TANBASASAYAMA, Hyogo Prefecture—A pair of dummies in law enforcement are tirelessly promoting traffic safety here.
The “police officers” serving and protecting beside the northbound lane of National Route 176 near Minami-Yashiro Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line are actually dolls.
They were created by Mamoru Miyata, 50, the owner of M-Class Garden, a company that sells, rents and manufactures animal sculptures in Sanda in the prefecture.
He set up the police dummies on his own property along with a fake patrol car in early May in hopes of preventing traffic accidents along the long, straight road that runs through a school zone.
The male doll is seated in front of a speed radar, while his female partner stands near the car.
The dummies do not have to worry about getting arrested for impersonating real police officers.
Miyata consulted with the Hyogo prefectural police headquarters and received approval for the displays.
According to prefectural police, the fake black and white patrol car also poses no problem since it does not display any specific police department names or markings.
In fact, the word “PEACE” is written instead of “POLICE” on the vehicle’s side.
The officer dolls are so lifelike they can’t be distinguished as fake unless observed closely, although the female’s miniskirt uniform isn’t exactly standard issue.
The portable speed camera was made by stacking two tin cans together and painting them white.
Adding a touch of whimsy to the scene are giraffe and panda sculptures placed near the patrol car.
The installation has already gone viral on social media and is having the desired safety effect. Motorcyclists and other drivers slow down or even stop to take photos of the dolls.
Miyata said he hopes his creations will not only make the roads safer but also liven up the community.
by Wild_Ebb5097
