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Shibuya, Shinjuku Join Forces to Address Overtourism, Public Safety for Halloween

TOKYO – The wards of Shibuya and Shinjuku in the Japanese capital are ramping up efforts to curb street drinking, littering, and overcrowding during the Halloween season as local and foreign tourist numbers surge.

Shibuya City’s efforts to reduce overcrowding last Halloween saw a sharp decline in celebrants around the station, from an estimated 60,000 to 15,000 people. However, many visitors shifted to Shinjuku’s Kabukicho entertainment district, resulting in street drinking and littering. This year, both wards have strengthened their cooperation to tackle these issues.

“Overtourism has no boundaries. Last year, the efforts in Shibuya during Halloween had an impact on Shinjuku, our neighbor. Although it may be seen as a local problem now, we, the two cities, will take the initiative and work to make Japan and Tokyo places where many can enjoy themselves,” Shibuya City Mayor Ken Hasebe said during a joint press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) on Monday.

Hasebe added, “We will consider new measures and also request the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the national government to take action. We hope Shibuya and Shinjuku’s efforts will spread to other tourist destinations and help us take a step toward sustainable tourism.”

On Oct. 30 and 31, around 185 guards will be stationed in Hachiko Square and 10 other locations in Shibuya, and the Hachiko Statue will be fenced off. Some 130 Shibuya City staff will also patrol the streets. Liquor stores near areas where street drinking is prohibited will be asked to stop selling alcohol from Oct. 26 to Oct. 31, and many smoking areas will be closed.

Shinjuku City will also restrict street drinking in parts of Kabukicho 1-chome and Shinjuku 3-chome from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, and liquor stores will be asked to stop selling alcohol. Around 100 staff and security guards will patrol the area.

“Shinjuku, especially Kabukicho, is not a large area. If you wish to enjoy Halloween in Shinjuku, we ask that you follow the rules and have a safe and enjoyable time,” Shinjuku City Mayor Kenichi Yoshizumi said.

Shibuya has banned alcohol consumption on certain streets during specific periods, including Halloween, since 2019.

“Please follow the rules and do not cause nuisance by drinking on the streets or making loud noises, and please respect the local culture and environment by behaving responsibly,” Hasebe urged would-be visitors to both cities. - Florenda Corpuz