Instapundit – Author Carlo Carrasco

Two Foreigners Arrested over Tokyo Luxury Watch Theft

August 30, 2026August 28, 2026carlocarrasco

Recently in Japan, police officers arrested two men from the nation of Chile over the theft of four luxury wristwatches from a store in Tokyo, according to a news report by NHK World. One of the suspects admitted that he and his partner planned to sell the stolen watches and bring the money back with them to Chile.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of NHK World. Some parts in boldface…

Japanese police have arrested two Chilean men on suspicion of stealing four luxury wristwatches from a shop in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward earlier this week. The stolen items are worth about 200 million yen, or roughly 1.25 million dollars.

Police arrested the men after they were found at a private lodging facility in the western city of Osaka on Thursday. The suspects are 23 and 33 years old, respectively.

Police say investigators found a watch of the same brand as one of the stolen items in the men’s belongings.

Police quote the 23-year-old suspect as saying the two stole only one watch. They also say the 33-year-old suspect admitted to the allegations, and told investigators that the pair planned to sell the watches and take the money back to their home country.

Police say they are investigating where the suspects traveled to after they arrived in Japan on August 21, and what led them to commit the crime.

The theft occurred at a watch retailer in the Nakano Broadway commercial facility on Tuesday. A display case was broken with a hammer. Two perpetrators were in the shop for only around 10 seconds before fleeing the scene.

For additional insight, watch the related Nippon TV news video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the two Chilean suspects are guilty of the crime beyond reasonable doubt? Do you think the investigators will be able to find more details behind the theft and how the suspects traveled all the way to Osaka after committing the theft in Tokyo? If you were in Japan during the past few years, have you ever witnessed foreigners committing violence or theft there?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

US Visa of Biden-awarded Iraqi National Revoked

August 30, 2026August 29, 2026carlocarrasco

The United States officially revoked the US visa of Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi, the Iraqi national who was awarded by the failed Biden Administration in 2022, according to US State Department citing her placement on the Terror Watchlist of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

In a New York Post report, Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi’s alleged links to the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran and Iran-backed militias in Iraq drew headlines. She was also the target of two Republicans in the US House of Representatives accused of being the “key enabler of terrorist funding in Iraq.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire statement of the US State Department. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Department of State has revoked the visa of an Iraqi national who was presented an award by the Biden Administration for her purported role in fighting corruption and her advocacy for “gender equity.”

Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi was given the International Woman of Courage Award in 2022 by former Secretary of State (Antony Blinken) and former First Lady Jill Biden.

The award recognized “women from around the globe who have demonstrated exceptional courage, strength, and leadership in advocating for peace, justice, human rights, gender equity and equality, and the empowerment of women and girls, in all their diversity.”

This Iraqi national’s visa has now been revoked by the State Department following her placement on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terror Watchlist. She is no longer present in the United States.

Under President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, suspected terrorists will never be allowed to remain in the United States.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi was Iraq’s Finance Minister from 2022 to 2026? Do you suspect Taif Sami Mohammed Al Shakarchi may have been involved in financing connected with Islamic terrorists? Should all her communications and interactions with the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran be investigated?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

South Korean Man Who Overstayed in Japan for Decades Apprehended

August 29, 2026August 28, 2026carlocarrasco

As Japan is in the middle of reforming its immigration system and the permanent residency requirements for foreigners, a 72-year-old man from South Korea was arrested by the local authorities for overstaying in the country for a few decades already, according to a VnExpress news report. The suspect admitted he overstayed and supported himself with different jobs locally and how exactly he entered Japan will surprise you.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of VnExpress. Some parts in boldface…

A 72-year-old South Korean man has been arrested in Japan for allegedly overstaying his tourist visa for more than 26 years, police said.

Shizuoka Prefectural Police announced on Aug. 26 that the man had entered Japan illegally and continued to live in Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Police said they received a tip about the man in June and subsequently arrested him.

He originally entered Japan in September 1993 on a 15-day tourist visa, using his brother’s passport because he hoped to find better-paid work in the country, as reported by ANNnewsCH.

The man is believed to have remained in Japan since his arrival 26 years ago.

