For the Japanese, "the sentry was the personification of the glory and power of the Japanese army, and woe befall those who did not pay proper respect to him." According to Clark Lee, the sentries "considered themselves representatives of Emperor Hirohito, and many foreigners had been slapped or clubbed for 'disrespectfully' smoking in front of Imperial Representatives."
In this context, the Japanese viewed their sentries as a symbol of military authority and power, with those who disrespected them facing consequences. Clark Lee noted that these guards considered themselves to be representatives of Emperor Hirohito, and many foreigners were disciplined for disrespecting the Imperial presence.