News Emperor Naruhito reviews Imperial Guard Police

[thomas]

I'd never heard of Japan's Imperial Guard Police (皇宮警察本部 Kōgū Keisatsu Honbu), a specialised police force under the NPA that protects the Emperor, Empress, Imperial Family, and Imperial properties, notably the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Its duties centre on the close personal protection of the Imperial Family, routine security and patrols within Imperial Palace grounds, the guarding of gates and ceremonial routes, and the maintenance of security during state visits, imperial ceremonies, and other official functions. Within Imperial estates, its officers also conduct investigations and exercise full law-enforcement authority, operating as a full police force rather than a purely symbolic guard.

The organisation's roots lie in the Imperial Guard (近衛) of the Meiji period, which was a body with clear military features. Following the Second World War, it was restructured into a civilian police organisation, in line with Japan's post-war constitutional framework and the Emperor's depoliticised status. As a result, what is often referred to as Japan's "Imperial Guard" is neither a ceremonial unit nor a military force, but a highly trained and specialised police service devoted exclusively to the security and protection of the Imperial Family and imperial property.

Last Friday, saw the annual New Year review ceremony, held in front of the imperial family.

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The organisation traces its origins to 1886, when it was established under the former Imperial Household Ministry as the Imperial Guard Police Station. It later became an affiliated body of the National Police Agency and is now known as the Imperial Guard Police Headquarters. Based within the Imperial Palace grounds, it operates guard stations that function similarly to regular police stations at locations including the Akasaka Estate. The force has about 900 personnel. Its core missions are to provide close protection for the Emperor, the Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family, and to secure the Imperial Palace and related facilities. Officers may accompany members of the Imperial Family on official visits to regional areas or overseas, and also provide protection during private activities such as skiing, hiking, and tennis. The unit's training is shaped by past incidents, including a 1975 attack in Okinawa when a firebomb was thrown during a visit by the then Crown Prince and Crown Princess, now Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. Imperial Guard Police officers responded by evacuating the couple and managing the situation. More recently, in 2026, a man was arrested on suspicion of public indecency near the end of the New Year's general public greeting at the Imperial Palace. Officers quickly restrained the suspect, preventing disruption to the event's proceedings. Although Japan once had an Imperial Guard, the military was abolished after World War II, and the Self-Defence Forces do not play a role in protecting the Imperial Family. As a result, the Imperial Guard Police remains a rare example of a police organisation serving as the primary shield for the nation's royals.

Emperor Attends Annual Review Of Japan’s Elite Guards

Japan’s Imperial Guard Police, a little-known force tasked with protecting the Imperial Family and guarding key palace facilities, is marking its 140th anniversary this year, with attention turning to the frontline officers who train daily for emergencies and operate with what they describe as a...

newsonjapan.com

Emperor and family watch Imperial Guard's New Year review ceremony

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko watched the Imperial Guard's New Year review ceremony ...

www.ntv.co.jp

Imperial Guard (Japan) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

サイトマップ | 皇宮警察本部-IMPERIAL GUARD HEADQUARTERS-

皇宮警察本部は、日本の象徴である天皇陛下をはじめ、皇族各殿下の護衛や皇居、御所、御用邸などの警備を専門に行う警察です。

www.npa.go.jp

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

The Imperial Guard's Mounted Unit:
A Day in the Life of a Female Imperial Guard Officer Protecting the Imperial Family
From the "Ceremonial Stage" of Credential Presentations to Daily Training with Horses
A Devoted Horse Lover with Awards in Equestrian Competitions

Did you know that within the Imperial Guard, which protects Japan's Imperial Family, there is a mounted unit? We followed the daily life of a female Imperial Guard officer who trains side by side with her horse every day.
Earlier this month, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, along with Princess Aiko, stayed in Izu for rest and recuperation for the first time in six years.
Princess Aiko:
"We've met before, haven't we?"
Watching over the interaction discreetly, so as not to interfere, were individuals wearing jackets. They are Imperial Guard officers, responsible for protecting the Imperial Family.
On a day in May, standing guard at a gate of the Imperial Palace was Chief Police Sergeant Eishin Nakano (27), now in her sixth year as an Imperial Guard officer. She normally works at a guard station inside the Palace, carrying out security duties. Politely assisting tourists and visitors is also an important part of her role.
Sergeant Nakano:
"I always carry a strong sense of mission—that I am protecting Their Majesties at close range—when performing my daily security duties."
But Sergeant Nakano has another side.
Sergeant Nakano:
"Yukikaze likes having his neck touched."
This is the riding ground inside the Imperial Palace. Sergeant Nakano is also a member of the Imperial Guard's Mounted Unit, and she trains diligently, even using her days off.
For the Mounted Unit, there is an especially important 'ceremonial stage.' Entering the Imperial Palace is a ceremonial carriage carrying a newly appointed foreign ambassador. The Mounted Unit is tasked with escorting the procession for the Presentation of Credentials, during which the ambassador presents their letter of credence to His Majesty the Emperor.
Large crowds gather along the route, and the horses can become excited. Training is conducted with real-life conditions in mind.
Sergeant Nakano (calling out):
"Please step back! It's dangerous! Please step back!"
One wrong move could lead to a fall or a serious accident. Day after day, she hones her skills and concentration.
We visited the dormitory where Sergeant Nakano lives. Everywhere you look—horses, horses, and more horses.
Sergeant Nakano:
"Before I knew it, I loved horses so much that whenever I see something horse-related, I end up buying it."
She has practiced equestrian sports since childhood and has placed in numerous competitions. Her desire to become an Imperial Guard officer stemmed from wanting to put that experience to good use.
Then comes the day of the actual ceremony. On this day, the Presentation of Credentials for the Costa Rican ambassador is held.
Senior Officer:
"There may be large crowds along the route. The horses could become excited, so please remain calm and respond appropriately."
They head to the stables. The horse Sergeant Nakano rides that day is Hakurei, a nine-year-old former racehorse.
Sergeant Nakano:
"I want to help the horse relax, so I'll just do what I always do and ride as naturally as possible."
In front of Tokyo Station, large numbers of tourists wait with smartphones in hand. It is a tense moment for the horses. Sergeant Nakano gently strokes Hakurei's neck, as if reassuring the horse, saying, "It's okay."
At 10:00 a.m., the carriage procession solemnly departs from Tokyo Station.
As Sergeant Nakano surveys her surroundings, the procession is temporarily halted to allow an ambulance to pass. Without breaking formation, the horses soon resume their march.
About ten minutes after departure, the ceremonial carriage safely arrives at the Imperial Palace, where His Majesty the Emperor awaits. Sergeant Nakano's important duty is complete.
Sergeant Nakano:
"I feel relieved that everything ended safely without incident. An ambulance passed by, and I'm glad I noticed it and was able to alert others."
Sergeant Nakano has also appeared on the Imperial Guard's official Instagram account, which launched this year, alongside her horse. With pride and a strong sense of duty in her heart, the young guard officer continues, quietly and steadfastly, to protect the safety of the Imperial Family today as well.

