The famous Japanese Koban (police box) system assists in maintaining a peaceful society. The Koban, is a dependable resource which safeguards the community 24 hours a day. In cities they are called Koban and in rural areas Chuuzaisho. They are located in neighborhoods, and near train stations and other convenient locations.
Police officers in Kobans assist the public doing work related to crime, violence, giving directions, lost & found items, missing or runaway persons, patrolling neighborhoods, etc. Each Koban maintains a register of local residents, and the Koban police officers keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious. When a crime does occur, they are close enough to get to the scene quickly.
Your host family may take you to the nearest Koban soon after you arrive in your host community and introduce you as a member of the family so that the Koban police officers will know you and where you live and be able to help you if necessary.
More detailed safety information about your area is available at the local police station
(Keisatsusho). If the Koban is unmanned, call the number on the information board and ask for help.