Security tightened in Tokyo ahead of G7 Hiroshima Summit

Tokyo police are tightening security in the Japanese capital, one week before the Group of Seven summit opens in the western city of Hiroshima on May 19.

More officers are now on patrol at Haneda Airport's international terminal. Members of the airport's anti-terrorism unit are among those being called up. The officers are using Segways to move around, and checking trash cans for suspicious objects.

Tokyo is far from the summit venue, but police in the capital are vigilant, as past terrorist attacks on international events have targeted distant cities.

Tokyo police are focusing on so-called soft targets, which include airports and railway stations that draw large crowds.

They have also stationed more officers at foreign embassies and other important facilities.

The head of Haneda Airport's police station, Ikeda Yasuo, says although citizens may feel inconvenienced, he hopes they will understand that the stepped-up security is aimed at preventing terrorism.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230512_23/