Comments on: Comparing the UK and Japan’s Fingerprinting Plans http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/ Nick Ramsay blogging from Gifu, Japan. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:38:41 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2795 Nick Ramsay Fri, 23 Nov 2007 16:05:09 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2795 Probably, yes. And to think that the money <i>I</i> pay in tax is being used for a system that might one day keep <i>me</i> out of the country! Interestingly, it seems the winning bid to implement the whole system was just 100,000 yen! That's less that $1,000, folks! Details <a href="http://gyaku.jp/en/index.php?cmd=contentview&pid=000188" rel="nofollow">here at gyaku.jp</a> Probably, yes. And to think that the money I pay in tax is being used for a system that might one day keep me out of the country!

Interestingly, it seems the winning bid to implement the whole system was just 100,000 yen! That’s less that $1,000, folks! Details here at gyaku.jp

]]> By: Mike http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2791 Mike Fri, 23 Nov 2007 14:55:45 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2791 I just love the fact that every single act of terrorism carried out in Japan, was committed by a Japanese! It's sad how people are just giving in and becoming afraid of everything... Terrorism could happen but the chances are so low... it's all just blown way out of proportion..I wonder how much it's costing to setup all these programs.... probably astronomical... I just love the fact that every single act of terrorism carried out in Japan, was committed by a Japanese! It’s sad how people are just giving in and becoming afraid of everything… Terrorism could happen but the chances are so low… it’s all just blown way out of proportion..I wonder how much it’s costing to setup all these programs…. probably astronomical…

]]> By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2781 Nick Ramsay Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:56:34 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2781 There's really very little for us long-term foreign residents in Japan to be positive about... :( There’s really very little for us long-term foreign residents in Japan to be positive about… :(

]]> By: Keith http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2777 Keith Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:23:35 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2777 I could not agree more with the above post Nick and did see the article about what happened in the UK!! I'm currently on another issue in regards to bloody "Nenkin" or commonly know as superannuation (Retirement funds). I have been paying into it for around 10 years and have been doing research on what I would likely get back once I turn 65. (Haa anyone that knows me also knows that it is highly unlikely that I will live that long anyway!!) It turns out that the wasteful government will not have the funds to pay people at that time but still we have to pay it!! I have the responsibility to look after my wife and have now realised that all the money I have paid into it has been a bloody waste. For the government to turn around and say this, is truly appalling due to the way they use taxes now. I just saw an article on how the d#ckheads are given 2 billion dollars to help clean up pollution is Asia and would have thought that if they can do that, then they certainly could top up retirement funds!! Japanese business has the thought process that if a company is on the rocks financially, then they must spend money on creating a false image that they are solvent. This according to them is a way to get new business trust from clients who mistakenly think the company is going great and can be trusted. I have seen this first-hand many times and now feel the Japanese goverment is doing the same. They are so God-Dam concerned with their image of being a wealthy nation, that they forget their own people and only worry about what is at hand at the time!! This sounds like Japanese bashing and mmm well it is and I feel I have a certain right considering how much of my own money has gone into their coffers!! (120.000.00 dollars to be exact and not including the ridiculous taxes that i pay as an employer!!) Aaaah I know I sound like a whinger and I'm truly aware of the World's problems but mmmmm I really am sick of dumb arse liars who spread b#llsh#t to their own people!! I do love many aspects of Japan and have wonderful friends here and just wish my voice of concern had the chance to find the right ears!!!!!!!!!!! (Extremely wishful thinking!!) Keith I could not agree more with the above post Nick and did see the article about what happened in the UK!!
I’m currently on another issue in regards to bloody “Nenkin” or commonly know as superannuation (Retirement funds). I have been paying into it for around 10 years and have been doing research on what I would likely get back once I turn 65. (Haa anyone that knows me also knows that it is highly unlikely that I will live that long anyway!!)
It turns out that the wasteful government will not have the funds to pay people at that time but still we have to pay it!! I have the responsibility to look after my wife and have now realised that all the money I have paid into it has been a bloody waste.
For the government to turn around and say this, is truly appalling due to the way they use taxes now. I just saw an article on how the d#ckheads are given 2 billion dollars to help clean up pollution is Asia and would have thought that if they can do that, then they certainly could top up retirement funds!!
Japanese business has the thought process that if a company is on the rocks financially, then they must spend money on creating a false image that they are solvent. This according to them is a way to get new business trust from clients who mistakenly think the company is going great and can be trusted.
I have seen this first-hand many times and now feel the Japanese goverment is doing the same. They are so God-Dam concerned with their image of being a wealthy nation, that they forget their own people and only worry about what is at hand at the time!!
This sounds like Japanese bashing and mmm well it is and I feel I have a certain right considering how much of my own money has gone into their coffers!! (120.000.00 dollars to be exact and not including the ridiculous taxes that i pay as an employer!!)
Aaaah I know I sound like a whinger and I’m truly aware of the World’s problems but mmmmm I really am sick of dumb arse liars who spread b#llsh#t to their own people!!
I do love many aspects of Japan and have wonderful friends here and just wish my voice of concern had the chance to find the right ears!!!!!!!!!!! (Extremely wishful thinking!!)
Keith

