The problems of the rich and the famous sometimes make them only human. Like in this case when Ness Wadia — heir of a business empire and IPL team owner — had an unforeseen run-in with the law, all for wanting a little ‘chill’ time while in the hills.
Yes. He, like the best of us, was allegedly caught with his stash of hash in his trouser pocket. This is where the similarity between him and us lesser mortals ends. His hill station holiday was a ski trip in Japan and I am sure the run-in with the law was a real downer for someone who may have had high hopes for his high altitude trip.
As per news reports Ness got a two-year sentence after being arrested at New Chitose Airport for being in possession of 25 g of Cannabis Resin.
Here is our little cheat sheet of more things that could get Ness in trouble in Japan:
1. Also Banned In Japan Are Some Common Over the Counter Cold Medication Including Vick’s Inhaler
According to this travel advisory for UK citizens travelling to Japan, some of your usual prescription drugs may not be allowed in Japan, as per the country’s policy against stimulant medication. Some over the counter medicines for allergies and sinus infections that would not be permitted may include our favourite Bandha naakh relief wala Vicks Inhaler.
2. You Don’t Need To Tip But You Had Better Pay Your Bar Bill Because Disputes Can Lead To Arrest
And getting arrested is not a lot of fun in Japan because the police can apparently hold you in custody without bail until your court hearing dates arise. But we don’t think Ness will have any problem paying the bills.
3. Parading Your Tattoos Is Seen As Eww
While tattoos are not illegal, they have a long association with the Japanese mafia (read ‘yakuza’) and are not always looked upon very kindly. Certain venues expect people to cover their tattoos. So if Ness decides to get tattooed at a Bandra ink salon he may want to cover his sleeves at the local hot spring and be prepared not to be allowed entry even into some gyms.
4. Licking Chopsticks Or Passing Food From One Pair of Chopsticks To The Next, Or Sticking A Pair Of Chopsticks Into A Bowl Of Rice
While we are sure that Ness has better table manners, it doesn’t hurt to have a little refresher course on what to do and what not to do with chopsticks when in Japan. The first will make you look like you have no manners, the second and third will make people decidedly uncomfortable as passing objects from one pair of chopsticks to the next, or placing chopsticks in a bowl of rice are both apparently associated with funerary practices.
5. Phones In Public Transport
Here in India we call it ‘Vibrate Mode’, in Japan it is apparently called 'Manners Mode'. You may even be fined for not adhering to the ‘no phones’ policy while in a public train.
6. Blowing Your Nose In Public A Big No No(se)
So what should Ness or the rest of us do when we catch a cold in Japan? Go off and wear a mask so that every one around us doesn’t feel they are being infected by more than just our ‘infectious charm’.
And finally, here’s a handy prison pack that tells people just what to expect when behind bars in Japan, and these range from having to work within your jail sentence to being ready to serve up to 6 or more years in jail for violating the country’s zero tolerance of drugs policy.
With inputs from Japan Info and Gov.UK
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