Japan police step up security before Pope's visit

Nov 23, 2019 | News On Japan

Nov 23, 2019 (NHK) - Some 10,000 police officers are on standby as Japan gets ready for Pope Francis's visit from Saturday.

The Pope is the first head of the Roman Catholic Church to visit the country in 38 years.

On Sunday, the pontiff will visit the atomic-bombed cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. He will meet with Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo the following day, and hold a Mass at Tokyo Dome.

The police in Tokyo and the prefectures of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are to mobilize their officers during the visit.

In Tokyo on Friday, officers were seen checking trash cans and ditches at a highway rest stop.

Heavy security will be in place around the Vatican embassy in central Tokyo, where the Pope will stay.

Officers will also be deployed to other places where he will visit. They plan to inspect vehicles passing by.

The police are sending special squads to deal with suspicious drones. Armed counter terror units and water-scooter units will also be patrolling.

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