The Akasaka Imperial Gardens in the afternoon were bathed in golden sunlight. Although the cherry blossom trees on the outskirts had long passed their blooming season, the branches and leaves remained lush, with clusters of tourists holding cameras queued up at the entrance.
There were still three hours left before the official start of the autumn garden party. Security personnel had already been deployed, with many plainclothes officers mingling among the crowd, their eyes occasionally scanning the backpacks of those in line.
Since the last time Xiao Anzi was attacked, the top levels in Japan have become particularly wary of their own security. The security at this Imperial Family garden party has become stricter with each passing year.
