Japanese police and government officials have taken part in a rehearsal for the Imperial procession scheduled for October 22 following Emperor Naruhito's enthronement ceremony.

Members of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and the Cabinet Office rehearsed their roles for about an hour on Sunday morning. Streets on the procession route were closed off.

A motorcade of about 50 vehicles, including police motorcycles with sidecars, proceeded at slow speed, on the right side of the street, which is the opposite side that cars normally drive on.

The parade on October 22 will start at the Imperial Palace and make its way to the Akasaka Estate, covering a route of about 4.6 kilometers.

The open-top limousine with the chrysanthemum emblem and the Imperial flag, which the Emperor and Empress will ride in for the parade, was not used in the rehearsal.

Barriers were set up along the streets to keep back spectators. Police lined the streets for security.

Officials say they checked the motorcade's speed and the distance between each vehicle. Police say they will continue preparations to ensure the parade is held smoothly.

A 74-year-old woman who lives nearby said there were more vehicles at the rehearsal than in a regular Imperial family motorcade. She said that security seems to be well-maintained and that she is hoping for the parade to take place without any incident.

NHK