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Man who caused ANA plane diversion to Alaska says he was drinking

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I just LOVE how this excuse works so well in Japan!

1 ( +8 / -8 )

used for treating conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. - Ochinero had a blood-alcohol level of 0.137,

So, he's taking anti-depressants and drinking excessively? He is a prescription drug junky! No doubt, all those drugs were handed out by a Japanese doctor. They give that stuff out like candy!

I wonder how is, "I was drunk and don't remember" excuse is gonna go over with a Canadian judge.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

I was under the impression that dual citizenship was only valid until 20 years of age in Japan?

23 ( +25 / -2 )

Freak and striking a cute little ana girl....garbage.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@Disillusioned

I wonder how is, "I was drunk and don't remember" excuse is gonna go over with a Canadian judge.

Probably not the only chap with too much prescription medication... Some of it can really knock you around. I actually heard of one chap who took so much he started to believe that Alaska was part of Canada, eh!

17 ( +15 / -0 )

I was under the impression that dual citizenship was only valid until 20 years of age in Japan?

I thought that myself. From what I was told it is Japan who doesn't make that much of a stink about it. But I imagine that after this, he will have to give up one of them.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I was under the impression that dual citizenship was only valid until 20 years of age in Japan?

Legally, but it is a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" policy - Japan has no way of discovering who has dual nationality, so as long as you keep your second passport under wraps, all is cool (generally). This guy, though, has tipped his hand in a bad way; how Japan chooses to treat this will be interesting to see.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

In other obvious news a man convicted of perjury said he was lying.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

If he can't manage his medication sensibly, to the point of mixing his meds and attacking people, he needs help.

After someone posted his FB link, I snuck in, had a snoop. The guy writes some very, let's call them stream-of-consciousness posts, which he probably thought were very clever, but which actually highlight his mental illness.

I hope the repercussions for him back in Japan aren't too dire...

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Japan has no way of discovering who has dual nationality, so as long as you keep your second passport under wraps

The Japanese passport application form has a box to tick to confirm that you do not currently hold any other nationality. An adult with two passports presumably acquired the Japanese one under false pretenses, by ticking the wrong box.

I think the penalties for obtaining a passport under false pretenses are pretty stiff, aren't they?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Cleo - not if he got the Japanese one first - or does this rule apply to renewals too?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

@disillusioned

last time i checked, alaska was still part of america.

legally, there is no such thing as dual american/japanese citizenship once you become an adult. but some japanese people continue to renew their japanese passport in order to come back to japan more easily.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

this guy is one loose cannon and in japan?? sorry dude!! time to go back to america!!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Maria - yes, it's on the renewal form, as well. At least it was the last time my son renewed his passport.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

This man needs a lifetime membership in the AA.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This man needs a lifetime membership in AA.

I don't believe American Airlines would have treated this situation any different.....

12 ( +11 / -1 )

The Ministry of "Justice" has a bit of confusing, contradictory information to brighten your day:

http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/information/tcon-01.html

Wikipedia notes:

Japanese nationals who hold multiple citizenship by birth, and who do not wish to lose their Japanese citizenship, are required to declare their desire to retain Japanese citizenship by the age of 21. Part of fulfilling this requirement is to "make an effort" to renounce other citizenships once they have declared their intent to retain Japanese nationality.

Ha ha! Try to make a 21 year old "make an effort" to do anything! But there's more:

A renunciation of foreign citizenship made before Japanese officials may be considered by a foreign state as having no legal effect as is the case with, for example, United States citizenship.

So, basically, if you have dual nationality and are called out on it, you can go to your local government office, cross your heart and promise that you're Japanese and nothing but, and that is pretty much it. Just don't forget to continue filing your US tax returns even if you owe no taxes.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Disillusioned ?????? What has Canada got to do with ALASKA ????? HUH ????

3 ( +3 / -0 )

He'll be doing his future international travel by sea... I wonder if he can collect miles on a ship.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Sorry, bud, but the "I was drunk!" excuse is not going to fly in the US, and is only going to make things worse, really. Glad he was detained there and not here. And seriously, what's with this, "Not guilty" plea? Hope he gets all the more punishment for it.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

If he smart enough to have graduated from an American college, he can't be that coo coo!! Maybe a but weired and twisted but not insane! So throw the book at his drunk or drugged up ass!!

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

@Laguna

Thanks for the link. I reckon the kicker is in the note at the bottom:

(Note) If you fail to make the choice of nationality within the above-stated period, you shall be deemed to have made a declaration in which you swear that you choose to be a Japanese national and that you renounce the foreign nationality, at the time of the expiration of such period.

