3 Normal Items That Are Illegal In Japan

Hey Everyone!! [Extended Podcast Episode on this topic coming out TOMORROW on the Tokyo Lens Podcast!] If you have any extras that I didn't cover in here, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Hope you guys enjoyed this one! NOTE: Giveaway coming SOON - Make sure those Notifications are ON!

When I went to tokyo in 2017, I was held back for several minutes by the customs guy past the luggage collection because of the Russian visa on my passport(went there on vacation the year prior). He sternly questioned me my purpose in Japan and reason for going to Russia which really surprised me. I later googled that Japan and Russia are technically still at war as they have no peace treaty, i learned from this that the authorities in Japan are actually pretty rigid

I swear pidgeons are so chill in Tokyo. But weird fact. Crows in Tokyo are pretty vicious but crows in Chiba are actually pretty chill too.

The thing about walkie talkies is that the frequency bands and channels used vary from country to country. So a radio approved for use in one country may be illegal to use in another country. Using a Japanese radio in the USA could get you in trouble with the FCC if you are transmitting on an unauthorized channel.

There are radio available that doesn’t require license to operate in Japan. The thing is, you have to buy it in Japan, with the frequency and power approved by Japanese authority. You cannot bring your own radio from overseas. Actually same rule apply almost everywhere.

Walkie talkies bought in one country are often illegal to use in another country. The frequency band they operate on is chosen in accordance with the local laws, but while the band may be free for public use in one country, does not mean it isn't designated for something else in another. I actually bought a lock picking kit last week. Before I did, I made sure they are actually legal here. Turns out, they are legal to possess without any permit or anything as long as you don't intend to use them for illegal things. (Owning lock picks with the intention to use them for nefarious purposes is itself illegal. Kinda funny) It's an item that I can easily see being outlawed, so really, no surprises there. Motorised skateboards and scooters and whatnot are also illegal here, if they go faster than 6 km/h. Bicycles have a bit of an exemption: If you have to pedal to activate the motor, it may go up to 25 km/h. In any case, going faster than the 6 or 25 km/h is a felony. Not a misdemeanor - a felony. I suspect it's similar in Japan? Don't know the legality of e-bikes there. Also: pocket knives. Pocket knives past a certain length are illegal to carry in Japan. Another thing to watch out for.

So instead of a walkie talkie I have to go old school, 2 cups 1 string?

In Japan, riding a bicycle and having headphones/earbuds and listen on music and stuff like that is illegal and you can end up having to pay a hefty fine.

SUP PIGEON. quality content.

Jet Set Radio makes a lot more sense now.

I toured in Japan with a performing arts cast and one of the biggest things that screwed a lot of the cast members over last minute was finding out about their prescription Adderal being illegal. These young adults have gone years function under the assistance of their adhd medication and had to suddenly go three months without it. Thats not japans fault necessarily, more the fault of them and our tour managers for not properly researching until the very last second.

So basically Card Captor Sakura broke law every day when she roller skated to school? :D

These are good to know! Not something that you would expect when travelling to another country, but its a good reminder to double check before travelling there.

People with rollerskates/blades or skateboards are officially considered pedestrians in my country. But in practice the police won't bother them if they ride in the bike lane. Since they also know that is probably the best place for them. But they tend to be less forgiving with skateboards then with rollerskates/blades.

One of the weirdest things banned in JP is Lamotrigine...a pretty common mood stabilizer/anti-seizure medicine with no potential for abuse and is completely non-addictive...It is not even classed as a controlled substance in any country...I have taken it for years and it's really, really good - but if I wanted to go to Japan I'd have to change meds. So weird.

When you have semester break and totally forget what day it is, just to get reminded it's tuesday by a new video by your favorite Youtuber!

Gotta squeeze this in before work haha! Always a good Tuesday when you upload, Norm! 👍

Ahaha I said “cycler” in my video the other day too😂😅

I had a very memorable encounter with a police officer at Akita railway station when I was not carrying my passport, I left it in my hotel room. Everything is fine until you have one of these encounters. And yes I stayed calm & respectful, receiving that "well in future you need to ALWAYS carry your passport' message before being allowed to continue on.

I like having that little sakura branch in the shot too, and the one to the left