Source:
https://scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3016613/osaka-g20-summit-security-measure-removing-sanitary-towel-bins
Asia/ East Asia

G20 Osaka security measure: removing sanitary towel bins in Tokyo, 450km away

  • Tens of thousands of police have been mobilised for meeting of world leaders and state schools were closed from Thursday in Osaka
Police officers on standby for a security check near the venue of the G20 Summit in Osaka. Photo: EPA

Sanitary towel bins were removed from women’s toilets in some subway and train stations in Tokyo as part of counterterrorism measures during the G20 summit, which is currently taking place in Osaka, some 450km west of the Japanese capital, local media reported on Saturday.

“I cannot really believe this,” journalist Hajime Shiraishi tweeted, referring to the removal of the sanitary towel bins. “Will sanitary bins disappear from Tokyo during the Tokyo Olympics [in 2020]?”

A policeman keeping an eye on commuters at JR Osaka Station. Photo: Kyodo
A policeman keeping an eye on commuters at JR Osaka Station. Photo: Kyodo

Japan boosted the police presence in Osaka, introducing heavy traffic restrictions and removing bins from train and subway stations.

Sanitary bins were also removed from some stations in the western city, broadcaster NHK reported.

As the G20 leaders gathered to Osaka, tens of thousands of police were mobilised and public schools were closed from Thursday in the city.