TOKYO: The governor of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya shopping and entertainment district is urging Halloween revelers to stay away out of concern that a large influx of partygoers following the COVID-19 pandemic could result in the same catastrophe as the deadly crowd surge that struck the capital of South Korea next year.
Shibuya city mayor Ken Hasebe stated at a news conference on Thursday( Oct. 5 ) that he is” making it clear to the world” that the city is not the location of Halloween events this year. Do not visit the Shibuya stop location for Halloween, please.
Hasebe acknowledged that while everyone enjoys Halloween, he warned that Shibuya might experience a group love similar to the one that killed about 160 people in Seoul’s Itaewon district last year.
He asserted that” A fatal incident like Itaewon may happen here at any moment.”
Shibuya’s famous train station crossing, known as” rush cross” for the large number of commuters attempting to cross, has grown to be a well-liked Halloween destination for locals and tourists, drawing sizable masses of young people dressed in costumes each year.
Although the number decreased during the pandemic, Shibuya’s streets were once again crowded on Halloween next year, and according to Hasebe, city officials worry that the siding may be even higher this year.
He said,” We have a strong sense of crisis that we might not be able to guarantee the safety and security of residents and visitors.”
To convince people of a city ordinance prohibiting alcohol use near the station between October 27 and October 31, Shibuya is significantly increasing the number of security guards and officials.
Visitors restrictions will also be in place during this time at night and in the early hours of the morning, according to Shibuya city.