In Japan, the first Fire brigade service (Hikeshi) was established during the Edo period, in 1629. Because of the constant threat of fire (the frequent Edo fires were called Edo no hana - flowers of Edo), the firemen were admired, considered heroes and represented on ukiyo-e paintings…
They are still very well respected and I found them cute represented on this manhole cover:

Firefighters Manhole Cover, Tokyo

EXIF Info:

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Quiet Time in Setagaya