Tokyo Police Academy Welcomes Record Number of Female Recruits

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On April 15, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Academy, located in Fuchu City, held its enrollment ceremony for new recruits. A total of 535 individuals, aged between 18 and 32 and dressed in brand-new uniforms, took their first steps toward becoming police officers.

For the first time, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department made the ceremony public in an effort to raise awareness about the academy.

Approximately 900 people attended, including the recruits' parents. Senior police officials such as Deputy Superintendent General Tetsuro Kamata and Chief of the First Area Headquarters Hiroshi Takatsuka were also present.

'Irreplaceable Peers'

Following the national anthem, performed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Band, Police Academy Director Tomoshige Yoshida addressed the recruits.

"Support and encourage one another as irreplaceable peers. Build strong bonds, push each other to grow, and overcome many challenges together," he said.

Deputy Superintendent General Kamata added his encouragement:

"Never forget your desire to help those in need and to do meaningful work for others. Study and train hard to become officers who meet the expectations and earn the trust of local residents."

Representing the new recruits, 21-year-old officer Kosei Kawabata spoke with conviction:

"We solemnly swear to carry out my duties with fairness, guided solely by my conscience — without bias, without fear, and without hatred."

Diverse Backgrounds

Among the 535 recruits, 195 are women — accounting for 36.4%, the highest number ever. The recruits come from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. Many are career changers, formerly serving as Self-Defense Force members, firefighters, or bankers.

There are two training tracks: a short-term course (six months) for university graduates, and a long-term course (ten months) for high school and junior college graduates. Training officially began on April 1. Recruits started with the basics, such as saluting, before participating in the formal enrollment ceremony.

Going forward, they will live in dormitories and study a range of subjects, including general education, law, judo, kendo, arrest techniques, and firearm handling.

Officer Sota Tanaka, 22, shared his excitement.

"I love riding motorcycles, so I want to become a member of the motorcycle patrol unit and be a trusted police officer for as many Tokyo residents as possible."

Officer Miyu Abe, 19, from Akita Prefecture, hopes to follow in her father's footsteps and become a police detective.

"I've wanted to be a police officer since I was little. I want to help as many people as I can," she said.

Her mother, Mayumi, expressed both pride and concern.

"She looked so cool in her uniform. I'm worried since she lives far away from us, but she's a strong person, so I want to support her."

Twin brothers Rui and Shoi Datezaki, both 20, also joined the academy.

"We want to support and compete with each other as colleagues and rivals," they said.

Their mother, Kuniko, shared her hopes for them.

"They've always had a strong sense of justice. I hope they become kind police officers."

Boosting Recruitment

The number of applicants to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has been steadily declining. From a peak of 29,908 in fiscal 2010, the figure dropped to just 8,341 in 2024. With Japan's declining birthrate, competition for young talent has intensified.

A senior official at the police academy explained the decision to open the ceremony to the public:

"We wanted people to see the true, more open side of the academy, beyond its tough image, and hopefully encourage more people to consider becoming police officers."

To further spark interest, the academy also held its first one-day enrollment experience at the end of 2024.

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Author: Misaki Owatari, The Sankei Shimbun

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