The beginning of Japan's modern policing system

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was founded on this day, January 15th, in 1874. Therefore, today and January 15th annually is known as Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Foundation Anniversary 警視庁創設記念日. As such, it also marks the anniversary of the beginning of Japan's modern policing system.

The driving force behind its creation was Kawaji Toshiyoshi, often called the 'father of Japanese police'. He was a Japanese military general, politician, and samurai during the Meiji period. After studying European police systems, particularly the French model developed by statesman Joseph Fouché, Kawaji adapted these ideas to build Japan’s first modern, centralized police structure.

Kawaji served as the first Police Commissioner General, and laid the foundation for a system focused on public order, community presence, and modernization that over the years developed into the policing system we known in Japan today. The photo in this post is of an older model of police car that was displayed at a classic car festival in Saitama.