Available From UC Press

Police and Community in Japan explores the intricate relationship between the Japanese police force and the society it serves, offering a comprehensive examination of how law enforcement operates within one of the safest countries in the world. The book delves into the remarkable adaptability of the Japanese police as they navigate diverse societal contexts—rural, urban, and industrial—while addressing unique challenges presented by social groups such as youth, minorities, and organized crime. Through a dual focus on the formal ideals (tatemae) and the underlying realities (honne) of police practices, the work provides a nuanced portrayal of how the police fit seamlessly into Japan's tightly woven societal fabric, balancing community collaboration with the demands of public order and security.

The study is centered on Okayama Prefecture, a microcosm of Japan's evolving socio-economic landscape, incorporating traditional agricultural communities, industrial complexes, and urban centers. By focusing on specific locations such as Kurashiki City and Mizushima, the author captures the police’s tailored approaches to varied environments and clienteles. Historical insights into the development of the Japanese police—tracing back to the Edo period’s samurai-led social control systems—provide a rich backdrop for understanding contemporary practices. With a focus on the balance between solidarity within the police force and their integration with community needs, the book paints a dynamic picture of law enforcement in Japan, making it an essential read for those interested in comparative policing, Japanese society, and the interplay between tradition and modernization.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1981.