Why do they ask for passports in regular shops in japan?

Question:

i mean the first time i thought it might be a one of thing but its happened 3 or 4 times. regular japanese people seem shop normally....
and oh yeah i got stopped in the middle of the street by a cop i couldn't understand his English so i just nodded at him stupidly he was nice though he let me off though i don't know what i did maybe he couldn't be bothered.

did something happen in japan?

i am muslim but i didn't really think japan would be hostile towards muslim people plus it doesn't make sense that they would be.

thanks, and i did have a good time my culture has some similarities with the japanese.

Answer:

I think that there is a possible exemption from VAT tax for purchases...but I have never had a problem. My wife, on the other hand, an Anglo, but a Japanese Citizen, has been asked for hers. The looks on the peoples faces when she drops her Red Passport on them is priceless. We have, BTW, been questioned heavily in Customs though. LOL

This is hardly routine though. In fact, it is quite unusual...unless you are shopping duty free. I agree with Homer. The most notable exception would be at the Major Int'l Airports.