Foreigners fingerprinted in anti-terrorism move

A Japanese resident joins a protest against the move in Tokyo. Photo / Reuters

NARITA - Japan is fingerprinting foreigners entering the country in an anti-terrorism policy, bringing complaints from human right activists, business travellers and residents.

"We want foreigners entering Japan to co-operate, and to understand that it is better for them as well that Japan be safe," said Hisashi Toshioka, head of Immigration at Narita airport.

Anyone considered a terrorist or refusing to co-operate will be deported.

"It didn't bother me at all. It was pretty uninvasive," said Jake Heinrich, 33, an Australian who works at a language school. "It probably makes you feel a little safer."

- Reuters