Yet another policeman on a short step ladder

 

Why does this combination, of uniformed authority and short ladders, always slay me?

Another view of Albert’s favorite Imperial heat

There’s something in the way he holds his megaphone, no?

 

Sun never sets on sacred Japan

Is this my future? At least us oldies and wierdos visiting the Emperor for his new year’s declaration don’t need to be bothered by “normal” families and young people.

Alas, this is the end of the Imperial Palace visit series when my ostensible purpose was to listen to the Emperor’s address and admire the princesses. Mostly, I watched the police and felt communion with the assorted freaks and foreigners in attendance.

Does his red braid match his pedestal carpet?

One of my favorite of all the many types of guards at the Imperial Palace. Who coordinated the outfit with the pedestal? Love it!!

Two types of police at the entry gate to the Imperial Palace

The trench coat guys are super creepy. I love how the white gloved, white megaphone po-po are wearing combat boots. Just in case the crowd turns ugly?

The crowd’s excitement on entering normally forbidden territory is contagious.

Police are looking busy at Imperial Palace, Part II

Have I mentioned that visiting the Emperor on his twice a year speeches is extremely satisfying for those who enjoy seeing men in uniform?

Police are looking busy at Imperial Palace

A flock of Japanese police, especially when assigned to the Imperial Palace, perfectly captures the appearance of being busy. I think the men are as stylized and ordered as the luxuriously pruned black pine garden behind them.

Piggy rolls out empty wheelchair at Imperial Palace

The empty police wheelchair, vast expanse of pavement, the many varieties of unnecessary police trucks in the background. Somehow this image captures the grandeur and emptiness of opening the Imperial Palace to the public two days per year.

Hot cop is protecting Emperor, and all of his subjects

For those unmoved by emperors and princesses, one of the most re-assuring and pleasurable sites at the Emperor’s address on January 2 of each year is the extravagant display of uniformed protection. With his yellow analog megaphone, white gloves, and pillowy lips, this policeman is welcome to tell me what to do.