In preparation for U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to Japan from Sunday, the Metropolitan Police Department will be on full alert primarily in central Tokyo, deploying about 18,000 officers --- the highest level in 20 years for the protection of a prominent person.
To guard Ivanka Trump --- the president's daughter and adviser, who arrived on Thursday afternoon --- female officers from the plainclothes unit of the riot squad are being deployed for the first time.
"We want them to protect prominent people and utilize their perspective as women," said Haruyuki Kamatani, head of the the MPD's first security division.
Terror alerts at "soft targets" will also be increased, with the Emergency Response Team (ERT) on standby.
Members of the public will be prohibited from using baggage lockers at train stations, among other security measures.
"A series of terrorist attacks have occurred overseas, and tensions are growing over North Korea. We need the greatest security," said an MPD executive with a serious expression.
The last time about 18,000 officers were deployed in Tokyo alone was when then U.S. President George W. Bush visited Japan in 2002, a year after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.
