The Dark side of Japan Tourism.

[OATEK]

He was detained!

I think Tiki meant that the very reason you would want legal cover is when you were detained or accused of something. You wouldn't need it if things going well.

But as Linda2475 said, Legal cover could be needed when you are a victim, so perhaps that is the focus of most TI, and not when you are the accused.

 

[Pushka]

I think Tiki meant that the very reason you would want legal cover is when you were detained or accused of something. You wouldn't need it if things going well.

But as Linda2475 said, Legal cover could be needed when you are a victim, so perhaps that is the focus of most TI, and not when you are the accused.

Sure. So a general question not relating to this issue. But yes, I can see many reasons why.

 

[Tiki]

I think Tiki meant that the very reason you would want legal cover is when you were detained or accused of something. You wouldn't need it if things going well.

But as Linda2475 said, Legal cover could be needed when you are a victim, so perhaps that is the focus of most TI, and not when you are the accused.

Yes I was wondering why legal cover was part of insurance policies, OATEK wrote it better than I did. If I were a victim, still my first thought would be to get the hell out of there as long as I wasn’t being forced to stay. But I can’t afford AUD $25k to defend myself from an unlucky accident. So I would want insurance for that. Innocent people can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and get accused of something they didn’t do.

 

[Brissy1]

Pity couldn't have settled with the guy at the 1st instance...buy him a new motorbike, or 3. Cost effective.

 

[Quickstatus]

exclusions such as if you are detained or broken a countries law.

My annual Ti does not mention anything about exclusions due to detention.

There are exclusions if the conduct is intentional, deliberate or reckless

 

[Quickstatus]

Pity couldn't have settled with the guy at the 1st instance.

Hindsight is always 20/20

There would be:
1) language issue
2) I suspect the police arrived pronto
3) why would you when you think the Scooter guy was at fault
4) you didnt know that it would turn out the way it did.
5) Everyone in shock

 

[Pushka]

Hindsight is always 20/20

There would be:
1) language issue
2) I suspect the police arrived pronto
3) why would you when you think the Ecooter guy was at fault
4) you didnt know that it would turn out the way it did.
5) Everyone in shock

And who knew it would come to four nights rigorous detention.

 

[Quickstatus]

Legal liability arising from the operation of a motorised vehicle

That means that there no third party cover?
At least in Australia there is compulsory third part cover attached to the car registration. Not sure about other countries...

 

[Brissy1]

Hindsight is always 20/20

There would be:
1) language issue
2) I suspect the police arrived pronto
3) why would you when you think the Scooter guy was at fault
4) you didnt know that it would turn out the way it did.
5) Everyone in shock

Of course hypothetical, who'd ever imagine one would end up in a gaol.
Wasn't trying to be hindsight smart just reinforcing (to myself as much as anyone) that if I'm in a situation, even a seemingly large (unfair) $ to buy your way out can avoid incarceration et al (and even in a previously presumed civilised country).

 

[sjk]

Did you say the lawyers were just over $23,000?

The price of special treatment.

I’m presuming an emphasis was put on speed, very understandable given +1’s situation.

The outcome would probably have been the same without the double-lawyer intervention, it might just have taken a little longer.

A mention was made of Japanese documents being “thrust” before the perp, that is what you’re going to get first up if timeliness is a priority.

Access to translators and interpreters does not get denied and was not here. But is not instant, and English is not the first language on the list.

Given the standards of Australian media I’m sure this could be made into something that would get decent airtime, edify no one, give Japan dislikers and haters another reason to say told you so, and perhaps make some people in Hokkaido a little happier by keeping a few Australians away.

A human rights case would get nowhere.

 

[downgraded]

That means that there no third party cover?
At least in Australia there is compulsory third part cover attached to the car registration. Not sure about other countries...

It's not typical. But that's why not being insured is then also an offence in some countries (eg UK).

 

[TouchYourFace]

special treatment

Bluntly worded, but put it to the pub test in Japan and then yes, that’s how it will be seen.

How *should* it have been treated ideally while sticking to local law?

I personally wouldn’t listen very hard if some random Japanese (or whichever nationality) person told me how they thought things should be done in my country, city or village, and I wouldn’t expect anything different in the opposite direction. No hard feelings, though, that’s just the way people are, no matter how well travelled.

 

[Quickstatus]

seemingly large (unfair) $ to buy your way out can avoid incarceratio

I just don't see how you could, as the law became involved. Even if you could effect the monetary exchange, the fellow was injured and the scooter was under the front of the car.

 

[n7of9]

The price of special treatment.

I'm finding your defence of how the Rons were treated distasteful. Perhaps there's a place other than in this Trip Report where you can exalt the Japanese justice system.

 

[justinbrett]

Pity couldn't have settled with the guy at the 1st instance...buy him a new motorbike, or 3. Cost effective.

Terrible advice, as you could well be breaking other laws.

It would be an offence to do this in Australia. You must call police and wait if somebody is injured.

Nothing stopping police arresting you later even if you do settle.

 

[sjk]

I'm finding your defence of how the Rons were treated distasteful. Perhaps there's a place other than in this Trip Report where you can exalt the Japanese justice system.

How about you not completely mischaracterize my position.

There's a difference between describing how the Japanese justice system actually is and waxing lyrical about how it should be an ideal world.

Which would be more useful when actually needing to deal with the Japanese justice system? And which is more relevant to people contemplating travel to Japan or at least driving in Japan?

I have no problem at all with people viewing the OP's experience as a reason not to travel to Japan.

 

[love_the_life]

Drron, a sobering tale and something we often don't think about if driving in other countries. The title is very apt - it is a side of being a tourist that we (well me to be honest as I can't speak for others) are not aware of. Regardless of what the law is, the whole experience would have been distressing at the very least. It makes no difference if Japanese would be treated similarly (and there are views on that expressed by others here), the issue was your experience and it should stand as a warning to others.

PS hope the butcher birds return.

 

[prozac]

I have not been able to read the entire thread but this is a horror show. So sorry for @drron and @mrs.dr.ron .
How about we all agree to boycott Japan. Throw the combined weight of international travel experts behind a campaign.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have not been able to read the entire thread but this is a horror show. So sorry for @drron and @mrs.dr.ron .
How about we all agree to boycott Japan. Throw the combined weight of international travel experts behind a campaign.

This response is now bordering on the absurd. A terrible experience for a 77 yo who has a car accident but prospective is required.

 

[prozac]

This response is now bordering on the absurd. A terrible experience for a 77 yo who has a car accident but prospective is required.

Maybe but go for the embarrassment aspect. No traveler should be subjected to this sort of treatment when they haven't actually willfully murdered someone. It is like a Kafka novel.