The Japanese police response to major criminal cases in remote areas is quite interesting. After the incident, the stationed officers rush to take a cursory look, provide some level of protection at the crime scene, followed by the local police box patrols arriving to cordon off and control the area. After that, detectives from the divisional police station arrive, but they show no intention of starting inquiries until daylight, when the elite detectives from the Asahikawa General Police Station's investigative section arrive. Then, they consolidate the personnel and begin the investigation into the case.
At least that's how it goes for major cases involving fatalities. The authority to investigate rests with the General Police Station, and the lower-ranking officers each stick to their roles, not daring to make presumptions for fear of being reprimanded.
