You may have wondered, as have I, just what the story is with the impressively imposing security guards that seem ever-present at events like this one. In Japan they exist as a regular fixture at Summer raves and concerts throughout the year, but are a conspicuous presence not by virtue of their security garb (today being black t-shirt and camouflage, with jump boots down below), but rather by their almost complete incongruity with the scene around them.
For the most part they look like off-duty marines, hair cut short in a tell-tale high-and-tight, and way too fit from too many laps around the prefecture. And big. Akebono-big. Block your view big. Big enough to make you want to ask, "So, where are you from, anyway?"
So I did, after a bit of fretting over whether or not it would get me into trouble. The gentlemen I met were apparently assigned to the space between the Main Stage and the food court. I approached them, and they welcomed me with only a hint of suspicion.
The security tonight comes courtesy of TNSI, or Tribal Nation Security Inc., a Nevada-based private security firm with offices here in Japan. They are retained by events organizers (like Smash) to maintain the peace and keep the mashing to a minimum. However, in Japan they end up with more free time than anything else, with the crowds here so consistently well-behaved that your run-of-the-mill brawl--or even harsh words between agitated strangers--are almost unheard-of. When asked if they ever have to deal problems here, they replied that Tokyo and much of rural Japan are quite well-behaved.
Osaka, however, is another story altogether, and the biggest problem they face there is with people picking fights with them *specifically*. And although they may look like they're in the service, many of them come from law enforcement and other backgrounds, and keep "the look" because it works best for the job. And, surprisingly, they are not hired based of size or any particular hand-to-hand combats skills.
More important than this, the security manager informed me, is personality, and the ability to resolve problem *without* resorting to physical means. Makes sense to me, particularly here in Japan. When not doing gigs like Magic Rock Out they can be found handling fashion shows or performing personal bodyguard services for local celebrities. Do they enjoy the work? Occasional boredom aside, the work is fun, and is a great way to enjoy shows and other events for *free*. you see them around, tilt your glass in their direction or just say hi. They're good folks.
