US to ask Japan to improve fingerprinting of non-Japanese

Yes. There were rumors that the US had asked Japan to initiate fingerprinting of all non-Japanese entering Japan and it still isn't satisfied after Japan began to do it. The Bush Department of Homeland Paranoia---sorry, Security---would like to see Japan start getting prints from all 10 fingers.

I guess that criticism of Japan of the procedure was a little too stiff. No, Japan need not do everything that George Bush says, but it usually does unless it is protecting a company or market. No surprise that Japan would follow Bush here, especially if it means targeting non-Japanese.

It will be interesting to hear what the two final candidates for president will say about the excesses of Homeland Security---if they even believe that they have been excesses. I think most Americans are finding it acceptable, at least that is the impression I get from those visiting or newly arrived in Japan. Anything is ok as long as there can be some half-assed attempt to link it to "security."

The story is here.