Erich Herz

Review of Embassy of Japan

Some of the staff inside was nice, so I apologize ...

Some of the staff inside was nice, so I apologize for what I'm about to say - but I have to describe my experience here as being in general, shameful.

It started with me having to renew my passport. I'm a resident here in Japan, and carry only my residence card, so I had dug it out from my files and put it in my bag. I called the embassy one afternoon and was told to call back between 10 and 12. The next day I was busy in the morning, so several days passed. Finally, I called in the morning and was rudely told to look for forms on the website and then hung up on. I don't have access to a printer, so I had to wait to buy a USB keychain so I could take the documents to a konbini to print.

I was busy, so some time passed, and in the interim, somehow my passport went missing amongst the papers in my bag. I searched my apartment for hours and wasn't able to find it. Deciding now it was best to just try and talk to someone face to face, I went to the embassy.

There are angry, bully Japanese police staffing the street leading to the gate, which is "Closed to prevent terrorism." An officer stopped me and asked for my passport. He spoke no English, so I was forced to use my best Japanese to explain I had lost it. He asked if I had an appointment. I said no. He said I must make an appointment and come back.

I called the embassy, explained the situation, and explained where I was. The woman practically laughed at me, and then told me I had to have my original birth certificate (which of course is in the states).

I decided to be a bit more forceful. The woman transferred me to her supervisor. Suddenly, I was magically granted permission to enter.

The rest of my visit was generally OK - apologized to the woman through the staff that waited on me for being forceful on the phone (but hey, I got my passport, didn't I?), however the emergency passport was going to cost me 150$. I didn't have enough money.

Left to go to the konbini. Made eye contact with the guards and explained with a smile that I would be returning, just so they wouldn't be suspicious. Went out, was gone for no longer than 5 minutes, and when I returned the bully guard wouldn't let me in again.

I showed him the documents - explained that I had just come from inside, showed him the receipt that I needed to pay - no go. He kept giving me excuses - "it's after 12", "it's soon soon after I entered previously". Clearly this guy knew it was OK - he just _wanted to make me wait_. The cashier had already explained that they were closing in 30 minutes (12:30, heh), so I told him I could wait until 12:20. He seemed to be OK with that.

At this point I'm just sitting there in front of the anti-terrorism sign, all big, at the front of the street, with 20 minutes to kill, so I think, I'm going take a pic of it to send to my dad, since we're all concerned about the effect that Trump's presidency is having on xenophobia around the world. The police guy starts getting in my face: "Dame, dame". Now look, I have no interest in escalating a conflict with this guy, but up to this point I've been civil with him. I explain to him that I know my rights, and outside the embassy, there is no law against taking pictures of a street sign. "Dame, dame". He's just not letting it go. Meanwhile people are freely streaming into the gap behind him while he's obsessed with me - the guy with a receipt from inside the embassy in my hand, who he just saw leave 5 minutes ago. At this point, I've just had enough of this guy. I call the embassy AGAIN, explain the situation. They tell me to hand the phone to him. Bam, I'm in again.

I know when you're an immigrant you are an unspoken second class, but I expected at least to be treated with some respect at the embassy, and not have to deal with people dodging me at every step, bully guards, and not being able to speak one on one in English with anyone, without having to press the issue to the limit and then have to apologize 3 times, just to be provided with the _services this embassy's duty is to provide to American citizens like myself_.