Shibuya, a vibrant district in Tokyo, celebrates Halloween with a kaleidoscope of costumes and festivities. However, officials face a challenge in ensuring the safety of residents and visitors amid concerns of overcrowding and potential chaos, as the district’s streets become a hub of modernity and culture.
Ken Hasebe, the mayor of Shibuya, took to the podium in a recent news conference, his message clear and urgent. He urged Halloween enthusiasts to reconsider their plans of celebrating in Shibuya this year. The reason? Fears of chaotic mobs and dangerous crowd crushes, especially in the wake of a tragic incident in Seoul last year that claimed over 150 lives.
Shibuya’s tryst with Halloween is not new. Over the past decade, the district, with its iconic pedestrian crossing, has emerged as the epicenter of Halloween celebrations in Tokyo. Young and old, locals and foreigners, all converge here, dressed in imaginative costumes, ready to revel in the spirit of Halloween. But with popularity comes challenges. The district has witnessed its fair share of disruptions, from rowdy behavior to outright vandalism. The situation reached a tipping point in 2019 when an estimated 40,000 partygoers thronged the streets, leading to a few arrests after an incident involving an overturned vehicle.
The subsequent years, marked by the global pandemic, saw a decline in such large-scale gatherings. But 2023 presents a unique set of challenges. With Japan lifting its COVID-related border restrictions, there’s been a resurgence of tourists. Data from Japan’s National Tourism Organization indicates that around 2.2 million people visited the country in August, numbers that are alarmingly close to pre-pandemic levels.
Given this backdrop, Hasebe’s concerns are not unfounded. He anticipates that without proactive measures, the Halloween crowd in Shibuya could swell to between 50,000 and 60,000 people. Such numbers, he fears, could lead to significant congestion-related mishaps.
To counteract this, the city is pulling out all the stops. A security force, 50% larger than last year, will be deployed. An additional 150 city officials will patrol the streets, advising against drinking or smoking. While these activities in themselves aren’t grounds for arrest, any ensuing disturbances or physical altercations will be dealt with firmly.
Yet, despite these measures, many remain undeterred. Kerona Slater, a Jamaican school teacher residing in Japan, voiced her intention to join the celebrations. She believes that while some might exercise caution, the allure of Shibuya’s Halloween festivities will prove irresistible to many, especially younger crowds and foreigners.
Mayor Hasebe is acutely aware of this. He acknowledges the unpredictability of the situation, estimating a “50-50” chance of the measures’ success. But he remains resolute in his mission. By communicating the potential risks early on, he hopes to dissuade potential partygoers, especially foreigners, from descending on Shibuya come October 31st.
