Tokyo Throws a Big Security Bash for Reiwa
All eyes are on the Imperial Palace as Japan gears up for the start of a brand‑new era. Crown Prince Naruhito is about to step onto the Chrysanthemum Throne, and the city is sprinkling extra guard dogs and scuba divers into the mix.
Why the Extra Vigilance?
- The throne will change hands this Wednesday, following his dad Emperor Akihito’s farewell and the curtain‑down on 31 years of Heisei.
- Police around the 115‑hectare palace grounds are on high alert: officers are probing every bush with steel sticks, while canine units do their sniff‑and‑sniff routine.
- Divers are diving into the moats that hug the palace, making sure no funny business hides in the murky water.
Parking the Police in the Royal Domain
The Akasaka royal estate, where Naruhito’s official residence sits, is also getting a serious security makeover. A police source, who preferred to remain nameless, said: “We’re tightening up to thwart any illegal shenanigans, including terrorism, around the palace, the Akasaka property, and the streets that lead there.”
Public Access: Less, More Security
The plaza in front of the palace will be shut down during the abdication and ascension moments. And on Thursday, when the new emperor hits the big screen, thousands of police officers will be on duty to keep a giant crowd of good‑luck folks safe.
A Word from the Plazas
Mariko Hiratsuka, 36, who takes a weekly jog around the palace with a buddy, says the scene feels “different” with far more cops in sight. “I feel like there are more police officers today. I see way more people than usual,” she laughed.
Knife News? Police Keep It Quiet
After police turned down the floor to a rumor about knives found on Prince Hisahito’s classroom desk, the story was still a topic in the local media. Security footage reportedly showed a man in a construction vest sneaking onto the junior high grounds in Tokyo, a fact unveiled by Kyodo News citing the police.
So you can enjoy the novelty of a new era—just be ready for extra guard dogs, scuba divers, and a chill vibe around the palace.
