Busy Shibuya urges visitors to behave for HalloweenーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Shibuya Crossing: A famous intersection in Tokyo, a popular gathering spot, especially for Halloween.
• Halloween Restrictions: Measures implemented by Shibuya Ward officials to manage crowds and prevent disruptive behavior during Halloween.
• Public Safety: The primary concern driving the restrictions.
• Troublesome Behavior: Actions like vandalism, causing disturbances, and excessive revelry that officials aim to prevent.
• Alcohol Ban: Prohibition of public drinking and suspension of alcohol sales by retailers in certain areas.
• Crowd Control: Use of barriers and traffic restrictions to manage pedestrian flow and prevent overcrowding.
• Kabuki Cho: An entertainment district in Shinjuku that also implemented similar restrictions.

Shibuya Ward's Halloween Management Efforts

1. Context and Motivation: Shibuya Ward in Tokyo is implementing measures to limit disruptive behavior during Halloween, a period that has seen "hair-raising behavior" in recent years. The primary goal is to ensure public safety and a more controlled, less "troublesome" Halloween experience.

2. Specific Restrictions and Measures:

• Signage: Signs have been posted in multiple languages urging visitors not to create a "troublesome Halloween like last year."
• Barriers: Barriers have been erected around the famous Hachiko statue to reduce crowding and prevent vandalism.
• Alcohol Restrictions:
  • Public drinking has been banned in certain streets during evening hours since the previous year.
  • For this Halloween, officials have requested retailers to suspend alcohol sales.
• Traffic Restrictions: Traffic, including the use of rented e-scooters, will be restricted near Shibuya Station.
• Focus on Intent: Shibuya's mayor, Cuya, stated a desire for people to enjoy themselves "as long as they come with good intentions," aiming to differentiate between "good and troublesome behavior."

3. Rationale for Increased Scrutiny: Officials are particularly concerned about potential "record-sized crowds" this year, especially with the number of foreign travelers increasing. They aim to prevent a repeat of past incidents.

4. Visitor Reactions: Despite the restrictions and a less festive atmosphere, some visitors are understanding. One visitor commented, "Positive direction, right? Like we like public safety above everything else." Others still expressed a desire to experience Halloween in Shibuya, with one stating, "I heard very good things about Halloween in Shibuya. Hopefully, we come back here all in our costumes."

5. Comparison to Past Events: The current measures are a response to incidents that occurred seven years ago when people in costumes caused trouble in downtown Shibuya.

6. Similar Measures in Shinjuku: In addition to Shibuya, Shinjuku Ward has also restricted drinking and large gatherings in its Kabuki Cho area to ensure a peaceful night.

7. Potential Impact of Weather: The report notes that rain is forecast for the evening, which could potentially turn popular Halloween spots into "ghost towns."

Conclusion

Shibuya Ward is taking a proactive approach to manage its Halloween celebrations by implementing a series of restrictions focused on public safety and preventing disruptive behavior. These measures include signage, physical barriers, alcohol bans, and traffic control, reflecting a desire to curb the excesses seen in previous years and ensure a more orderly event, even as some visitors express understanding and continued interest in experiencing Shibuya's Halloween atmosphere.