police box

Japanese Name

こうばん

kouban

Description

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.

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.

Play our free typing game and master Hiragana & Vocabulary in a Zen atmosphere. 🍵