Because visa overstaying was not a criminal offense in Japan until February 2000, when a revised immigration law took effect, police arrested him on suspicion of overstaying from that point onward, according to the Japan Times.

The suspect has admitted to the allegation, telling investigators that he supported himself by working various day jobs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the person who informed the local police about the overstaying foreigner should be rewarded? Does this news make you feel concerned about the potential presence of illegal aliens in your local community? Do you think Japan has what it takes to find all of the overstaying foreigners, apprehend them and eventually deport them? If ever the suspect gets deported, do you think he could adjust to life in his native South Korea?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Higher Residence Permit Procedure Fees for Foreigners in Japan Will Take Effect on October 1

August 26, 2026August 26, 2026carlocarrasco

Starting October 1, the fees for residence permit procedures for foreigners in Japan will be hiked officially as a result of the approval by the Cabinet yesterday, according to an NHK World news article. This new development is part of the revision of the immigration control act of Japan and was set in motion over a month ago.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article NHK World. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s government has decided on a series of fee increases for residence permit procedures for foreign nationals.

The move was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and will go into effect on October 1 in line with a revision to the immigration control act.

The fee to obtain a permanent residence permit will be raised from the current 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars, to 200,000 yen, or more than 1,250 dollars. The procedure can be carried out only in person.

The current fee when renewing or changing residence status is set at 6,000 yen, or about 38 dollars, at an official counter and 5,500 yen, or about 35 dollars, online.

For a stay of up to three months, the charge at both counters and online will be raised to 10,000 yen, or about 63 dollars.

For a one-year stay, the fee will be raised to 33,000 yen, or over 205 dollars, at a counter, and 27,000 yen, or about 170 dollars, online.

The fee for a stay of five years or longer will be raised to 75,000 yen, or about 470 dollars, at a counter, and 65,000 yen, or more than 400 dollars, online.

The government says it will reduce the fees for applicants facing financial difficulties, including those designated as refugees.

Justice Minister Hiraguchi Hiroshi told reporters that the fee hikes are necessary to ensure that the policy is implemented to promote an orderly society coexisting with foreign nationals.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you convinced that there will be no stopping the hike of the mentioned fees from taking effect on October 1? Do you think the increased fees are insufficient from a financial viewpoint? Do you think this latest immigration control move by the current government can effectively alter the direction of permanent residency in Japan? Do you think people from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey and other Muslim-majority nations will be discouraged from going to Japan for work and residency?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Availability of Cashless Payment Services for Children in Japan Grows

August 25, 2026August 21, 2026carlocarrasco

The number of cashless payment services for children in Japan is growing and already parents have the means to check their kids’ spending history and balances using digital means, according to a news article by Jiji Press.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Cashless payment services for children are increasingly available in Japan, allowing parents to check their children’s balances and spending history through an app to prevent excessive spending.

They are also attracting attention as a financial education tool that helps children learn how to manage their allowances and spend money systematically as Japan becomes increasingly cashless.

In July, Seven Bank began offering a prepaid card and a dedicated app for children aged 6 or older. Parents can load their children’s allowance onto the card via the app and review their spending history.

Notifications are sent whenever the card is used. The app has a feature to send money to children as a reward for achieving goals, such as completing chores.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What is your opinion about having more cashless payment services for children? Do you think the said services will help them become more financially literate and also more disciplined on handling their money?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Russia Conducts Missile Test Off Japan-claimed Islands

August 22, 2026August 21, 2026carlocarrasco

It is clear that Russia is the newest regional problem for Japan. Not only have their ties been strained since 2022, tension intensified as Russia conducted a missile test off the group of islands claimed by Japan, according to a news report by Kyodo News. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Etorofu Island (referred by the Russians as Iturup) which drew backlash from the Japanese.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Russia’s Pacific Fleet said Thursday it has conducted a missile test off a group of Russian-held, Japanese-claimed islands amid an intensifying row over the disputed territory following President Vladimir Putin’s first-ever visit there last week.

While it was unclear exactly when the test was carried out, the announcement comes after the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Japanese Ambassador to Russia Akira Muto over Japan’s protest against Putin’s trip to the area.

