Guarding imperial grounds, and looking sharp

I wonder if this guard is trained to defend the imperial grounds, or to simply look good in a suit? Those eyebrows are sharp enough to cut a winter tomato.

New Year Parade of Police at Imperial Palace

On January 2 and December 23, the Imperial Palace opens its moated gates to the public, who are given plastic flags that are later recycled. A mix of monarchists and the just curious are herded in front of the largest ceremonial hall to witness the emperor give a five minute speech where he solemnly informs us that he is praying for our health and for peace.

What of course no one tells you is that this is the ultimate police fetish event of the year! So many types to choose from: Palace guards, regular police, policemen on step stools (a personal fetish of mine), police in boats, black trench police in front of numerous buses, even some uniformed horse rider. Here’s some of my best shots.

Many, many more police images after the jump. Mark your calendar for the next display of police authority!

Yoko Ono still “out there”

Just slightly older than my mother, Yoko Ono continues being fabulous and creative. Great article profiles her life (school with imperial family members), haiku writer at 4 and a half years old, conceptual musician and then artist. With son Sean Lennon as producer, she’s just released a new album, “Between my head and the sky.”

And, as the photo attests, she’s not shy about revealing some decolletage!