A trial has begun in Tokyo involving three foreign-born residents who are seeking compensation from the central and local governments over alleged racial profiling by police.

A hearing opened at the Tokyo District Court on Monday for the lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs who say they have been repeatedly stopped by police officers for questioning.

The three men say they have been questioned due to such factors as race, skin color and nationality. They say this is an act of racial discrimination and violates Japan's Constitution.

They are each seeking more than 3 million yen, or about 20,000 dollars, in damages from the state, as well as the Tokyo and Aichi prefectural governments.

One of the plaintiffs, who is from the United States, asked at the court why he has to suffer unfair treatment anywhere because of such reasons as race and ethnicity. He added that racial discrimination is not appropriate for a society based on rules.

The central and local governments requested that the court dismiss the lawsuit.

After the hearing, the plaintiffs held a news conference with their lawyers.

Another plaintiff Zain, whose parents are from Pakistan, holds Japanese citizenship. He said the reason for the lawsuit is to foster better relations and cooperation between foreign-born residents and police authorities. He expressed hopes that the trial will result in a better society of Japan.

Racial profiling is a problem worldwide. A United Nations committee has recommended that guidelines be set to prevent the use of race, skin color, national origin and other factors to target people for police questioning or investigation.