Lawsuit Filed Against Japanese Police Over Alleged Racial Profiling, First Of Its Kind
Three foreign-born residents of Japan have filed a historic lawsuit against the national and local governments over claims that they have been subjected to illegal questioning by police based on racial profiling. This marks the first such legal action in Japan and highlights the challenges faced by the growing number of foreign workers in the country.
The plaintiffs, who emphasise the distress caused by repeated police questioning solely based on their appearance and ethnicity, demand recognition from the national, Tokyo Metropolitan, and Aichi Prefecture governments that such practices are unconstitutional.
The lawsuit, filed in the Tokyo District Court, seeks to address the broader issue of racial profiling, demanding 3 million yen (about $20,250) in damages for each plaintiff. Matthew, a man of Indian descent and a permanent resident of Japan for over 20 years, expressed his fear of leaving his house due to frequent police stops, stating, "I never knew what social withdrawal was until recently." Syed Zain, a Japanese citizen of Pakistani descent, hopes the case will bring positive change to a society experiencing an increase in its foreign-born population. Another plaintiff, Maurice, an American, emphasises raising awareness among Japanese people about the everyday nature of such incidents, stating, "I want them to understand that this is an everyday occurrence, and we have to do something to prevent that."
As the number of non-Japanese residents reaches a record high, surpassing 3 million, the lawsuit reflects the pressing need to address racial profiling issues. The complaint argues that racial profiling violates the Japanese constitution, which guarantees equality under the law and prohibits discrimination based on race. With hearings expected to last about a year, this case sheds light on a critical aspect of Japan's societal challenges amidst efforts to increase diversity in the country.
