The Embassy of Japan would like to draw the attention
of Israeli citizens, especially the young people, visiting Japan,
to the following:

 March 27, 2007

1.  We welcome the fact that a considerable number of young visitors from Israel visit Japan every year.

2.   To our regret, however, dozens of Israeli youths are arrested every year for street sales of counterfeit brand-name goods such as bags

and watches (36 Israelis were arrested in 2006, which accounts for 67% of all the foreigners arrested for street peddling).

3.  Such infringement of trademark rights constitutes a serious criminal offense in Japan, punishable by imprisonment up to 10 years and/or a fine of 10 million yen (100 thousand US$).

4.  At the same time, such acts may damage the image held by the Japanese people of the State of Israel and its people.

5.  Criminal organizations are allegedly recruiting street vendors both inside Israel and overseas (visitors staying in Japan or traveling in Southeast Asia), saying that it is the simplest way to earn money for the expense of the stay in Japan.

6.  In reality, however, the street vendors are placed under strict control to guard the organizations' secrecy, exploited by the organizations by not receiving a considerable portion of their sales earnings, and may face the risk of criminal prosecution. In the worst case, vendors might get involved in bloody conflicts with the organizations.

7.  For all these reasons, we strongly request you not to be taken in by a sugarcoated inducement of illegal money making.

8.  We welcome the visit of the Israeli people to Japan, and hope this information will help you make your visit a valuable and enjoyable one.