The mayor of Shibuya Ward in Tokyo has requested folks to not come to the favored district on Halloween this yr attributable to security considerations over crowding.
Background
Every yr on October 31, giant crowds of revellers, together with many international guests, converge on Shibuya for Halloween celebrations. The space round Shibuya Station and Center Gai road turns into filled with folks in costumes ingesting and partying late into the evening.
Last yr, an estimated over 500,000 folks gathered in Shibuya on Halloween, regardless of requests from the mayor to keep away from the world attributable to COVID-19. Rowdy behaviour, fights, and mountains of trash had been reported as main points.
Safety Concerns
At a press convention on October 5, Mayor Ken Hasebe mentioned he doesn’t need folks to return to Shibuya “if they’re only coming for Halloween”, including that the world will not be meant to be a venue for a road social gathering.
He warned {that a} catastrophic accident much like the group crush that killed over 150 folks in Seoul final yr may simply occur within the crowded Shibuya streets. Excessive ingesting and combating additionally pose security dangers.
Crowd Control Measures
To discourage folks from coming, the ward will ban ingesting round Shibuya Station from October 27 to November 1. Stores will probably be requested to limit alcohol gross sales previous to Halloween. Around 100 safety guards will probably be deployed to keep up order.
Messaging for inbound guests will probably be elevated, urging them to not come only for Halloween celebrations.
Response from Residents
Many customers expressed disappointment on the lack of planning by the ward to handle the massive crowds anticipated on Halloween:
“They should have moved the whole thing to Yoyogi Park, set up a performer stage and kept it all contained there. Vendor licenses and sponsors would have paid for the whole thing.”
“Instead of trying to organize something that will be safe, make money from it, or even move it to an organized event at Yoyogi park the message is “Don’t come”. Classic political answer.”
Previous Years
The mayor of Shibuya additionally urged folks to remain away in 2020 and 2021 through the pandemic, however giant crowds nonetheless gathered on Halloween evening. This highlights the challenges authorities face attempting to discourage revellers from coming with out correct crowd management measures in place.
Should You Stay Away on Halloween?
While the mayor’s request is comprehensible given the protection points, critics level out that higher planning and engagement with the group may flip the chaotic celebrations right into a protected, worthwhile cultural occasion for residents and guests alike. However, the ward presently appears centered on discouraging folks from coming somewhat than exploring constructive options.