face into a confused one. She’s had enough of a day, so I just rushed upstairs and get my things done and went to work.
I guess the OL at the Immigration Office is used to seeing sloppy foreigners.
You should tell others that this is not your first encounter with the keisatsu.
I am a little worried about you going to Hong Kong….I mean, what if the Hong Kong policemen think that you are an illegal immigrant from Mainland China or Vietnam?
Thank you for your concern. I will try to avoid policemen when I see them.
And you are right. I have to explain my other encounter with the japanese police eventually.