Three residents of Japan with overseas ancestry, including an American, have filed a civil lawsuit accusing Japanese police of racial profiling. The plaintiffs claim they have been stopped and questioned without good reason, leading to feelings of discrimination and violation of their human rights. Despite Japan lacking anti-discrimination laws or guidelines aimed at preventing racial profiling, the government and police deny these accusations and argue that they are simply doing their jobs. The plaintiffs are seeking 3 million yen in punitive damages per plaintiff, as well as attorneys’ fees, as compensation for their treatment.
The case has drawn widespread support and attention in Japan, a nation known for friendly “community policing” and a relatively low crime rate. As the country experiences an influx of people from abroad, the issue of racial profiling is becoming more prominent. The number of non-citizens living in Japan has reached a record high, with more than 3.2 million people. The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Motoki Taniguchi, alleges that police often stop or question individuals based on race, skin color, or ethnic origin rather than objective evidence. A recent survey found that 62.9% of respondents of foreign ancestry had been questioned by police in the previous five years.
One of the plaintiffs, Syed Zain, a Japanese citizen of Pakistani descent, shared his experiences of being treated like a criminal despite living in Japan for two decades, attending Japanese schools, and being fluent in the language. He expressed his desire to be recognized as a Japanese person and to contribute to making Japan a better place. Another plaintiff, Maurice Shelton, an American resident in Japan, described being stopped by police about 17 times despite his permanent resident status and Japanese family. He believes in the potential of Japanese society to address these issues and rise to the occasion. The lawsuit seeks to challenge the practice of racial profiling and promote equal treatment for all residents, regardless of their background.
The lawsuit brings attention to the issue of racial profiling in Japan and challenges the government and police to address allegations of discrimination. Despite the lack of specific laws or guidelines targeting racial profiling, the plaintiffs are determined to seek justice and raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with overseas ancestry living in Japan. The case has the potential to set a precedent and influence future policies and practices related to law enforcement and treatment of residents from diverse backgrounds. As the trial continues, it will be important to watch how the court considers the evidence and arguments presented by both sides before reaching a verdict on the matter.
