Unusual Antique Japanese Cash Till or Ballot Box

Unusual little antique Japanese box with a slotted lid for use as a cash till or possibly a ballot box. Looks to be made of elm, probably around 1910. The top section lifts off. There's a metal lock on the front but unfortunately we have no key: it's a type we don't use here but perhaps one could be found. Perhaps a decorative object more than a useful one though maybe you can think of something.