What would happen if a foreigner fought cops in Japan?

That’s a really intense situation, and it’s important to approach it seriously and with clarity—especially in a country like Japan, where laws around public behavior, police interaction, and violence are very strict.

Here’s what would likely happen in a case like that:

If a foreigner physically attacks police officers in Japan:

1 Immediate Arrest and Detention

• The person would be immediately arrested and could be detained for up to 23 days without formal charges, which is legal in Japan

• Police have wide authority during investigations and may limit access to lawyers in early stages

2 Assaulting Police is a Serious Crime

• Assaulting a police officer in Japan is considered a major criminal offense

• Even if the person has anger issues or claims unfair treatment, violence is not justified under the law

• The attacker could be charged with assault, obstruction of public duty, and bodily harm

3 Mental Health Issues Might Be Considered

• If the person truly has diagnosed mental health issues like severe anger management disorder, courts might take it into account

• But this does not excuse violent behavior, especially toward law enforcement

• The individual may be ordered to undergo psychological evaluation

4 Conviction and Prison Time

• Conviction is very likely Japan has a conviction rate of over 99 percent

• Prison time could range from several months to years depending on injuries caused and intent

• If weapons were involved or serious harm was done, the sentence could be harsher

5 Deportation and Entry Ban

• After serving time or even just being convicted, the person would most likely be deported

• They would be given a ban from reentering Japan for 5 years or possibly for life

6 Impact on Future Immigration Anywhere

• A criminal record in Japan can affect visa applications to other countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and others

But What If the Foreigner Was Acting Weird but Did Not Commit a Crime?

In Japan, being ""weird"" or unusual in public can draw attention, but it should not lead to arrest unless:

• You're disturbing public order

• Acting in a way that seems threatening or dangerous

• Refusing to comply with lawful police instructions

Even if unfairly treated, violence is never accepted as a response in Japanese legal culture:

What to Do Instead in That Situation:

• Stay calm no matter what even if the situation feels unfair

• Ask for a translator if you do not understand what’s happening

• Cooperate first, then report the issue later through legal channels or embassy support

• If mistreated, file a formal complaint through your embassy or the local legal system

If you're thinking of writing a story or exploring a situation like this in fiction or film, it’s powerful material but needs to be handled carefully. If you’re thinking about real-world situations, and you're concerned about anger issues or legal protection abroad, I can help you find resources for support or counseling too.