Latest news with #KyotoPrefecturalPolice
Japan Times
7 days ago
- General
- Japan Times
Kyoto police deploy bicycle squad to crack down on reckless riding
In Kyoto's narrow, historic streets, police have turned to bicycles to tackle dangerous behavior by cyclists and e-scooter riders. The Kyoto Prefectural Police's bicycle patrol unit — known as the Be-Unit — was launched in April last year under the traffic police force and has proven to be agile and effective. In its first year, the 11-member team issued over 1,000 citations, and this spring, officers debuted high-visibility yellow uniforms to enhance their presence. 'Instructing violators face-to-face is key to reducing traffic accidents,' said one official, noting that the team's mobility gives them an edge over traditional patrol cars and motorcycles. Kyoto's urban layout — structured like a grid with many narrow, one-way streets — makes it difficult to chase down offenders in larger vehicles. The compact and nimble Be-Unit was conceived to address this challenge, enabling officers to patrol effectively and interact directly with violators at eye level. During its first year, the unit issued 912 citations to cyclists for offenses such as ignoring traffic signals and failing to stop at intersections. E-scooter riders were cited 128 times for similar violations. With the rise in foreign tourists using rental bikes to explore the city's landmarks, the unit introduced new uniforms modeled after European police apparel, featuring fluorescent yellow accents for visibility. Officers also began distributing English-language leaflets outlining Japanese traffic laws at major sightseeing locations. 'The top priority is making sure residents fully understand traffic rules,' said Naoki Ishihara, the squad's leader. 'We also want to raise awareness among tourists and focus on education and guidance before resorting to enforcement.' Translated by The Japan Times
The Mainichi
16-05-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Ancient aristocrat procession at Kyoto festival captivates 30,000 spectators
KYOTO -- More than 30,000 spectators were treated to an ancient Japanese imperial procession, a highlight of Kyoto's Aoi Matsuri festival, May 15 as some 500 people clad in aristocratic costumes paraded through central Kyoto. The annual early summer festival organized by Shimogamo Jinja shrine in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward and Kamigamo Jinja shrine in the city's Kita Ward is said to have started in the sixth century. As part of the May 15 "Roto-no-gi" parade, a reenactment of a Heian period (794-1185) imperial procession, participants including this year's "Saio-Dai" festival heroine Aya Yamauchi, a graduate student at Tokyo University of the Arts and a native of Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, departed the Kyoto Imperial Palace and marched for some 8 kilometers to Kamigamo Jinja via Shimogamo Jinja. Approximately 33,000 spectators (reported by Kyoto Prefectural Police) viewed the spectacle despite the early summer heat as the city's temperature hit a high of 26.7 degrees Celsius that day, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. (Japanese original by Yuki Ohigashi and Saki Hidaka, Kyoto Bureau)
NHK
15-05-2025
- NHK
Kyoto officers referred to prosecutors over secret filming allegations
Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters have sent papers to prosecutors on two officers who are suspected of secretly filming in women's restrooms. Police allege a male officer in his 20s installed a small camera inside a stall of a women's restroom at Nakagyo Police Station, where he worked, in February and March. He is also suspected of secretly filming women at train stations and on trains. About 120 videos, which were believed to have been taken without permission, were found on his camera and other devices. A male officer in his 40s is also suspected of setting up a smartphone in a women's restroom at his workplace, Shimogamo Police Station, in February and April. About 70 voyeuristic videos were stored on his smartphone. Both men have reportedly admitted to the allegations. The police headquarters suspended the officers for three months, but they have since resigned. The younger officer told investigators that he began secretly filming people when he was in high school. He said that, despite being a police officer, he had done something irreparable. The other officer reportedly said that he is sorry to the victims and the people of Kyoto. A chief inspector at the police headquarters apologized and vowed to take measures to prevent a recurrence and restore public trust.
