Photo/Illutration Pedestrians in costume at the Shibuya scramble crossing on Oct. 31, 2021 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Toyko’s Shibuya Ward officials will ban drinking on the streets at night around Shibuya Station again this year for Halloween to prevent the rowdy behavior that has marred celebrations in the past.

However, officials are no longer asking people to stay at home on Halloween night as it did the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ban will kick in at 6 p.m. and end at 5 a.m. every day from Oct. 28 until Oct. 31. It is based on an ordinance the ward passed in 2019.

The targeted areas include Hachiko Square, Center-gai, Dogenzaka and Miyashita Park.

Violators will be given warnings by ward officials. Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe announced the prohibition on Oct. 20.

“I hope we thoroughly implement measures to not see the downside of the event and instead promote a Halloween with proper behavior,” Hasabe said.

He said the ward has urged businesses around the station not to sell alcoholic drinks.

Security personnel will be dispatched in the area as well, he said. Officials expect a large crowd around Shibuya Station on the evenings of Oct. 29 and 31.

During that time, the ward will dispatch about 100 private security personnel and ask 36 shops, including convenience stores, to voluntarily refrain from selling alcohol.

The ward used to set up temporary restrooms and spaces for people to change into costumes at the pre-pandemic Halloween events.

But since 2020, such facilities have disappeared and they will not return this year.

The ward has sent out a message in English to foreign residents about the restrictions by placing posters inside the station and airing a message on a large screen set up in front of the station.

After Oct. 28, ward officials will patrol the areas to check on people’s manners.

The streets of three commercial avenues--Center-gai, Dogenzaka and Shibuya Koen-dori--have already been decorated with 15 types of flags showing slogans that encourage people to comply with the rules.

The slogans were solicited from advertising copywriters, who are members of the Tokyo Copywriters Club.

The ward has a budget of about 58 million yen ($385,700) related to measures for Halloween, including the cost of trash cleanup and disposal.

It is almost the same amount as last year.

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