It sounds like something has changed.

Until this month, I had only been asked for that once. It was maybe 20 years ago and it was from a very rude agent on a Spanish carrier when I was transiting from a code share. I refused and had to deal with her manager. I made an issue of it because she was obnoxious about it. Needless to say, once her supervisor was involved it quickly became a non-issue and I continued on my way with no problem.

But this just happened again this month when I was rushing for my return flight to Tokyo. I have been flying Japanese carriers for almost 40 years and interestingly enough I have NEVER had a JAPANESE agent ask me. It was the foreign staff. I refused again and after a brief terse conversation was sent on my way.

Now, everyone is correct in that the carrier has a liability if an immigration agent refuses entry to a passenger and an agent can reasonably ask for proof of a return flight and/or check your passport...but in both my cases they asked to see my residence card which they can not ask for...even under Japanese law. This is why I refused in both cases. It is also worth noting that if one wants to push the issue the requirement for Japan is proof of return or continuing flight OR financial resources to do so.

I actually wrote ANA about it when I got back so I will get back to everyone with their reply but my complaint was specifically addressing how the agent asked for my residence card...and was rude. I also cited the Japanese law that prohibits them from doing so.

In both cases I wasn't trying to be the "jerk passenger". It was just that both agents were quite rude about it so decided to press them on the issue.