Nov 02 (NHK) - Thousands of costumed revelers packed the scramble crossing near Tokyo's Shibuya Station to celebrate Halloween on Thursday night.
Tokyo police say nine people, including five teenagers, were arrested for alleged criminal acts, including sexual offenses, pickpocketing and attacking a police officer.
A police public relations unit, known as the "DJ Police," gave instructions in Japanese and English to maintain order.
Shibuya Ward banned drinking alcohol on the streets and in parks near the station from 6 p.m. on Thursday to 5 a.m. on Friday.
Police maintained security patrols throughout the night.
A 20-year-old college student said she enjoyed seeing many people wearing costumes. She added that Shibuya looked like a different world.