Since 2013, the Nagano Prefecture Police Department has run a 4-panel manga series called Keisatsu-no Oniisan! (literally “Big Brother Policeman”) on its website. It depicts two police officers, one young and the other middle-aged. Now, thanks to their increasing popularity, they’re getting a manga in a magazine, Manga Time Jumbo, devoted to 4-panel manga.
The manga’s two characters, Shirou Hokari and Mamoru Tezuka, originated as mascots for the prefectural police. In their comic strips they advise residents about phone scams, commuting kindergarteners, drinking and driving, etc.
Officers Hokari & Tezuka kindly inform you that biking with an umbrella is dangerous and illegal. Tezuka suggests wearing a raincoat instead, and claims it suits the woman in the manga much better.The cops maintain their dignity and composure while revealing good-natured personalities and weaknesses, which might have endeared them to readers. It doesn’t hurt that they’re also good-looking men in uniform, which explains their predominantly female fanbase.
Karakemi (the manga’s creator) and the Nagano Prefecture Police Department initially rebuffed overtures from Houbunsha, the magazine’s publisher, but gradually changed their minds, reasoning that spreading advice about fraud, anti-criminal measures, and traffic rules was easier in manga format, they could advertise the appeal of Nagano Prefecture, and drawing the manga was fun.
A poster featuring the cop pair appeared in an April Animage supplement for girls, Roman Album Prince Animage.
The strip premiered in Manga Time Jumbo‘s October issue on September 12. If you’re interested in reading the webcomics, see the Nagano Prefecture Police Department’s website. Nagano Prefecture is located in the mountains of central Japan.
In this winter strip, Hokari reminds readers to be careful of driving on roads in the winter, as Nagano is a snowy area and cars can slip on the ice. Turns out he’s thinking of this since his new car just hit a tree. Tezuka gives him chestnut candy, one of Nagano Prefecture’s specialties, to console him.
[Via Netlab and J-Town Net; Images from Nagano Police]
More from Anime News Network
Fangirls fawn over Nagano police station’s new pretty-boy mascot characters
Nagano police bust up cannabis tempura camping party
Nagasaki police get into high speed chase with Nagasaki police
Two Japanese Police Sergeants Arrested for Kissing Female Officers and Demanding they Swap Clothes, Police Were Immediately on the Scene
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda mixes illuminations, boats, music, and Rilakkuma in the heart of Tokyo
Kyoto raises hotel accommodation tax to fight overtourism, travelers could pay up to 10 times more
Shabani the gorilla is so handsome he’ll be appearing on sweets in Japan this Valentine’s Day
Should you warm up your convenience store onigiri rice balls in the microwave?【Taste test】
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan’s most popular product with foreign tourists is…a unique chocolate gummy
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japanese police officers turn police box into their own little love hotel, do it instead of duty
Cops in Japan use police box as shag shack, one goes on to have second affair with other officer
Hello Kitty gets busy again — this time collaborating with an iconic manga character!
Japanese police officers increasingly forgetting their guns in public restrooms
Weekly Shonen Champion manga magazine offers several issues for free in light of Noto Earthquake
Sporty nerds gather in Nagano to show off their anime and manga-inspired snowboards
Top ten “Legendary deceased manga artists whose new work I wanted to read” 【Ranking】
Japanese police department publishes “driving horoscopes” to encourage road safety
Foreigners arrested in Japan on charges of posting manga images before official on-sale date
Japanese police in Oita no longer banned from shopping at convenience stores while in uniform
North Korea missile alert manga produced by Japanese government office
Japan’s most-wanted manga pirate forcibly repatriated, arrested as he enters Japanese airspace【Vid】
Japanese police are not messing around, with Patlabor robot mecha out on display 【Video】
Kyoto government worker assaults coworker for spoiling popular manga series at the office
Anime/manga legend Leiji Matsumoto, creator of Yamato, Harlock, and 999, has passed away