> What utter f*ckwits. Surely there is a law against
> this bullshit?

> Is this legal?  Anyone else had similar shit happen to
> them?

Elbow,
Yes there is a law, and you are lucky that they didn't throw you in the
slammer until things are sorted out.
When I got my last gaijin card, I also received a small printed note that
clearly stated that I was required to carry the card with me all the time!
You seem to be new here in Japan... You are lucky that your wife or
girlfriend was explaining.

Yes, it's very legal, and I know cases where guys were held in custody for 3
days since it was a weekend.
Asking the policeman for his ID, etc., isn't very wise when you are clearly
the violator. Never mind how silly it may sound. Being friendly and
"remorseful" is the trick that usually works.
I was tackled twice by  them since the guy wanted a private English lesson.
I am neither native English, nor have I any teaching experience...:-)
It's amazing than someone can talk for 2 hours about a bloody ID card!

Sigi