Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Tokyo Tightens Halloween Controls in Shibuya and Shinjuku with Softer Public Tone

Officials voice a softer tone, distinguishing a “good” from “bad” Halloween.

Overview

  • The Metropolitan Police Department deployed hundreds of officers around JR Shibuya Station, using multilingual loudspeakers and “DJ police” to guide crowds.
  • Shibuya positioned about 125 security staff across 10 locations, cordoned and covered the Hachiko statue, and operated the controls from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • Public drinking was banned in key areas—6 p.m. to 5 a.m. around Shibuya’s stations and 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho—though the measures carry no penalties.
  • Traffic restrictions around Shibuya began at 4 p.m., with vehicle entry limited and all nearby parking meters suspended for the day.
  • Authorities expanded multilingual outreach with announcements, posters, flyers and large screens, and police tested body-worn cameras to monitor congestion.