]]> By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2775 Nick Ramsay Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:08:19 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2775 Even though most Japanese are oblivious to these new laws, I'm starting to feel unwelcome now. It's also very hard to talk about it with most Japanese people because they haven't been fed the details, and honestly believe it will protect Japan. If you try and convince them otherwise, they just see it as Japan-bashing and probably think you should just "go home" if you don't like it. Very frustrating. Meanwhile, for all we know, we could be denied entry for something as trivial as a parking ticket. Even though most Japanese are oblivious to these new laws, I’m starting to feel unwelcome now. It’s also very hard to talk about it with most Japanese people because they haven’t been fed the details, and honestly believe it will protect Japan. If you try and convince them otherwise, they just see it as Japan-bashing and probably think you should just “go home” if you don’t like it. Very frustrating. Meanwhile, for all we know, we could be denied entry for something as trivial as a parking ticket.

]]> By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2774 Nick Ramsay Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:52:48 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2774 The UK government has just "lost" 25 million child benefit records, confirming suspicions that no government should be trusted. Why would the Japanese government fair any better? We already know how corrupt Japanese politicians and police are - there's a scandal everyday in the news! I wouldn't give a police officer my bank PIN because he'd probably steal my money. In fact, anyone would agree that you shouldn't give out your bank details. Likewise, fingerprinting raises the issue of identity theft, and it would be just as easy for some corrupt politican, immigration officer, or even computer hacker to get their hands on your "identity" at some point during the 70 years your fingerprints will remain on file, that is of course if all the fingerprint records and matching photos aren't "lost" first. The UK government has just “lost” 25 million child benefit records, confirming suspicions that no government should be trusted. Why would the Japanese government fair any better? We already know how corrupt Japanese politicians and police are - there’s a scandal everyday in the news!

I wouldn’t give a police officer my bank PIN because he’d probably steal my money. In fact, anyone would agree that you shouldn’t give out your bank details. Likewise, fingerprinting raises the issue of identity theft, and it would be just as easy for some corrupt politican, immigration officer, or even computer hacker to get their hands on your “identity” at some point during the 70 years your fingerprints will remain on file, that is of course if all the fingerprint records and matching photos aren’t “lost” first.

]]> By: Keith http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2771 Keith Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:04:06 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2771 Thanks mate!! I really feel strongly about this and the thought of sunddenly having to prove I'm not a bloody terrorist in a country that I have lived in for 12 years does make me sick. I understand to a certain extent that security measures need to be in place but the double standards in this country really make me sick to the bloody teeth. I could go on and on but unfortunately, it usually falls on deaf ears and this corrupt government and sickingly foolish so-called politicians need to realise that discrimination to us gaijin will be the death of their country. I once felt part of this country and now can sadly only say that my wife is my country and to hell with those bastards that want to treat us with contempt!!! Keith Thanks mate!!
I really feel strongly about this and the thought of sunddenly having to prove I’m not a bloody terrorist in a country that I have lived in for 12 years does make me sick.
I understand to a certain extent that security measures need to be in place but the double standards in this country really make me sick to the bloody teeth.
I could go on and on but unfortunately, it usually falls on deaf ears and this corrupt government and sickingly foolish so-called politicians need to realise that discrimination to us gaijin will be the death of their country.
I once felt part of this country and now can sadly only say that my wife is my country and to hell with those bastards that want to treat us with contempt!!!
Keith

]]> By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2764 Nick Ramsay Tue, 20 Nov 2007 14:31:21 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2764 This is MY blog, and you're welcome to vent on it, Keith. I'm getting more and more outraged by this blatant act of discrimination by the day....geez.... I must refrain from saying anymore! This is MY blog, and you’re welcome to vent on it, Keith. I’m getting more and more outraged by this blatant act of discrimination by the day….geez…. I must refrain from saying anymore!

