The Police Museum, which introduces the activities of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, opened on the third floor of the TOC Building in Nishi-Gotanda 7-chome on the 24th. A spokesperson stated, “We will strive to make it a hub for public relations activities where people can come, see, learn, and experience, so that many people will visit.”
The museum opened in July 1994 in Kyobashi 3-chome, Chuo Ward, to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s founding. It has displayed historical uniforms and patrol cars, introducing the history and activities of the police department. Approximately 4 million people have visited so far, but it temporarily closed in September last year due to redevelopment of the site. It is expected to return to the same area once redevelopment is completed.
Larger screen, single floor improves convenience
With the relocation, the mini-theater screen has been enlarged. The exhibits remain mostly unchanged, including the ability to ride a white motorcycle and helicopter and for children to wear uniforms. Previously, the exhibits were spread across six floors, but now they are on a single floor, making it easier for wheelchair users to move around.
A visitor who lives in Shinagawa Ward visited with her four-month-old daughter in a stroller and her three-year-old son. She was delighted, saying, “It’s become easier to visit after the move. This is my first time here, but my son was looking forward to riding the white motorcycle.”
The museum is about a 10-minute walk from Gotanda Station. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on Mondays and during the New Year holidays. Admission is free.
On the 29th, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., a “Peep-kun Festa” will be held where visitors can take commemorative photos with Peep-kun.
Police Museum
The Police Museum, often located in former police stations or historic buildings, showcases the history and evolution of law enforcement through artifacts, uniforms, and crime-solving technology. Many such museums, like the one in Hong Kong, trace their origins back to the 19th century, highlighting key cases and the development of forensic science. They serve as educational spaces that preserve the legacy of policing and offer insight into the social and legal changes over time.
TOC Building
The TOC Building, short for “Transportation Operations Center” or similar variations, is a modern facility typically serving as a hub for managing urban transit systems. Its history often ties to the expansion of city infrastructure, with many such buildings constructed in the late 20th or early 21st century to centralize traffic control and improve efficiency. While not a historic landmark, it represents a key innovation in urban planning and logistics.
Kyobashi 3-chome
Kyobashi 3-chome is a historic district in Tokyo, Japan, located in the Chuo Ward near the Ginza area. It was once a prosperous commercial hub during the Edo period, centered around the Kyobashi Bridge, which gave the area its name (“Capital Bridge”). Today, it is a blend of modern business and retail spaces, with remnants of its past visible in landmarks like the Kyobashi Edogawa Park and nearby traditional shops.
Gotanda Station
Gotanda Station is a major railway hub in Tokyo, Japan
Police Museum
The Police Museum, often located in historic former police stations or jails, offers a glimpse into the history of law enforcement, crime, and forensic science. Many such museums, like the one in Hong Kong, trace their origins back to the 19th century, showcasing artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and evidence from famous cases. Visitors can learn about the evolution of policing techniques and the challenges faced by officers throughout history.
TOC Building
The TOC Building, historically known as the Terminal Operations Center, is a prominent structure at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California. Originally built in the early 20th century, it served as a hub for managing cargo and shipping operations, reflecting the port’s growth as a major maritime gateway. Today, it stands as a landmark of industrial heritage, often noted for its distinctive architecture and role in the region’s trade history.
Kyobashi 3-chome
Kyobashi 3-chome is a historic district in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, once part of the bustling Kyobashi commercial area that flourished during the Edo period as a center for trade and craftsmanship, particularly known for metalworking and printing. The area was largely destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake and again during World War II, but was rebuilt as a modern business and shopping district. Today, it retains a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, with landmarks like the Kyobashi Edogrand building and remnants of the old Kyobashi River bridge.
Gotanda Station
Gotanda Station is a railway station in Tokyo, Japan, serving the JR East Yamanote Line, the Toei Asakusa Line, and the Tokyu Ikegami Line. Opened in 1910, it was originally a stop on the Yamanote Line and developed into a key transit hub as the surrounding area grew into a bustling commercial and residential district. Today, it is known for its convenient connections and proximity to local attractions, including the Gotanda Cultural Center.
