The 302nd Military Police Company (第302保安警務中隊, Dai sanbyakuni hoan keimu chūtai) is a military unit of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), based in Tokyo. It is known for being a ceremonial guard of honor and public protection unit of the JGSDF.
In wartime situations, the company serves as a military police unit.
History
It was established in 1959, following a Cabinet Secretariat decision in August 1957 determining that the SDF would established a Special Guard of Honor. Its first honor guard ceremony was held 1 October 1957, when the company honored Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi during a military parade in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Three days later, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru became the first to receive a guard of honor as a foreign guest.[2]
In October 2015, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held an award ceremony at the Prime Minister's Office, during which he said "...that Japan’s Special Guard of Honor is the best in the world".[5]
During ceremonies in the Special Guard of Honor, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band reinforces the company.[1] In addition a platoon of buglers from the JGSDF reinforces the company during military parades to provide additional accompaniment.