Japan: Electronic device checks launched by airlines amid tightened security

Major Japanese airlines Tuesday began implementing tighter airport security measures on US-bound passengers, checking for explosives planted in personal computers and other electronic devices. Passengers are randomly selected before they board aircraft for the new screening procedures launched in response to a U.S. request and covering carry-on electronic devices bigger than smartphones, including PCs, tablet computers, e-book readers and cameras, airport officials said. Normal-sized smartphones and cellphones are not subject to the tests, which are held behind closed doors. It was not immediately known how many airports are involved. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, seven airports — Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, New Chitose, Sendai and Fukuoka — have direct flights to the United States. No incidents related to the enhanced security measures have been reported by JAL or ANA, the nation’s two largest airline companies. Passengers at both Narita and Haneda, the two major gateways to the Tokyo metropolitan area, seemed to have no knowledge of the tighter screening.<br/>