G7 host Japan on high-alert over terrorism threat

Japan is on high-alert ahead of a Group of Seven summit with thousands of police on the streets of Tokyo and fanning out across the country as authorities boost security to unprecedented levels.

The annual event, which takes place on Thursday and Friday, draws leaders from some of the world’s richest nations, including US President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Host Japan said it is taking no chances in the wake of the Paris and Brussels terror attacks, and Fukushima’s operator said Tuesday that work at the crippled nuclear plant would be suspended during the talks. Up to 70,000 police are being deployed before the two-day meeting of the club of rich nations, with about one-third of the officers headed to Ise-Shima, an area between Tokyo and Osaka that is hosting the event. Thousands of other police will be on hand in Hiroshima when US President Barack Obama makes an historic visit to the atomic-bombed city on Friday, the National Police Agency said. Dustbins have also been removed or sealed and use of coin-operated lockers blocked at train and subway stations in the capital and areas around the venue site.