Thousands of police officers will be deployed next week to enhance security in central Tokyo, as areas surrounding the Imperial Palace are expected to overflow with people celebrating the beginning of the new era on May 1.
Extra security measures to tackle potential threats and accidents will be implemented during Emperor Akihito's abdication on April 30 through the ascension of Crown Prince Naruhito on May 1.
"We will endeavor to create a peaceful environment for the Imperial ceremonies," Metropolitan Police Chief Masamitsu Miura told a meeting Wednesday. "We will not allow troublesome incidents to affect (them)."