Tokyo's Shibuya District Implements Strict Measures to Curb Unruly Halloween Gatherings, Bans Alcohol Consumption

Officials express concern over repeat of fatal crowd crush in Seoul, enforce wider security measures, urge visitors and residents to avoid public gatherings.

• In response to unruly Halloween gatherings, drinking is forbidden on the streets of Tokyo's Shibuya district from October 27 to October 31, with city officials striving to prevent a repeat of last year's deadly crowd crush in Seoul.
• The famed statue of Hachi in Shibuya, a popular meeting spot, has been cordoned off as part of the new measures aimed at discouraging visitors during this year's Halloween weekend.
• Authorities are concerned that the ease of COVID-19 restrictions might lead to a large number of partygoers and tourists filling the streets and potentially causing disasters similar to that in Seoul.
• During this period, security will be beefed up, shops and eateries will close early, and traffic restrictions will be in place at night and in the early morning hours to aid in crowd control.
• Authorities have raised concerns over the recent trend of young people drinking on the streets of Shibuya, especially during Halloween, which has resulted in vandalism, major littering, and noise issues.

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