“Go’yō!” Imagine that being the first thing you hear as you are placed under arrest. That was the cry in feudal Japan. Today, we stand before the Mukojima Police Station. It is a vital part of Tokyo’s Sumida Ku. This station ensures the safety and order of this community.
Mukojima Police Station serves a large area. It covers Oshiage, Kyojima, and Sumida. It also includes Tachibana, Tsutsumidori, and Higashisumida. Higashimukojima, Bunka, and parts of Mukojima are within its jurisdiction. Finally, Yahiro is also under its protection. The station’s address is 3-18-9 Bunka, Sumida Ku, Tokyo 131-0044. Its phone number is 03-3616-0110.
The history of policing in Japan is fascinating. Before 1868, town magistrates acted as police, prosecutors, and judges. They were assisted by samurai officers. Commoners called jittemochi also helped. They had the power to arrest. Citizens were organized into groups. These groups were responsible for each other’s actions.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japan modernized its police system. Kawaji Toshiyoshi studied European law enforcement. He was impressed by France and Prussia. In 1873, the Home Ministry centralized police powers. This system gave the police broad control. They regulated business licenses and construction permits. They also handled industrial safety and public health.
The police even mediated labor disputes. During the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, police units acted as militia. After 1911, the Special Higher Police dealt with political crimes. They monitored ideologies and foreign populations. They also regulated movies and political meetings.
Military police also existed. The Kempeitai served the army. The Tokkeitai served the navy. Both had jurisdiction over civilians. After 1931, military police gained more power. They regulated industry and controlled transportation.
Overseas, Japan had civil police services. These were in Korea, Taiwan, and parts of China. The police ensured order and security. The Tokyo area was managed by the Teikoku Keishichō. Kawaji Toshiyoshi personally headed it from 1874.
The 1925 Peace Preservation Law gave police wide powers. They could arrest people for vague reasons. This lack of accountability led to brutalities. In rural areas, police had great authority. They were both feared and respected. The police’s involvement in politics helped create an authoritarian state.
After Japan surrendered in 1945, the American occupation kept the police structure. In 1947, Japan created municipal and national rural police forces. By 1954, a more centralized system emerged. This system included the National Police Agency.
Initially, only senior officers carried swords. By 1882, all officers had sabers. Some detectives and SWAT units had pistols. The FN Model 1910 and Colt Model 1903 were common. In border areas, some police had military arms.
Today, Mukojima Police Station continues to serve its community. It upholds the law and maintains peace. Remember its long history as you pass by. It reflects Japan’s journey through modernization and beyond.