Japan beefs up border security

Tourists and most foreigners entering Japan will be fingerprinted, photographed and questioned under tough new security measures to be introduced from November 20. Amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, aimed at combating terrorism, will make Japan's immigration security the second toughest in the world after the US. To operate at all ports and airports, the security measures will apply to all visitors aged 16 or over except those on official government business. Japan's Justice Ministry says the measures will restore Japan its status as "the safest nation on earth".