No tricks: Japan steps up police patrols, tightens alcohol limits for Halloween
With Halloween approaching, Japanese municipalities are stepping up measures against disruptive celebrations in major entertainment districts as larger crowds are expected this year, with the event falling on a Saturday. Halloween is not a traditional festivity in Japan, but has evolved into a major urban event in recent years, particularly in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, where revellers in costumes…
As Halloween approaches, Japanese cities are taking decisive action to curb disruptive festivities in major entertainment districts. With the event falling on a Saturday, larger crowds are anticipated, prompting increased police patrols and stricter alcohol consumption limits. Traditionally not a part of Japanese culture, Halloween has transformed into a significant urban celebration, especially in Tokyo's Shibuya district.
The festivities have gained notoriety for public disorder, with revelers partaking in street drinking, littering, and causing disturbances. The situation peaked in 2018 when crowds overturned a small truck in Shibuya during Halloween celebrations. In response, Shibuya has introduced restrictions on street drinking and levied a fine of 2,000 yen for littering. The city plans to deploy additional patrols to maintain order.
Shinjuku district in Tokyo, along with Nagoya and Fukuoka, are also implementing stricter measures. Pegged at around 20,000 in 2024, the peak crowd in Shibuya's Centre-Gai shopping area near Shibuya Station has dropped to approximately 4,500 in 2025, partly attributed to rain. Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe hopes that the enthusiasm for Halloween will gradually wane, marking this year as a turning point.
Nagoya has prohibited access to parts of a downtown commercial complex at night since 2021 due to fights and thefts reported during Halloween celebrations. The city plans to enforce similar restrictions this year. Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa cautioned that while people are entitled to celebrate, they must refrain from gathering in one place and causing a commotion.
Meanwhile, Fukuoka has restricted access to Kego Park in the city's Tenjin entertainment district after 5 p.m. since Tuesday, aiming to prevent overcrowding and maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the festivities.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
