TOKYO, Oct 31 (Japan Times) –
The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers — but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailant’s 2021 stabbing spree still fresh.
The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers — but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailant’s 2021 stabbing spree still fresh.
After midnight, news broke of the deadly crush during Halloween celebrations in Seoul, casting a pall over the rest of the Halloween weekend and raising key questions about safety.
Three years had passed since the area around Shibuya Ward’s iconic scramble crossing last saw such an influx of Halloween partygoers, and local authorities responded by significantly beefing up their security presence.
One reason for a comparative lack of typical Halloween hedonism was a ban on drinking alcohol on the street in the area, including a request from Shibuya Ward authorities that convenience stores refrain from selling alcoholic beverages at certain peak times throughout the weekend.
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Celebrations relatively restrained as Halloween returns to Tokyo
Japan Times – Oct 31
The streets were full and the pubs and clubs packed Saturday night as central Tokyo welcomed Halloween revelers back in large numbers — but the celebrations remained muted in comparison to the pre-pandemic years, with memories of a costumed assailant’s 2021 stabbing spree still fresh.
Japan hotel prices surge in hot spots as travel subsidies roll out
Nikkei – Oct 23
Japan hotel room rates have soared since the country launched financial incentives to get people to hit the road, and with international tourists expected to flood into the country in the coming months, the prices are not expected to go down any time soon.
Ghibli Park readies for Nov. 1 opening in central Japan
Kyodo – Oct 13
A long-awaited theme park featuring beloved characters and scenes from Studio Ghibli’s hit animations is set to open Nov. 1 in central Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, treating fans to the wonders and secrets of Ghibli films such as “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Castle in the Sky.”
Japan scraps controls, hopes to revive tourism boom
NHK – Oct 11
Japan is reintroducing a visa waiver program for short-term visitors, and allowing visits by non-escorted individual tourists, as the country lifts most of its COVID-19 border controls. Japan’s tourism industry was booming in pre-pandemic years.
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