Japanese Policemen Escort Family Of Ducks Across Road, Shows Politeness Knows No Bounds in Japan

Japanese policemen escort ducks across road

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The Japanese are renowned for being polite – consideration and proper manners towards others are highly valued in their society. It would seem like a no-brainer then, that Japanese policemen would halt traffic to help a family of 6 cross the road – until you realise they are a family of ducks. 

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Japanese policemen protect family of ducks

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Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

Last weekend, a group of policemen were seen valiantly guiding a family of ducks across the streets of Roppongi Hills, Minato Ward. 

Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

In true Japanese fashion, the policemen went above and beyond to ensure the ducks’ safety. Stopping traffic and forming a protective human barrier around the ducks, the policemen gently guided the cute family along so that they could make it to the other side safely.

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Not always an easy job

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Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

However, it is not always an easy feat to get these aquatic birds to adhere to traffic rules. Just a few days prior, a family of ducks were also seen waddling near the bustling Roppongi area. 

Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

Image adapted from: ANNnewsCH

It is unclear if this is the same family that was escorted, but they are clearly not as cooperative as the policemen had hoped. After a wild chase – using everything from their beret to cardboard boxes to prevent the ducks from making a run for it – the policemen had to physically “arrest” the ducklings before releasing them into a nearby river.   

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Frequently featured on the news since the 1980s

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Image adapted from: @sibaken_games

Japanese netizens are no strangers to ducks waddling their way through traffic. In a tweet that went viral in 2019, two policemen were seen outside Lawson diligently guiding and keeping the ducks on the right path. 

Japanese policemen halting the traffic for a family of ducks in 2016
Image credit: @ino__haku

The same thoughtful act also happened in 2016.

In fact, such news has been frequently reported in Japan since the 1980s. A national duck frenzy started in 1984, when several major media outlets would report news of ducks waddling in a uniform fashion across the street. 

Famous duck crossing in 1987, taken by Asahi Shinbun 
Image adapted from: Yamasemi Web Blog

Picture of duck crossing in 2008 
Image credit: Akiotaka

While the ducks slowly made their way from the man-made pond in front of Mitsui & Co. building to the Imperial Palace’s moat, reporters and photographers would keep vigil at the side to get the best shot. For years, the sight of ducks crossing roads captured the heart of the country.

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Japanese policemen help ducks cross the road

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It’s heartening to see that politeness in Japan knows no limits –  especially when the courtesy is extended to even animals. Let’s hope that there are plenty of samaritans like these kind Japanese policemen to help the wildlife survive amidst the ever changing urban landscape of Tokyo. 

For more Japan related content, check out these: 

• Japanese shopping etiquette
• Unusual facts about Japan
• Influential Japanese photographers
• Japanese urban legends
• Unique Japanese inventions

Cover image adapted from: ANNnewsCH