units were distinguished by a wreathed star in bronze worn on the headgear, in contrast to the plain five pointed star worn by other units. Gallery Imperial Guard of the National Police Agency After the disbandment of the Imperial guard divisions, their missions were merged into the , a civilian law enforcement branch of the Ministry of the Imperial Household. In 1947, it was reorganized into the of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, and then transferred to the . After several renaming, it became the in 1949. With the total reconstruction of the Japanese police systems in 1954, it became a part of the National Police Agency. At present, it consists of over 900 security police personnel who provide personal security for the Emperor, Crown Prince and other members of the Imperial Family, as well as protection of imperial properties, including the Tokyo Imperial Palace, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Katsura Imperial Villa, Shugakuin Imperial Villa (both in Kyoto), Shosoin Imperial Repository in Nara, as well as Hayama Imperial Villa and Nasu Imperial Villa. The Imperial Guard also maintains a 14 horse mounted police unit for use by guards of honour at state ceremonies. In addition to their security duties, the Imperial Guard is also responsible for fire-fighting within the grounds of the Palace, and maintains fire engines and trained staff of this purpose. The NPA Imperial Guards wear a dark blue or a blue-grey police uniform with white gloves while on duty with peaked caps for public duties activities. They also wear white pistol belts, lanyards, helmets, boot laces or leggings. They carry police rank insignia in their shoulder boards. Gallery See also Bodyguard Imperial guard Manchukuo Imperial Guards Imperial Japanese Army References Madej, W. Victor, Japanese Armed Forces Order of Battle, 1937-1945 [2 vols] Allentown, PA: 1981 External links Official NPA IG page Former guards regiments Guards Divisions of Japan Police units of the National Police Agency (Japan) Military history of Japan Military units and formations established in 1867 Military units and formations of the Imperial Japanese Army Royal guards