Keisatsu (警察) is the Japanese word for “police”.

There are currently around 300,000 personnel in the Japanese police, most of which are affiliated with local forces. In addition to responsibilities such as conducting crime investigations, traffic control, and other daily operations, one very unique aspect of the Japanese police force is the local police stations, called Kouban.

Apart from maintaining community safety, taking police reports, and emergency services, local police stations also serve as lost and founds and provide maps and directions.

While in Japan a few years ago, it was extremely helpful to visit a local police station to ask for directions. They are stationed throughout populous areas like Tokyo. Thanks to that, I was able to find my hotel quickly. Police in most countries are generally not as easily accessible to the public and rarely handle these sorts of situations. Slight warning though, many of them do not speak English well. But, if you are patient, they are very helpful!

Let’s remember the following useful sentences before going to Japan!

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●Kouban no keisatsu-san wa totemo yasashikatta desu.
(交番の警察さんはとても優しかったです。)
> The officer at the local police station was very kind.

●Sumimasen, michi ni mayotte imasu. michi wo oshiete moratte mo iidesuka?
(すみません、道に迷っています。道を教えてもらってもいいですか？)
> Excuse me, I am lost. Would it be possible to get directions?

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Now all that’s left is to go out there and try using them in Japan!


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Chokoreto (チョコレート) Fun! Japan Words vol.132