police box
Japanese Name:
交番
Romaji Name:
kouban
Description
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A kōban is a small neighborhood police station found in Japan. It serves as a local base where police officers assist the community by providing directions, handling minor incidents, and helping maintain safety in the area.
History
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The kōban system was established in Japan during the Meiji period (late 19th century), modeled after Western-style policing systems. These small stations allowed police officers to stay in local neighborhoods, making it easier to prevent crime, assist residents, and maintain public order.
Today, kōban are a distinctive feature of Japanese urban and rural areas, continuing to serve as accessible points for law enforcement and community interaction.