In Tokyo, the governments of Shinjuku and Shibuya Wards have jointly requested that people refrain from attending Halloween festivities this year, following a similar plea made by Shibuya last Halloween. Heightened concerns over public disorder and street drinking have prompted authorities to take strong actions, including dispersing crowds anticipated on October 31.
Shinjuku’s Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi expressed his disapproval of Halloween celebrations, stating that they result in disturbances and littering. The previous Halloween, marked as the first after the pandemic restrictions were eased, saw Shibuya prepared for as many as 60,000 attendees, yet only about 15,000 showed up. In contrast, the Kabukicho district in Shinjuku saw an influx of revelers, which led to an increase in litter that staff had to address.
In efforts to manage celebrations, Shinjuku has put in place new regulations prohibiting street drinking in areas like Kabukicho on Halloween night. Convenience stores are also being asked to stop selling alcohol during this time. The implementation of security measures includes closing off Cinicity Plaza and active patrols by ward employees.
Similarly, Shibuya has adjusted its drinking ban to apply throughout the year and has taken special precautions for the Halloween period, including setting up a temporary enclosure around the Hachiko statue and increasing police presence. The mayors of both wards emphasized the importance of adhering to local regulations in a recent press conference, particularly for the influx of foreign visitors.
Given the calls for moderation from Shibuya and Shinjuku, it remains uncertain where partygoers might gather instead. Police are preparing for the possibility of crowd migration to other areas in Tokyo, deploying riot police and "DJ Police" to facilitate crowd management in key locations to prevent disturbances and ensure safety.
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