During the Qajar dynasty, the 19th-century king of Persia, Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar, implemented a petition box system, called “sanduq-i ‘adalat,” or “the box of justice.” The move came about in an effort to quell criticism of his ministers by encouraging a system of direct response.

( Only Tokugawa reportedly had a key.)Īnother early implementation came from what is now modern day Iran. He is often credited as the first person to implement a suggestion box system, called meyasubako, around 1721, placing them outside of Edo Castle. One such figure is Yoshimune Tokugawa, a shōgun who ruled Japan as part of the Tokugawa shogunate during the 18th century. The origin of the suggestion box is somewhat hazy-though there are some sources that frequently get credit for its creation and popularity. (via MangaUpdates) Where did the suggestion box come from, anyway? See that box she’s holding? It’s a Meyasubako, or suggestion box.