As Halloween approaches, Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya district is once again bracing for large crowds – and potential chaos. On October 2, the Shibuya Ward government announced a set of precautionary measures to maintain public safety and order around Shibuya Station during the Halloween season.
Shibuya has long been a hotspot for costume-wearing partygoers during Halloween, drawing tens of thousands of people each year. However, the district’s growing popularity during this time has also brought increasing concerns over public safety, overcrowding, and disruptive behavior. This year, under the campaign slogan “Stop Troublesome Halloweens,” the local government is ramping up its efforts to prevent the kind of incidents that have marred previous celebrations.
Increased Security and Restrictions
To manage the expected surge in foot traffic, 125 security personnel will be deployed in the Shibuya Station area on the night of October 31. One of the central gathering spots, the beloved Hachiko statue – known for its story of loyalty and its popularity as a meeting point – will be surrounded by temporary fencing from October 30 to November 1 to discourage large gatherings and prevent congestion.
In addition, the ward has requested that local convenience stores and retailers suspend alcohol sales during this period. Traffic control measures will also be implemented in key areas around the station to ensure the safety of pedestrians and minimize dieruptions.
Despite growing restrictions, officials anticipate around 18,000 people will gather in the area, similar to the turnout in 2024. This figure reflects both the enduring popularity of Shibuya’s Halloween atmosphere and the challenges that come with managing such large, informal gatherings.
A History of Halloween Troubles
Shibuya’s Halloween celebrations weren’t always controverisal, but a turning point came in 2018, when a group of revelers overturned a small truck during the festivities – an incident that was widely reported and criticized. In response, the ward government introduced an ordinance in 2019 banning nuisance behavior such as public drinking during Halloween.
However, issues persisted, prompting further action. In 2024, the ordinance was updated to ban street drinking in the area year-round, not just during Halloween. These changes reflect the government’s growing determination to curb behaviors that put public safety at risk.
A Call for Responsible Celebrations
At a press conference, Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe urged both residents and visitors to exercise caution. “Even something as simple as taking photos in costume on the street,” he warned, “can lead to serious accidents if large numbers of people do it at once.”
The mayor emphasized that Halloween in Shibuya is not a official event, and that the ward does not support or encourage street gatherings. Instead, he encouraged people to find safer, more organized ways to celebrate – ideally away from the already crowed streets of Shibuya.
What was once a spontaneous and festive celebration in Shibuya has now become a complex public safety challenge. As Tokyo continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic and resumes large-scale tourism, managig events like Halloween has taken on new urgency.
For those planning to enjoy Halloween in Japan this year, it may be wise to rethink gathering in Shibuya – or at the very least, to follow local guidelines and celebrate responsibly.
After all, a safe Halloween is a happy Halloween.
