n$a wrote:

> Why don't they take prints and pics when a resident applies for a re-
> entry permit instead ? That would make the process faster at the
> airport. 

It seems they are going to do this. Once you've gone through the 
procedure there is supposed to be some sort of express line at Narita 
you'll be able to use. But other ports of entry to Japan will not have 
such a line, so everyone will have to scan in their prints and be 
photographed each and every time.

> Moreover what's the point of taking those several times (once
> per trip) when the gaijin card already carries an up-to-date (5y old
> at most) pic and the prints are supposed to not change over time.
> Waste of time and money, no ?

Waste of time, I suppose. Bit the cost is not very significant because 
it's all electronic.

The machine they show in the video looks a lot like the machines they 
have in the US. You place your forefingers on two little pads and look 
into the camera. It only takes about five seconds. No big deal.

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_______________________________________________________________
Scott Reynolds                              scottreyn@gmail.com