In other words, they will make a "choice" for you. That being said, however, Japan making a "choice" carries no real authority with other countries that recognize dual nationals. For all the bluster, Japan cannot demand that other countries withdraw the rights of citizenry just because the person in question happens to also hold Japanese citizenship. My own kids have a couple of nationalities in addition to being Japanese. The advice I have received from my home country is that as long as your kids are registered with the home country, the home country is not going to strip the child of citizenship just because Tokyo believes they have to.

On a practical level, having dual citizenship where one of those nationalities happens to be Japanese (by birth) is all about making sure you don't abuse those nationalities. For example, claiming to be a foreign national when being arrested in Japan is not good form. The reverse is also true.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

That he has dual citizenship doesn't necessitate that he holds passports from both.

But it does seem this chap has much bigger issues than passports.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

A nice case that requires a little bit of research. Turns out The USA has no position against or for dual citizen ship and doesn't require you to renounce your former nationality if you naturalize. American nationality is based on 3 things; location, parents' citizenship, and marital status. Japan is based on parents' citizenship but is complicated by laws revolving around coming of age. Because of small loophole (this guy likely had 2 passports before 1985) he is able to maintain dual citizenship. Since he was taught in the US but worked as a professor in Japan, it is more than likely he has been able to retain his Japanese citizenship because he wasn't doing foreign work. All that said, he will likely have to forfeit one nationality because of this case.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Man who caused ANA plane diversion to Alaska says he was drinking

So? Seriously. I know plenty of people enjoy having a drink or more, including myself and we have never felt the need to go 'berzerk' on a plane or anywhere else for that matter.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I hope a large amount of compensation due to the delay and fuel costs will be billed in conjunction with the criminal offense.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The sworn statement by FBI special agent Angela M Strause also says dozens of pill packets were found in Ochinero's carry-on luggage, which he said were used for treating conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

He's clearly mentally ill. His behavior upon boarding says it all.

"He was berserk from the moment he got on the plane. He was yelling and screaming, spitting on the floor. He was smacking the back of my seat and other passengers' seats."

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Anyone over the age of 29 (born before 1/1/1985) can legally retain dual citizenship, many of you probably know (half) Japanese in this situation. The law that 22 year old must choose only applies to those born since 1985.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

At an Anchorage jail, Ochinero had a blood-alcohol level of 0.137, Strause said. The amount is well over the legal limit to drive.

What was he driving?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Thanks for the info Laguna,

I know a Japanese national that recently become an Australian citizen, but still holds both passports and uses both,

Another friend, uses the Australian passport when entering and leaving Australia, then the Japanese passport when entering and exiting Japan.

Boggles my mind how they are allowed to do this....

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Another friend, uses the Australian passport when entering and leaving Australia, then the Japanese passport when entering and exiting Japan.

Just like my son. To look at his Japanese passport, you'd think he was just flying around on the plane for fun - all exits and entrances to Japan with no information about where he's been. Still, the guys at immigration are not tasked with this stuff, so they won't ask. It is fortunate that people are generally cooler than the laws they're tasked to enforce.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Yesterday's article about the incident included a quote from a passenger:

A passenger seated in the row in front of Ochinero was quoted as saying, “He was berserk from the moment he got on the plane. He was yelling and screaming, spitting on the floor. He was smacking the back of my seat and other passengers’ seats.”

If this is to be taken to be true, blaming his behavior on "drinking on the plane" does not seem to make sense seeing it was reported his antics started "from the moment he got on the plane." Unless you're flying in higher classes, drinks aren't served until well after take off and the aircraft is at a cruising level. In short, something doesn't add up here.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

@the_odeman I wonder if he has ever had a bag search at the customs? Surely he has

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Bag searches wont find second passports if you keep them on you.

And they wont get detected by metal detectors, and they dont care if you are carrying two on you.

Its not the security guards job to see your passport, thats Customs. And during customs, they dont frisk you so

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Laguna:

Just like my son. To look at his Japanese passport, you'd think he was just flying around on the plane for fun - all exits and entrances to Japan with no information about where he's been.

