Interpretation of the Law 9: Free
Ignorance is bliss-until reality hits. I dodge a judicial bullet but only by 6 centimeters. If I was alone in Japan, I’d be in jail. If I was carrying the knife for recreational purposes, I’d be in jail. If there were no photos showing proof of my work, I’d be in jail. All these thoughts flood my mind as I ride a taxi back to the office.
Interpretation of the Law 8: Social Media
The mood shifts with the arrival of her superiors. My friend’s blue scarf-now wrapped around the infamous multitool-is placed on the table as the sergeant recites the strict rules about knives. As I sign forms and give my fingerprints, I find myself cornered into signing a document stating I gave them permission to search me. Just when I think it’s over, they start asking about my social media presence.
Interpretation of the Law 7: Flirting with the Law
Her mask can’t hide the blush spreading across her cheeks, and her eyes sparkle with the brilliance of a summer fireworks night, her smile slipping through before she looks away, caught between heart and duty. But duty quickly takes over when our moment is interrupted.
Interpretation of the Law 6: A Beautiful Cop
Our laughter draws uneasy glances from the silent guard, his presence a constant reminder of where I am and what’s at stake. Yet beneath the small talk and the scribbles on my hand, something unspoken lingers-a sense that this encounter is more than mere bureaucratic formality. It feels as if fate led me here for reasons neither of us can yet name. As distant voices echo outside the door, I can’t help but wonder what will happen next-and whether this unexpected connection is just the beginning.
Interpretation of the Law 5: Photoshoot
I’m firmly denied any contact with the outside world-no calls, no texts. Though I know help is on its way, I have no idea when it will arrive as I wait inside this interrogation room. The interrogator has me stand for a series of mugshots and photos, each one adding to the growing file on my predicament. Only a mix of ignorance and grace keeps me calm under pressure.
Interpretation of the Law 4: Interrogation
The interrogator begins with questions I’ve already answered, pressing for specific details about why I carry a multitool and how I used it that day. With my limited Japanese, I rely on a young cadet to translate, aware that any inconsistency could deepen their suspicion. Sensing the adversarial tone, I try to shift the dynamic, steering the conversation toward something less hostile and more human-even a touch romantic.
Interpretation of the Law 3: The Police Station
I’m brought into police headquarters, unsure whether I’m under arrest or simply being detained. The officers lead me to a stark, SWAT-like office where detectives in black methodically search me and my belongings. The atmosphere is tense and impersonal, and I can sense that my fate rests entirely on their discretion.
Interpretation of the Law 2: Arrested without Handcuffs
Detectives comb through my belongings, treating my multitool as if it were a deadly weapon. Thanks to modern technology, I manage to contact a trusted colleague, who urges me to cooperate fully and insists I confirm my destination before I lose all contact with the outside world.
Interpretation of the Law 1: Not Just Another Friday Night
On my way to a Friday night bachata lesson, what should have been a simple walk turned into a police ambush. Suddenly, I found myself defending my freedom over carrying a multitool with a knife that exceeded Japan’s strict 6-centimeter legal limit-a law that forbids carrying such tools outside of work, and one that carries serious consequences if violated.