Current:Home > ScamsMayor of Tokyo’s Shibuya district asks Halloween partygoers to stay away-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Mayor of Tokyo’s Shibuya district asks Halloween partygoers to stay away
View Date:2024-12-23 17:12:07
TOKYO (AP) — The mayor of Tokyo’s busy Shibuya shopping and entertainment district is asking Halloween celebrants not to visit, fearing that a large number of partygoers following the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a disaster similar to last year’s fatal crowd surge in South Korea’s capital.
“This year, we are making it clear to the world that Shibuya is not a venue for Halloween events,” Shibuya city Mayor Ken Hasebe said at a news conference Thursday. “Please, do not come to the Shibuya station area for Halloween.”
Hasebe said he understands that Halloween is a fun celebration around the world, but noted that a crowd crush like the one that killed about 160 people celebrating Halloween last year in Seoul’s Itaewon district could happen in Shibuya.
“A fatal accident like Itaewon can happen here any time,” he said.
Shibuya’s famed intersection by its train station, nicknamed “scramble crossing” for the large number of pedestrians attempting to cross, has become a popular destination for residents and tourists on Halloween, drawing large crowds of young people in costumes every year.
The number decreased during the pandemic, but Shibuya’s streets were packed again on Halloween last year, and city authorities fear this year’s turnout could be worse, Hasebe said.
“We have a strong sense of crisis that we may not be able to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors,” he said.
Shibuya is significantly beefing up the number of security guards and officials to remind people about a city ordinance banning alcohol consumption near the station between Oct. 27 and Oct. 31.
During the period, traffic restrictions will also be in place in the night and early morning hours, Shibuya city said.
veryGood! (724)
Related
- Shawn Mendes Confesses He and Camila Cabello Are No Longer the Closest
- Decade of college? Miami tight end petitioning to play ninth season of college football
- Poker player who drew donations for Las Vegas event lied about dying from cancer
- Princess Beatrice's Husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Shares Royally Cute Photo of 2-Year-Old Daughter Sienna
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight odds will shift the longer the heavyweight bout goes
- Picks for historic college football Week 4 schedule in the College Football Fix
- You've likely seen this ranch on-screen — burned by wildfire, it awaits its next act
- Police arrest second teen in Vegas hit-and-run of police chief after viral video captures moment
- Can't afford a home? Why becoming a landlord might be the best way to 'house hack.'
- UN chief warns of ‘gates of hell’ in climate summit, but carbon polluting nations stay silent
Ranking
- Judith Jamison, acclaimed Alvin Ailey American dancer and director, dead at 81
- New Jersey fines PointsBet for 3 different types of sports betting violations
- 'Becoming Frida Kahlo' on PBS is a perceptive, intimate look at the iconic artist
- No house, spouse or baby: Should parents worry their kids are still living at home? Maybe not.
- San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had mild stroke this month, team says
- Speaker McCarthy says there’s still time to prevent a government shutdown as others look at options
- 'I really wanted to whoop that dude': Shilo Sanders irked by 'dirty' hit on Travis Hunter
- Work stress can double men's risk of heart disease, study shows
Recommendation
-
School workers accused of giving special needs student with digestive issue hot Takis, other abuse
-
Ohio’s political mapmakers are going back to work after Republican infighting caused a week’s delay
-
UK’s new online safety law adds to crackdown on Big Tech companies
-
At 91, Georgia’s longest serving sheriff says he won’t seek another term in 2024
-
NFL power rankings Week 11: Steelers, Eagles enjoying stealthy rises
-
Saints safety Marcus Maye suspended for violating NFL’s substance abuse policy
-
Brewers' J.C. Mejía gets 162-game ban after second positive test for illegal substance
-
Ozzy Osbourne Shares His Why He's Choosing to Stop Surgeries Amid Health Battle