I have suggested before (Zeit Gist, Dec. 18, 2007) that Japan shouldn't host major international events. Unfettered police power and insufficient media scrutiny create a virtual police state, inconveniencing everyone.
I've likewise criticized the Hokkaido G8 Summit (Zeit Gist, Apr. 22) — not only as a waste of resources (an estimated $700 million spent, mostly on "security"), but also because police harass foreign-looking people as if they're all potential terrorists.
Like me. On June 19, flying from Tokyo to Chitose Airport, Hokkaido, I was snagged by a plainclothes cop (a Mr. Ohtomo, Hokkaido Police badge #522874) for exiting baggage claim while Caucasian. He wanted to see my "gaijin" card, citing summit security. I told him I was Japanese. Then he demanded proof of that. Repeatedly. Missing my train, I said I would cooperate if he asked three Asians for ID.