noun
civilian defense corps (Japan, 1932-1939)
Historical term for a civilian defense organization in early Shōwa Japan, similar to a volunteer fire and civil protection unit. Often referenced alongside 警防団.
See also: 警防団
防護団は戦前の日本で地域防災を担った組織の一つだ。
The Bōgodan was one of the organizations responsible for local disaster prevention in prewar Japan.
昭和初期、防護団と警防団が各地に設置された。
In the early Shōwa period, Bōgodan and Keibōdan were established in various places.
Compound of 防護 (bōgo, 'protection') and 団 (dan, 'group, corps'). The term refers to a specific historical organization and is not a general word for 'defense corps'.