Security in Tokyo tightened ahead of Trump visit
Police have launched tight security measures in the capital ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s first visit to Japan since his inauguration, scheduled for Nov 5-7.
Antiriot police officers gather in the square in front of the Imperial Palace Wednesday for a ceremony before going on special duty to tighten security in major facilities in Tokyo ahead of the visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: KYODO
The area under special security control includes Marunouchi, Otemachi, Yurakucho, Aoyama and Akasaka in Chiyoda and Minato wards.
Public trash cans in populated areas such as major train stations in the capital will be temporarily removed, with the sole exception of transparent plastic bags in some locations. Coin lockers will also be closed for public use during Trump’s three-day trip.
Other precaution measures include the suspension of construction work on rooftops in buildings in all targeted areas and an increased patrol, Sankei Shimbun reported.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police have mobilized over 10,000 police officers to patrol the capital during Trump’s stay, the largest number ever deployed for a U.S. presidential visit to Tokyo, NHK reported.
A man in his 20s commented that not being able to use lockers and trash cans is “very inconvenient,” but understandable in terms of preventing terrorism.
Trump will arrive on Sunday morning and play golf with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and pro Hideki Matsuyama at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture.
Abe and Trump will hold talks in Tokyo on Monday. After that, the U.S. president will meet with relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea. Later Monday, he and his wife Melania will meet Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Trump will leave Japan on Tuesday.
Ivanka Trump is escorted by U.S. Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty (2nd L) upon her arrival at Narita International Airport on Thursday. Photo: REUTERS/Issei Kato