皇室を守る皇宮警察「騎馬隊」女性皇宮護衛官の日常　“晴れの場”信任状捧呈式、馬と訓練　大の馬好き、馬術大会入賞も（2025年8月9日掲載）｜日テレNEWS NNN

皇室を守る「皇宮警察」。その中に「騎馬隊」があるのをご存じでしょうか？　馬とともに日々、訓練に励む女性皇宮護衛官の日常を追いました。

news.ntv.co.jp

 

[mdchachi]

I knew there are horses in there because my office overlooked the palace about 30 years ago. I always assumed they were for recreational use. Now I don't remember if I ever saw anybody riding them or not.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

I would like to introduce some reference materials that explain the salary and benefits of Imperial Guard officers, as well as the examinations required to become an Imperial Guard officer.

皇宮護衛官になるには？試験内容・倍率・給料や平均年収を解説 | 公務inブログ

国家公務員の警察官になるためには、「皇宮護衛官採用試験（大卒程度試験）」又は、「皇宮護衛官採用試験（高卒程度試験）」に合格することで、警察庁に属する皇宮警察本部の皇宮護衛官として採用されます。

blog.koumu-in.jp

Imperial Guard (Kōgū Keisatsu) of Japan
Salary, Benefits, and How to Become an Imperial Guard Officer
1. What is the Imperial Guard?

The Imperial Guard of Japan is a special branch of the National Police Agency.
Its officers, called Imperial Guard Officers, are responsible for:
Protecting the Emperor, Empress, and other members of the Imperial Family
Guarding the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the Akasaka Estate, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and other imperial facilities
Providing security during official ceremonies and state events
They are national public servants and have law-enforcement authority, similar to police officers, but with a highly specialized mission.

2. Salary and Income

Imperial Guard officers are paid under the Public Security Pay Scale, which is higher than the standard civil-service scale.
Average Income
Average annual income: approx. 6.5–6.7 million yen
Average monthly salary (including allowances): approx. 390,000–400,000 yen

Starting Salary (approx.)
University graduates: around 300,000 yen per month (including allowances)
High-school graduates: around 250,000 yen per month
Note: Actual pay varies depending on location (Tokyo allowances), rank, family status, and years of service.

3. Benefits and Working Conditions

As national government employees, Imperial Guard officers receive strong benefits:
Paid annual leave and special leave (marriage, bereavement, etc.)
Childcare and family-care leave
Government health insurance and pension
Official housing (single or family dormitories) near duty stations
Regular salary increases based on seniority and promotion
The job is physically and mentally demanding, but very stable.

4. How to Become an Imperial Guard Officer

To become an Imperial Guard officer, you must pass the Imperial Guard Recruitment Examination.
Recruitment Categories
University-level examination
High-school-level examination
(Some years also include special categories, but these two are standard.)

5. Examination Process
Stage 1
Written examination (general aptitude, reading comprehension, logic)
Essay or short written composition

Stage 2
Personal interview
Physical fitness test (running, agility, strength)
Medical examination (vision, hearing, general health)
Applicants must:
Be Japanese citizens
Meet age limits (varies by exam type)
Meet physical standards required for security work

6. Training

After passing the exam, recruits attend the Imperial Guard Training School.
University graduates: approx. 6 months
High-school graduates: approx. 10 months
Training includes:
Criminal law and police procedures
Arrest techniques
Firearms training
Martial arts (judo / kendo)
Drill, discipline, and ceremonial duties

7. Career and Assignments

Main postings are in Tokyo, but assignments may include Kyoto, Nara, or imperial villas
Duties range from close protection to ceremonial guard service
Promotion follows the national civil-service rank system

8. Summary
Item Details
Status National public servant (law enforcement)
Average income ~6.6 million yen/year
Starting salary ~250,000–300,000 yen/month
Recruitment Written exam + interview + physical test
Training 6–10 months
Mission Protection of the Imperial Family