"Ram Sharma" and I talked long about the wisdom of doing this piece. He wanted to share his isolation and humiliation with another human being and possibly get some help in extricating himself from his situation. Regarding an interview, he said I should decide. No, I replied; he was the one at risk. He thought, then nodded. He was so desperate he would try anything, he said.
I'm not sure I would be as brave. As an illegal worker in Japan, he has a lot to lose.
As of Feb. 18, according to revisions made last year of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, illegal stay is now a crime. Also, the period of refusal of landing for anyone previously repatriated (the nice word for deported) for illegal landing or stay has been extended to five years.