Tokyo under Tight Security for Trump Visit

Tokyo, Oct. 27 (Jiji Press)–Tokyo is under tight security for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Japan from Monday, with up to some 18,000 police officers mobilized at key locations, including his accommodations and the U.S. Embassy. In response to a series of attacks on VIPs in Japan and abroad, the Metropolitan Police Department is prioritizing measures against lone offenders, who carry out terrorist acts by themselves. The department has set up a special security headquarters led by the deputy superintendent-general, aiming to prevent any such attacks. Recent years have seen major lone wolf attacks in Japan, including the 2022 fatal shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the 2023 bomb attack on then Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Molotov cocktails were thrown toward the headquarters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party in 2024. During Trump’s stay until Wednesday, the MPD will conduct vehicle checks and question individuals to prevent approach to important figures, as well as monitor social media for suspicious posts that may signal a threat of terrorism. While security dogs are deployed to search for explosives around Trump’s destinations and his accommodations, police have taken measures to prevent attacks from high places in view of the July 2024 sniper attack targeting Trump, including the deployment of personnel on rooftops and the closure of outside stairways. Explosives disposal, chemical protection and drone countermeasure units are also on standby to respond to emergencies. During the visit, traffic restrictions will be in place on Metropolitan Expressway sections and other major roads in central Tokyo. At an MPD security meeting Friday, Superintendent-General Yuji Sakoda instructed attendees to provide security with utmost vigilance, saying, “Whether we can take the first step appropriately in the event of unexpected incidents depends on advance preparations.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]