Security/Customs in Japan?
Oct 31, 2014 | 2:08 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,773
When I went to Japan, the immigration guy didn't speak English (and seemed embarrassed that, there he was, a Japanese person in Japan, and he didn't even speak English!). But we were able to communicate that he wanted to know how long I intended to stay. I told him, he put a sticker in my passport, and I was done.
Oct 31, 2014 | 4:41 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 18,101
It's been several years since I've been in Japan but in my three trips there over the years I've never had the slightest trouble with their officials. The lack of language is normally not an issue at border controls--I've been in a lot of places where I don't speak the language, that's never proved problematic.
Nov 3, 2014 | 7:40 pm
#18
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,749
You can get by with only English for most purposes in every major international airport in the world. As a general rule, people who speak no English at all are not hired to work at international airports as check in staff, security screeners, customs agents, flight attendants, waiters, etc.
Nov 9, 2014 | 4:34 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,722
You can get by with only English for most purposes in every major international airport in the world. As a general rule, people who speak no English at all are not hired to work at international airports as check in staff, security screeners, customs agents, flight attendants, waiters, etc.
Earlier this year while going through Customs at HND, the officer did not speak English very well, but she managed to communicate. She brought out some laminated sheets ask asked me if I had anything indicated on the sheets.
Nov 10, 2014 | 2:54 am
#20
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 536
When I entered Japan in Hakata port, the immigration officer at passport check clearly didn't speak any English. He directed me by hand signals to use the fingerprint machine and look at the camera as they fingerprint and photograph visitors. Then he just put normal 90 day landing permission sticker into my passport. As I proceeded to customs counter I could see in the corner of my eye same guy making hand gestures and pointing at me. At the counter I was greeted by two officers who spoke excellent English and they asked me couple of pretty standard questions about purpose of trip, where I am going to stay, and about my onward ticket from Japan. I guess they could have still refused entry if necessary.