Lockers at some JR, subway stations in Tokyo off limits during Obama's visit

I didn't realize the president will be taking the train. I assumed the embassy would provide him with a car.

"Safety Japan" campaign (!)

Budget cuts

I didn't realize the president will be taking the train. I assumed the embassy would provide him with a car.

He always afraid everywhere, why not also close all station toilet in Tokyo

Yeah and while you're at it, shut down three quarters of Akasaka as well (oh wait, this happened already last time). I'd like to send a bill for my lost time and money during his last visit to the American Embassy...

Well, then why not just shut down Tokyo? Shinjuku is now swarming with cops. I guess I should feel safe. But, evidently Tokyo does not feel safe having a US president visit. Interesting.

Can't either the Japanese or the Americans afford taxis?

The lockers don't necessarily have to be closed because they're a threat to the president. Isn't it possible for someone to commit an act of terror against Japanese citizens as a protest?

@paulinusa

The thing is that as terrible as a terror act against common citizens, that will not be as bad as if the Representative of a nations is killed during a visit to a foreign country.

Just imagine, that if ever the President of the U.S., suffers any form of attack that will be a MAJOR problem to the international relations. That's why there is so much care in this matter.

Simply reduces places to hide a bomb and of course, POTUS won't be riding any subways. If he'll be driving anywhere, they'll fly his limo here from the US on a C-5A. The logistics involved are pretty amazing.

The logistics involved are pretty amazing.

The unnecessary waste involved is even more amazing.

If either/both of the dear leaders would refrain from stirring up hate and disconent everywhere perhaps they wouldn't be so paranoid about their own safety. Leaders always have enemies. Bad leaders have more.

Haven't they heard of teleconferencing? Skype? This is such as waste of tax money. Both US and Japan. But I suppose it will be good for the expensive restaurants at the Ginza.

John your concept of "bad" and "good" may need to be revised.

For example, you can be a good leader and have the world against you... such as Adolf Hitler. And also you can be a terrible leader and be loved by every one.... like Jimmy Carter

Back on topic please.

I wonder just how many Tokyoites will be inconvenienced by the quasi-martial law. Will we see armed goons in uniforms prowling as well?

This is really typical for MOST leaders, especially the ones of countries considered to be "world powers", it may not all be publicized but it happens. People here are poking an empty bee hive with sticks.

Just be glad when Obama leaves we'll have our lockers back again. I use these lockers regularly so I know what a pain in the arse it will be to not have them available for most of a week. I am surprised though that in this day and age of nutters, we still have such easy access to these lockers though. I was reminded of that 'freedom' on a recent trip to Paris where one needed to have their items run through an airpoty style X-ray machine prior to having access to the locker rooms. Hopefully it never comes to that in Japan.

That's just ridiculous

Guess this explains the ridiculous number of police in the train stations since the end of last week. I very rarely use the lockers so this won't affect me, but have a terrible distrust of Japanese police so will be nice when this is over. Send them back to the kobans to show people directions on neighborhood maps.