Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan, has banned Halloween gatherings for this year in an effort to avoid a stampede-like disaster like the one that occurred in Korea last year during Halloween. The decision was announced on October 19, 2023, and will be in effect from October 27th to 31st.
Shibuya City Bans Halloween
The ban comes after a deadly crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea, on October 29, 2022, killed 156 people and injured hundreds more. The tragedy occurred in a narrow alleyway in the Itaewon district, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and Halloween celebrations.
Shibuya City officials said they are taking the decision to ban Halloween gatherings very seriously, and urged people to respect the ban. They also said that they will be deploying additional police and security personnel to the area during Halloween to ensure public safety.
In addition to the ban on gatherings, Shibuya City is also banning public drinking in the area from October 27th to 31st. Liquor stores will also be asked to refrain from selling alcohol during those hours.
While the ban on Halloween gatherings is a disappointment to many, it is a necessary step to ensure public safety. The tragedy in Seoul is a reminder of the dangers of large crowds, especially in confined spaces.
Why Shibuya Chose to Ban Halloween Gatherings
There are a few reasons why Shibuya City chose to ban Halloween gatherings this year.
First, Shibuya is a very popular destination for Halloween celebrations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to the streets of Shibuya to dress up in costumes and party. This can create a very crowded and chaotic situation.
Second, Shibuya City is concerned about the possibility of a stampede-like disaster like the one that occurred in Seoul last year. The narrow streets of Shibuya and the large crowds could create a dangerous situation if people begin to panic.
Third, Shibuya City is also concerned about the ongoing Jujutsu Kaisen’s Shibuya Incident Arc. The anime is very popular in Japan, and it is likely that many people would want to dress up as their favorite Jujutsu Kaisen characters and visit Shibuya on Halloween this year. This could lead to even larger crowds than usual.
What to Do Instead of Celebrating Halloween in Shibuya
If you are disappointed that Halloween gatherings have been banned in Shibuya this year, there are still plenty of other ways to celebrate the holiday. Here are a few ideas:
- Have a Halloween party at home with your friends and family.
- Go to a Halloween event at a restaurant, bar, or club.
- Watch Halloween movies or TV shows.
- Read Halloween books or comics.
- Carve pumpkins or decorate your home for Halloween.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Halloween, be sure to stay safe and have fun!
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