Mr. Masato Tsubakihara, Chairman, Ukyo Crime Prevention Promotion Committee

Interviewers/Authors: Chihiro Murakami, Reishin Fukuya

Mr. Masato Tsubakihara is the chairman of the Ukyo Crime Prevention Promotion Committee, and patrols Ukyo Ward and its vicinity as a volunteer in an Ao-Pato (literally, patrol vehicle with blue revolving lights), protecting the safety of citizens. On holidays, he is also involved in kyozome (kyoto dyeing), and for 33 years he has painted kites around the end of each year to express his gratitude to the police department and to pray for the safety of the community.

―Where are you from?

Tsubakihara: I was born in a fishing village in Tottori Prefecture. My relatives in Kyoto were in the dyeing business, so as soon as I graduated from junior high school, I moved to Kyoto and studied kyozome. Even now, when I receive orders from wholesalers, I do dyeing work.

―Why did you start patrolling Ukyo Ward?

Tsubakihara: I have three children, and I was president of the PTA of the elementary school they attended for about 10 years. Through that experience, I became more familiar with the local community, and about 25 years ago, I received an invitation directly from the president of the neighborhood association to create a crime-free town with him. After that, we started an organization under the auspices of the local crime prevention promotion committee and began formalizing patrol activities.

―What are your usual activities?

Tsubakihara: Usually, I patrol the entire Ukyo Ward in an Ao-Pato. I see children off to school in the morning. And I am active as much as time allows, then patrol from 7pm to 10pm at night. I drive 40 to 50 kilometers a day, which is about 11,000 kilometers a year. We also patrol by bicycle on Crime Prevention Day, on the 20th of every month. Last year, I received a commendation from Itaru Nakamura, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, in recognition of my many years of crime prevention activities.

―Is there anything you pay attention to when patrolling?

Tsubakihara: In Ukyo ward, there are many more streetlights compared to before. However, there is not much maintenance on streets with little traffic. There are many such streets near Nishikyogoku (part of Ukyo Ward), so if a woman is walking alone at night on a deserted or dark street, I actively try to talk to her and tell her attention to her surroundings.

―Have there been any changes in the community since you started your activities?

Tsubakihara: In the past, Ukyo Ward was notable for its rampant juvenile delinquency and bullying, which was sometimes alerted by neighbors in the small hours of the night. Since then, I have continued to talk with the young people involved face to face, and now there are very few such incidents. I believe that all teenagers are basically obedient and that there are no bad teenagers.

―Do you feel your patrol activities are rewarding?

Tsubakihara: I find my activities to be very rewarding. Going on patrol is completely volunteer work, but I have been working for a long time with the feeling that I have worked very hard for the community. Because of this, people around me have come to cooperate with me and support me. I am very grateful for that. So I have never regretted my activities and I am proud of what I have done.

―What do you want people in Japan and abroad to know about Ukyo Ward?

Tsubakihara: I think there are so many healing spots in Ukyo Ward. In particular, I would like to recommend the relaxing and healing Bamboo Grove of Arashiyama. I would also recommend Osawa-no-ike Pond , where you can see the moon reflected in the pond from a boat. The moon viewing event has resumed this year, so please come and see it.

―Do you have any suggestions for Ukyo Ward?

Tsubakihara: Perhaps it’s because of the streetcar line, but there’s only one lane of traffic on Sanjo-dori Street and at nearby intersections, so there’s often traffic congestion. This street runs in front of Ukyo Police Station. So, when a police officer has to rush out to a scene, they have to control the traffic to ensure a smooth departure. So, I would like to see the road widened or more lanes added.

―Finally, could you provide a message to the readers of our website?

Tsubakihara: I hope that people who come to Ukyo Ward for sightseeing will be happy. This ward is the most beautiful place in Kyoto and has numerous sightseeing spots, so please come visit us if you want to be healed.

Interviewer’s Comments

The more I listened to Mr. Tsubakihara, the more I felt his generosity. The kite painted by him will be displayed in front of Ukyo Police Station for about two months from around late November to mid-January, so if you have a chance to take the tram to Arashiyama, please take a look at it from the window. Also, the Ao-Pato that he is currently using is a gift from the Nippon Foundation, and there is only one in Ukyo Ward. He is active almost every day, so if you see an Ao-Pato there in the future, please feel free to talk to him.

(Reishin Fukuya)