Obtaining a Student Visa for studying in Japan with possible criminal record...?

Question

I studied in Sapporo when I was 18 for about a month. On the second to last day I was brought to a police box for shoplifting. In reality, I didn't know you had to pay on every floor of the department store. I had more than enough money on me including credit cards to pay for the goods. I wasn't actually shoplifting nor did I intend to.

The store owner didn't charge me as I was a minor and I didn't know the rules and also invited me back to the department store to buy the goods. The police called my host mother (who laughed about it) and they copied my passport.

They didn't make me leave japan, and I'm pretty sure I don't have a criminal record but I'm not sure. I returned the following year to visit and I said that I hadn't committed a crime on the form while entering Japan. I got through just fine.

But both times didn't require a Visa, and now that I am going to be studying abroad for the full year. The visa form asks if I had committed a crime, what should I say? Do I have one?

Answer 1

If you think it maybe on record you can Request a police record from Sapporo police department. But, if you did not go to court it is not a matter of record. The police here in Japan will take a copy of your passport, but its incase you do something else in 6 months

Answer 2

hmm. this is a tough question. it really all depends on whether they filed it on your permanent record or not. since you were a minor, i'm really not sure. i would go to your immigration lawyer if you have one. if not, i wouldn't write it. it's not something you served time for, and most likely something they won't check. good luck

Answer 3

Hi I think you should be able to go overseas for your studies.  As far as you did not commit a big crime, but such minor mistakes are acceptable at the age of 18.  The law in most of the countries are such that they do take into consideration the age and the circumstances of the person found guilty.  If you are in the teenage then it is understandable by the law.  Everyone during their teenages always makes mistakes and do such stupid things to feel embraced in the future.  I am sure you can go ahead with ur plans of studying overseas.   If you dont have any prints or seal on your passports from the police station then it is fine.    All the best for your future