Yes, I've always wondered about this. Japanese passport holders are always going to get a stamp when they go through immigration in other countries unless, for example he/she is a permanent resident of places such as Hong Kong where you only use your ID card to go through and never show your passport to immigration staff. I find it strange that Japanese immigration staff would not notice this - or are just turning a blind eye.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Gee, prescription drugs for psychosis plus drinking alcohol plus needing those psychosis drugs in the first place results in bizarre behavior? Shocking.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I do wonder what goes on in these situations, I have had times where I drink a lot, probably too much but I can behave myself well enough to not cause trouble... is it other medication or mental health issues?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

wonder how is, "I was drunk and don't remember" excuse is gonna go over with a Canadian judge

He won't be going into a Canadian courtroom since Anchorage Alaska is in the United States. My thoughts are the US does consider disrupting an air flight as a serous offense. He could be looking at some time in the slammer.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Prescription drugs AND alcohol? Wow. I mean, this dude was clearly a nutjob. I'll be interested what charges they will overall stick him with. The guy was bi-polar and suffered from schizophrenia? Then he started pounding drinks? They need to slam him with public intoxication disorderly conduct, too.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

I blame the airline. They couldn't handle on simple harmless crack pot...

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

At an Anchorage jail, Ochinero had a blood-alcohol level of 0.137, Strause said. The amount is well over the legal limit to drive.

What was he driving?

The last sentence is just info to let us know How drunk he was. Like many people stated, Alaska is one of 50 states in USA. He is in Alaskan jail. He was arrested in USA, not in Japan. He is under Alaskan and USA court system.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I just LOVE how this excuse works so well in Japan!....

Yeah, but he's not in Japan. I doubt an apology is going to help either.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

no, apology do not work in USA. When Japanese bow. American think he/she has neck problems. My daughter never call me to her office now but years ago, she called me in her office to ask a Japanese business man if he had to go hospital;. She and her assistants thought he has neck problem after long fleight from Tokyo. .

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Last year I flew on KLM from London to Tokyo. I love a few drinks on a plane, but KLM won't let you get another drink till you've finished the first one (unlike British Airways where I always order 2 beers at a time). This means that you have to wait up to 30 mins. to get another drink on KLM, an intolerable situation. So, noticing my discomfort, two kindly (teetotal) obaachans sitting next to me started ordering all kinds of drinks and giving them to me surreptitiously, forcing me to drink copious amounts until, somewhere over the Urals, our cunning wheeze was rumbled by the head purser who must have wondered why these two old girls were still remarkably sober; that plus the fact that my seat pocket was overflowing with empties- I'd run out of hiding places. "Ve know vot you are doing!" growled said purser as she (I think it was a she) fixed me with her steely exocet stare. "Its a fair cop, guv, hic" I confessed and drifted off to sleep with a smile on my face that lasted from one side of Siberia to the other, forever grateful to my two guardian angels.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Yeah, but he's not in Japan. I doubt an apology is going to help either.

Unless (the fact that the Japanese don't consider him Japanese aside) 80,000 Japanese-Americans petition to have him freed with no penalties and update the Alaskan textbooks to rename a sea somewhere while they're at it.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

0.137 @ the booking station AFTER the plane was diverted, landed, he was arrested, and transported. How loaded was he on the plane? I'll bet he started early in the departure lounge.

And not for nothing, but psyche meds and alcohol really don't mix.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The sworn statement by FBI special agent Angela M Strause also says dozens of pill packets were found in Ochinero’s carry-on luggage, which he said were used for treating conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Yeah, there was a problem LONG BEFORE he started drinking and drinking just made it worse.

Imagine this guy off his meds. Now what do you think drinking does to the power of his meds? Is there any wonder what the end result was?

What excuse will be used to get this guy off the hook. He 'forgot to take his meds' which led him to use poor judgement because he was off his meds and thus consumed alcoholic beverages which he never would have taken while he was under control because of the effects of his meds? Say that three times fast enough and you'll be sick as well. I'm sick and tired of hearing these stories. 'Ticking time bomb people' like this should have their names flagged for good after just ONE STRIKE! It happens once, it will happen again!

NO FLY LIST FOR YOU FOR LIFE!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is going to be one very expensive airplane ticket for him. He may be subject to having to reimburse every passenger who has a claim resulting from the delay of their trip (i.e. Hotels, change fees for tickets, etc). Also he may have to reimburse ANA for the very, very expensive landing fee at ANC. Expensive!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Do hope this idiot fool is BANNED from ever entering Japan legally again! Take away his Japanese passport and just say he is NOT Japanese and kick him the hell out of Japan! Good riddance!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I just want to make a key point of clarification: the problem was not that he was drinking. The problem was that they tried to cut him off. That's when he became rowdy. I can imagine the words "Enough?! I'll decide when I've had enough!" were spoken at some point.

I hope this does not mean that they will start to crack down on over-serving during trans-Pacific flights...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I just LOVE how this excuse works so well in Japan!

It doesn't work on an airplane in Japan.

KLM won't let you get another drink till you've finished the first one

And Aeroflot has a three-drink minimum!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I don't think Japanese law allows "dual citizenship".

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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