Tokyo’s Shibuya District Mayor Urges Halloween Revelers to Refrain from Visiting

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The chief municipal official of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district has issued a plea for people to avoid coming to the area for Halloween festivities. The request stems from concerns that a large influx of celebrants in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic could result in a calamity akin to last year’s deadly stampede in Seoul, South Korea.

“In no uncertain terms, we are declaring that Shibuya is not the designated location for Halloween activities this year,” announced Mayor Ken Hasebe during a press briefing on Thursday. “I strongly urge everyone to refrain from gathering around the Shibuya station for Halloween purposes.”

While acknowledging the global popularity of Halloween as a joyful occasion, Mayor Hasebe warned that a catastrophic event like the one that led to approximately 160 fatalities in Seoul’s Itaewon district last year could very well occur in Shibuya. “An incident as tragic as the one in Itaewon is a looming possibility here,” he cautioned.

The area around Shibuya’s train station, commonly known as the “scramble crossing” due to the high volume of foot traffic, has become an increasingly sought-after location for Halloween enthusiasts—both local residents and tourists alike. Although attendance dwindled during the pandemic, last year saw the streets of Shibuya filled once again during the holiday. Mayor Hasebe expressed a heightened sense of urgency, fearing that this year’s crowd size could surpass even last year’s numbers. “We are deeply concerned that we may not be able to guarantee the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors,” he stated.

In a proactive measure to control crowds and maintain public safety, the city of Shibuya is significantly increasing the presence of security personnel and administrative officials. These officials will be deployed to enforce a municipal ordinance prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in the vicinity of the train station, effective from October 27 to October 31. Additionally, vehicular traffic will be subject to restrictions during nighttime and early morning hours for that duration, according to the city of Shibuya.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shibuya District Halloween Warning

More about Shibuya District Halloween Warning

• Shibuya District Official Website
• Tokyo Municipal Government COVID-19 Updates
• Seoul’s Itaewon District Crowd Surge Incident Report
• Japan National Police Agency: Public Safety Guidelines
• World Health Organization: COVID-19 Public Safety Measures