When & why do they call for a Japanese policeman in Russia?

The expression “Японский городовой!” (“Yaponskiy gorodovoy!” or "Japanese policeman!") appeared in Russian after an assassination attempt on the future Emperor Nicholas II. Six years before his coronation, the tsesarevich embarked on a grand eastern journey and arrived in Japan in Spring 1891.

The visit was closely watched: It was the first time the heir to the throne of a foreign state had visited the country. But, in the city of Otsu, something incredible happened: a local policeman by the name of Tsuda Sanzo, standing in the cordon, suddenly attacked the tsesarevich and swung his sword towards Nicholas’ head.

Luckily, the tsarevich swerved and the blow was not fatal – it only struck glancingly. Nicholas received stitches and a bandage. Sanzo, who ended up getting caught after fleeing, subsequently told the court that he believed the tsarevich to be a Russian spy. And, a few days later, the Russian squadron left Japan, taking with them the dramatic story of a desperate Japanese policeman (or ‘gorodovoy’, as lower-ranking police officers were called in Russia).

In the early 20th century, the image of a Japanese policeman was often used to emphasize the sudden, unexpected and incredible occurrence of something. Over time, it became a popular expression to replace profanity.