Putin visited Etorofu Island, the largest of the four islands collectively called the Northern Territories by Japan and the Southern Kurils by Russia, on Aug. 13.

The naval fleet said a unit equipped with the Bastion surface-to-ship missile system conducted the test. The system is deployed to Etorofu.

The guided missile cruiser Varyag, the flagship of the Pacific Fleet, also took part in the missile test along with the Omsk nuclear-powered submarine, the fleet said.

The test simulated an attack on enemy vessels and succeeded in hitting all the intended targets at a range of at least 300 kilometers, according to the fleet.

“We cannot tolerate moves (by Russia) to strengthen military power on the four northern islands because they go against our country’s stance (on the territories),” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told reporters Thursday during his visit to Oman.

A senior ministry official revealed Friday that Japan had lodged a protest with Russia shortly after Moscow notified Tokyo that it would conduct the missile exercise during the week beginning last Sunday.

Japan says the islands, which also include Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, were illegally seized by the Soviet Union soon after Japan’s surrender in World War II on Aug. 15, 1945. Russia claims the action was legitimate, saying the islands became part of its territory as a result of the war.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think Russia’s military activity in the Pacific is the first sign of more disturbances that will affect Japan and possibly the rest of Asia? Do you anticipate China or North Korea will get involved in the Russia-Japan conflict at sea? Do you think the tension with Russia will negatively impact the economy of Japan?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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America Sanctions ICC President and Trial Lawyer

August 20, 2026August 20, 2026carlocarrasco

Following the start of the campaign to dismantle the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) threat to national sovereignty, the United States Department of State announced it has sanctioned two ICC officials namely their president Tomoko Akane of Japan and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal. Already the Prime Minister of Japan described the sanctions on the ICC president as “very unfortunate.”

To put things in perspective, posted below is the entire statement of the US State Department by Secretary Marco Rubio. Some parts in boldface…

The Trump Administration has been clear: the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a corrupt and fatally politicized supranational court that has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate. We will not tolerate its assault on state sovereignty.

In furtherance of the diplomatic campaign we launched last month to address the ICC’s abuses of power, I am designating two ICC officials – President of the ICC, Tomoko Akane of Japan, and ICC Senior Trial Lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal – pursuant to Executive Order 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court.” These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction.

The ICC has repeatedly attempted to assert authority over nationals of the United States and other countries that have not consented to its jurisdiction or ratified the Rome Statute. This sets a dangerous precedent for all nations.

Our whole of government campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty will be sweeping and we expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court. The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end. The Trump Administration stands ready to take additional measures, if necessary, to systematically dismantle the ICC until it is incapable of threatening American sovereignty.

Japan’s reaction – Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae described the sanctions against ICC president Akane as “very unfortunate.” She told reporters that her government will deal with the situation by “continuing communication with relevant nations including the United States.” Japan is known to have supported the ICC for many years already.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you support the US sanctions against the two ICC officials? Do you think other nations that are in conflict with the ICC’s encroachment and abuse of power will support rally behind the United States and support sanctioning of officials? If you live in a nation which has a working justice system, are convinced that the ICC is unnecessary?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @CarloCarrascoPH as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Japan Eyes Measure Against Russia Over Putin’s Visit to Etorofu Island

August 15, 2026August 21, 2026carlocarrasco

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Etorofu Island, Japan is considering a measure against Russia in response, according to a news report by Kyodo News. The Japanese have protested against the visit and tension with Russia is heating up.

Etorofu Island is located off Hokkaido and Japan has claimed it even though Russia has control of it. Historically, Russia – then the Soviet Union – seized Etorofu after Japan surrendered way back in World War II. The Russians call the island Iturup.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Kyodo News. Some parts in boldface…

Japan is considering taking some measure against Russia, following President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Etorofu Island, a senior Foreign Ministry official said Friday.

Putin made his first trip to the Russian-controlled, Japanese-claimed island chain off Hokkaido as president or prime minister Thursday, drawing a backlash from Tokyo, which called it “totally unacceptable.”

“We are considering what step to take going forward,” the official told reporters. An additional sanction is believed to be under consideration.

The islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and by Russia as the Southern Kurils, have long been at the center of a territorial row between the countries. The visit came as ties between Japan and Russia remain strained amid Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Japan maintains that the island chain, consisting of Etorofu, Kunashiri, Shikotan and the Habomai islet group, was illegally seized by the Soviet Union soon after Japan’s surrender in World War II. Russia argues the seizure was legitimate.

On Thursday, the Japanese government summoned Nikolay Nozdrev, Russia’s ambassador in Tokyo, and lodged a strong protest over Putin’s visit, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japanese territory “both historically and under international law.”

According to the Russian government, Putin visited a fish-processing plant, a hospital and a school and met with local residents.

The territorial dispute has meant the two countries have never signed a peace treaty after World War II.

Under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi’s political mentor, Japan pursued closer ties with Russia in the hope of resolving the Northern Territories dispute. Abe met Putin 27 times during his tenure ending in 2020.

In 2018, the two agreed to accelerate peace treaty talks based on a 1956 joint declaration between Japan and the Soviet Union that called for the handover of two smaller islands — Shikotan and the Habomai islet group — after a peace treaty was signed.

The talks were suspended after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Prospects for resuming negotiations remain dim as ties have deteriorated following Japan’s participation in U.S.-led sanctions against Moscow.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the diplomatic relationship between Russia and Japan will remain strained for the foreseeable future? Do you consider Russia’s seizure of Etorofu Island illegal?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Law to Punish Japanese Flag Desecration Takes Effect

August 14, 2026August 13, 2026carlocarrasco

If you are caught desecrating the national flag there in Japan, you will eventually get arrested and get punished by means of imprisonment and penalty fees as a new law took effect, according to a news article by Jiji Press. About a month ago, the law to punish the desecration of Japan’s flag was enacted by the nation’s Parliament and was a legislative victory for the administration of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, their partner Japan Innovation Party and even some opposition members.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

A law to criminalize acts of damaging Japan’s national flag came into effect Thursday, amid unresolved concerns about its impact on expressive activities following criticisms that the scope of punishable acts is unclear.

Under the Japanese law, those who publicly damage, remove or deface the national flag in a way that causes people to feel extremely uncomfortable or disgusted could face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Livestreams of such acts are subject to punishment, while archive broadcasts are not.

The law seeks to protect tangible objects used as a national flag. Creative works, such as anime and images produced with generative artificial intelligence, as well as flag-shaped decorations on children’s meals and flag-inspired patterns on clothes are excluded from the scope of the law.

The legislation stipulates that whether an act is punishable is determined through a comprehensive assessment of the objective circumstances, including the external form of the act and the surrounding situation, while giving consideration to the freedom of expression and belief.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you aware that previously Japan had laws protecting international flags but none for the Japanese flag? What comes to your mind when you see Islamists and Leftists who damage or even burn the Japanese flag publicly? If you are residing in Japan right now, would you be willing to report the acts of flag desecration to the local authorities immediately?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Data on Foreigners Facing Deportation in Japan Shared By Immigration Agency With Local Governments

August 12, 2026August 11, 2026carlocarrasco

To ensure better coordination and more efficient action on immigration matters, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has formally started the process of sharing personal data on foreign nationals facing deportation with the local governments, according to a news article by Jiji Press. The agency plans to provide monthly updates on such foreigners’ relocations or returns to their home countries.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Jiji Press. Some parts in boldface…

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has started sharing personal information on foreign nationals subject to deportation proceedings with local governments, as part of a review of policies concerning foreigners pursued by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Previously, such information was shared only when there was consent from affected individuals, sometimes leaving local governments unable to grasp the whereabouts of foreigners subject to deportation proceedings.

The latest move is aimed at promoting appropriate responses through cooperation between the central and local governments.

In July, the agency informed local governments of the number, names, addresses, nationalities and dates of birth of foreign nationals who were subject to deportation proceedings and living outside immigration facilities as of the end of June.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the immigration services agency of Japan is doing the right thing by sharing with local governments personal information of foreigners who are facing deportation? Do you think this new strategy will improve the search for and deportation of foreigners who are staying in Japan illegally? What do you think local governments can do when it comes to illegal aliens/immigrants living within their jurisdiction? Do you think other nations should follow Japan’s examples?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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