Japan officials stand by airport security measures

TOKYO (AP) - There was nothing unusual about a man who boarded a flight in Osaka and was arrested after landing in Los Angeles wearing a bullet-proof vest and carrying handcuffs, knives and a smoke grenade in his checked-in baggage, a Japanese official said on Wednesday.

Masahiro Nakamoto, an immigration officer at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, said authorities reported nothing suspicious when the man, identified as 28-year-old Yongda Huang Harris, is believed to have boarded a flight.

US officials say Mr Harris, a US citizen bound for Boston, was arrested last Friday at Los Angeles airport and charged with transporting hazardous materials.

"We didn't spot anyone who was jittery or sheepish during that time," Mr Nakamoto said. "We usually don't stop someone unless they refuse to show their face, or is obviously violating Japanese law, like wielding a knife or something." Mr Nakamoto said arriving passengers are checked more closely than those leaving the country. He said he would stop an incoming passenger if he or she was acting or dressed strangely.