Tokyo Customs

Have you ever wondered about the silent guardians of Tokyo’s bustling ports? We stand before Tokyo Customs a building that whispers tales of centuries past. Its history is interwoven with Japan’s opening to the world. Before the Meiji Restoration Edo’s Tsukiji Teppouzu housed Tokyo Unjosho. This was the precursor to today’s Tokyo Customs. It played a vital role in tax collection and diplomacy. In 1872 Unjosho offices nationwide were renamed Customs. November 28th is celebrated annually as Customs Memorial Day. Tokyo Customs became independent from Yokohama Customs in 1953. Its jurisdiction expanded to include several prefectures. The original Niigata Customs Branch building a testament to the past is now a museum. Think of the countless goods that have passed through these walls. Silk fabrics from the East intricate porcelain from the West. Tokyo Customs has witnessed it all. It has adapted to modern technology. Computerization of cargo clearance began in 1978. Drug-sniffing dogs were introduced in 1979. The move to a new headquarters in Aomi Koto-ku in 2000 marked another chapter in its story. Today Tokyo Customs continues to safeguard Japan’s borders ensuring both security and smooth trade. It stands as a symbol of Japan’s history of trade and its integration into the global community. So next time you pass by remember the silent history of this significant landmark.