Abe orders tighter security at Japan's airports, subways

Following the recent terrorist attacks in Belgium, the Japanese government will step up measures to tighten security in airports and subways.

The government is also working with other countries to release a joint statement that strongly condemns terrorism during the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting to be held in the city of Hiroshima from April 10, according to sources.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference on Wednesday that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe gave orders to enforce security and vigilance in the country in response to the latest attack.

Police, railway firms and other entities have already strengthened security in preparation for the summit meeting to be held in the Ise-Shima area of Mie Prefecture in May.

At the press conference, Suga went over the details of the security measures to be taken, such as reinforcing airport patrols and having police officers on board Shinkansen trains. "We will keep a close watch, cooperating with the police, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, and companies," he said.

Meanwhile, Abe asked Tokyo Metro Co. Chairman Masafumi Yasutomi to cooperate with the police. To this, Yasutomi replied, "We'll do our utmost."

As chair of the foreign ministers' meeting, Japan is planning to address the terrorist attacks in France last November and other incidents in a joint statement now being drafted by the participating countries. According to a source close to the Japanese government, it is now in discussion with other countries to include words condemning the terrorist attacks in Belgium.