In brief
Japanese local governments are stepping up restrictions in cities like Tokyo, Nagoya and Fukuoka to curb disorder during Halloween. Measures include banning street alcohol, fine for littering, limited access to crowded spots, and extra police presence. Officials hope the crackdown will calm the once–thriving Halloween vibe in major entertainment districts.
Japanese cities are tightening rules and boosting patrols ahead of Halloween, aiming to keep crowds from causing trouble in entertainment districts. Kyodo News reports that Tokyo, Nagoya, and Fukuoka are stepping up restrictions in response to growing disorder.
Shibuya, the Shibuya Center‑Gai shopping area near Shibuya Station, has added strict limits on street drinking and set a ¥2,000 ($13) fine for littering. The district also plans extra police patrols. Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe said,
I hope Shibuya’s Halloween fever is gradually dying down. This year is an important turning point.He added the new measures should help calm crowds.
Last year the Shibuya event saw about 20,000 people, a sharp drop from the 4,500 expected this year, partly due to rain. The district’s crackdown follows a 2018 incident where a crowd overturned a truck and caused damage.
Tokyo’s Shinjuku district is also tightening rules on alcohol consumption and crowd access. Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa explained,
I understand the desire to celebrate, but I want people to refrain from gathering in one place and causing a commotion.The city has blocked parts of a downtown commercial complex at night since 2021 and plans similar measures for this year.
In Fukuoka, authorities have banned entry to Kego Park in the Tenjin entertainment area after 5 p.m. since Tuesday, aimed at reducing nighttime crowds.
These steps highlight the growing concern that Halloween, though not a traditional Japanese holiday, has turned into a major urban event that can threaten public safety. Municipalities hope the stricter rules will keep celebrations fun while preventing motion, litter and other disturbances.