]]> By: Keith http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2762 Keith Tue, 20 Nov 2007 07:56:32 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2762 AAAAAAAAAAh I have just spent two hours researching this "Utter B#llsh#t" in regards to finger printing and taking your photograph to ensure you have not suddenly turned to the bloody darkside and become Osama Bin Laden's toy boy, sex friend, or his new extended finger of EVIL!!!! Aaaaah Nick I was so pissed off that I wanted to vent on your site and was blown away that you had an article on it!! To those in favour of finger printing, that is your opinion and I do understand steps need to be taken in regards to the terrrible sleepless nights all Japanese have about the impending arrival of thousands or terrorists!!!! I'm angry because I have constantly seen blatent disregard for the law from the bloody natives here yet us dirty, dangerous and border-line terrorists are the ones to blame for everything wrong with this country!!! Aah Nick if you want to can this post, I fully understand!!! I know there are people in this world way way way way worse off than me and injustices are everywhere but mmmmmm I just want to feel sorry for myself today!! 12 years in this country and I'm still treated like shit by this Government, banks and immigration. I pay more taxes than the average person and employ quite a few Japanese nationals and mmmmm just does seem to be a real smack in the face to me when I suddenly have to be finger-bloody-printed and photo-####ing-graphed!!! Geez they have already done that so many times and mmm if it makes them feel more superior, I guess I have to play along!!! My wife was shocked as were my staff and when I say that regular Japanese people outside of banks and goverment are truly lovely people, I really mean that but, as for those bastards running the country mmmmm another story to be told!!! I am sorry in advance if i have offended anyone!! Keith Did write this in anger!!!! AAAAAAAAAAh I have just spent two hours researching this “Utter B#llsh#t” in regards to finger printing and taking your photograph to ensure you have not suddenly turned to the bloody darkside and become Osama Bin Laden’s toy boy, sex friend, or his new extended finger of EVIL!!!!

Aaaaah Nick I was so pissed off that I wanted to vent on your site and was blown away that you had an article on it!! To those in favour of finger printing, that is your opinion and I do understand steps need to be taken in regards to the terrrible sleepless nights all Japanese have about the impending arrival of thousands or terrorists!!!!

I’m angry because I have constantly seen blatent disregard for the law from the bloody natives here yet us dirty, dangerous and border-line terrorists are the ones to blame for everything wrong with this country!!!

Aah Nick if you want to can this post, I fully understand!!!

I know there are people in this world way way way way worse off than me and injustices are everywhere but mmmmmm I just want to feel sorry for myself today!! 12 years in this country and I’m still treated like shit by this Government, banks and immigration. I pay more taxes than the average person and employ quite a few Japanese nationals and mmmmm just does seem to be a real smack in the face to me when I suddenly have to be finger-bloody-printed and photo-####ing-graphed!!!

Geez they have already done that so many times and mmm if it makes them feel more superior, I guess I have to play along!!! My wife was shocked as were my staff and when I say that regular Japanese people outside of banks and goverment are truly lovely people, I really mean that but, as for those bastards running the country mmmmm another story to be told!!!

I am sorry in advance if i have offended anyone!!

Keith
Did write this in anger!!!!

]]> By: Nick Ramsay http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2751 Nick Ramsay Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:56:28 +0000 http://www.longcountdown.com/2007/11/16/comparing-the-uk-and-japans-fingerprinting-plans/#comment-2751 Thanks for the information. From your second link: <blockquote> The timetable 2007 Biometric visas issued at 150 posts abroad; new passport readers at key airports; tenders invited for first phase of ID databases. 2008 Fingerprints and photos taken of all foreign nationals applying for visas: compulsory biometric ID cards for foreign nationals living, working or studying in the UK. 2009 Fingerprinting for ID cards starts and first Icards issued to British citizens; electronic background checks on 120m passengers (60%) before they travel to Britain; UK employers start online identity checks of foreign staff. 2010 Electronic background checks on 190 million travellers (95%) coming to Britain. 2011? Parliament votes on making ID cards compulsory for all British residents plus all foreign nationals living in Britain. </blockquote> So it seems fingerprinting is inevitable, regardless of public opinion. There is a huge difference here, though. The UK government is planning to fingerprint <b>all</b> its citizens. I wonder how many years will pass before all Japanese citizens are fingerprinted? Hmm... I wonder. Thanks for the information. From your second link:

The timetable

2007 Biometric visas issued at 150 posts abroad; new passport readers at key airports; tenders invited for first phase of ID databases.

2008 Fingerprints and photos taken of all foreign nationals applying for visas: compulsory biometric ID cards for foreign nationals living, working or studying in the UK.

2009 Fingerprinting for ID cards starts and first Icards issued to British citizens; electronic background checks on 120m passengers (60%) before they travel to Britain; UK employers start online identity checks of foreign staff.

2010 Electronic background checks on 190 million travellers (95%) coming to Britain.

2011? Parliament votes on making ID cards compulsory for all British residents plus all foreign nationals living in Britain.

So it seems fingerprinting is inevitable, regardless of public opinion. There is a huge difference here, though. The UK government is planning to fingerprint all its citizens. I wonder how many years will pass before all Japanese citizens are fingerprinted? Hmm… I wonder.

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