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I think it is you that does not understand the law or the police in this country. Not paying his bill at the restaurant is a crime. Is it so hard to believe that the owners sympathize with what happened to him, and are being nice and giving him a chance to pay back the bill. If they have information about him, and he chooses to skip out on the rest of the bill they very well could call the police, and then he most definitely would be up shit creek without a paddle.
How can you even think you are giving good advice to him? You are telling him to act like an ass to the people (owners) who where nice to him and try to skip out on payment (ie break the law), and test their patience to see whether or not they decide to involve the police, and if they do, essentially screw him pretty good in the process. I have lived in Japan for 6 years, I respect people, the law and their customs. And surprise! I have never had any trouble. I don't know how long you have been here or how you choose to live, but if you were to start taking your own advice on such matters I would imagine you would not be living here for much longer.
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Well rick you have not had to deal with the police over here I guess. If you had then you would know they are actually a nice bunch of guys; a great deal better then most western militia.
They are quite understanding to gaijin in the circumstance that the gaijin is a victim and that the said gaijin is respectful of the police. You would also be aware that many can speak good English but due to legal issues your explanation counts for shit to the nice English speaking officer's superior, who 9/10 does not speak English.
It should be noted by any gaijin reading this, that when you are presented to the top guy, the station boss or in my cases the regional boss; you would be wise to bow and stay that way, while you explain yourself, saying "sumimasen" at the beggining, middle and end of every sentance.
Never sign anything, never speak to the interpreter. and if it is a minor offence then you will be out by the morning with a lift home in a nice police toyota.
It is often to much trouble for them to give you grief on a minor offence, this is compounded when you ask to speak with your embassy. Please note that if you are red handed guilty of a minor offence it can still be hard for them to do anything if you do not sign anything nor speak to a translator.
I have been in trouble a few times. Once for picking up bikes that had fallen over in strong wind. I was accused with trying to steal the bikes. Secondly for beating the crap out of a guy assulting a woman, she at least had the balls to put in a word for me. And thirdly for driving 120 in a 100 zone for which I was told off and sent on my way.
I also teach English to a few groups of police officers who are some of the most funny and sweet guys you will ever meet; and while I listed some of my bad side experiences here I have many a good experience to tell too.
Like when I found and handed in a wallet with over 150 Y10,000 in it. A week later the owner actually gave me 10 Y10,000 by coming to my house with the police, food and drink; and spending over an hour with me and the police enjoying some quality food and sake and offering his thanks. The police did not drink the sake but dug into the food some.
So to our friend the OP I will still bank on my hunch that this will never go any futher. The police if contacted by the resturant will suggest in a most polite way that it would be silly to persue this matter.