Japan hosts summer tours for children at police and justice ministry

On July 28, the Iwate Prefectural Police Headquarters opened its doors to about 40 elementary and middle‑school students and their parents. Visitors observed the emergency‑call center, practiced handling a simulated 110 call about a kidnapping, and were introduced to riot‑police equipment and duties.

A few days later, the Ministry of Justice in Tokyo held a similar “Child Kasumigaseki Observation Day,” where children acted as prosecutors and interrogated staff playing a suspect in a mock theft case. One participant remarked, “検察は警察のおまけみたいな感じかと思っていたが、起訴権を持っていて取り調べをするのが検察だと知り、とても大事な役割だと思った.” The programmes aim to teach young citizens about public‑safety and legal institutions through hands‑on experience.