This article is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails. Read the Japanese original（日本語版を読む）
Even where a visa is not required, immigration inspectors have a duty to check that you do not fall under a ground for denial of entry, so you may be asked questions. It is important to be ready to explain specifically your purpose of entry, period of stay, where you will stay, your financial situation and so on.
A person with a visa-exempt nationality wants to know what may be asked at the Japanese immigration inspection, and how to prepare.
Visa exemption and the immigration inspection have different purposes, and every person entering is checked.
Visa exemption (which falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) is intended to promote friendly relations and exchange between Japan and the country concerned. The immigration inspection (which falls under the Ministry of Justice), by contrast, is carried out for every person entering Japan, in order to check the purpose of entry and the planned stay under Japanese law. Even where a visa is not required, immigration inspectors have a duty to check whether the person falls under a ground for denial of entry set out in the 入管法 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act), and whether the purpose of entry is that of 在留資格「短期滞在」 (Temporary Visitor).
The main topics are the purpose of entry, the period of stay, where you will stay, your financial situation and your past entries.
Vague answers, or giving a purpose that hints at working, may arouse suspicion, so please avoid them.
Preparing your documents in advance, dressing neatly, behaving sincerely, and answering honestly.
Keep your passport, return ticket, information about where you will stay, and proof that you have enough money for your stay together, so that you can show them straight away. Scruffy clothing or an aggressive manner can arouse suspicion, so aim for clean, sensible clothing. Being rude to the immigration inspector, or giving vague answers, can create a poor impression, so aim for a sincere and polite manner. If you cannot catch a question, do not hesitate to ask for it again, and answer honestly, since lies or evasions can be a ground for denial of entry.
If you are refused entry after the inspection, you can ask for an explanation of the reason and will have to follow the instructions given. The final decision on entry, however, rests with the immigration inspector. Grounds for denial of entry include past overstaying or illegal work, a criminal record, suspicion of an infectious disease, and doubt about the purpose of entry.
You may be asked questions. This is because immigration inspectors have a duty to check, for every person entering, whether they fall under a ground for denial of entry.
It may arouse suspicion, so vague answers and giving a purpose that hints at working are said to be best avoided.
You can ask for an explanation of the reason and will have to follow the instructions given, but the final decision on entry rests with the immigration inspector.
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This page is a translation of the Japanese original. Where the two differ, the Japanese version prevails.