Few in Halloween costumes on Tokyo streets

Nov 01, 2020 | News On Japan

Nov 01, 2020 (NHK) - Halloween revelers in costume were few and far between in central Tokyo this year after local officials asked people to refrain from celebrating because of the coronavirus.

In recent years, huge crowds of young people and foreigners dressed in costume have gathered in Shibuya, Roppongi and other busy districts on Halloween night.

The streets of Shibuya on Saturday were as busy as usual, but few people were in costume.

A public relations unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, known as the "DJ Police," was on hand to regulate the flow of people. Officers called out to pedestrians at the scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station not to pause inside the crossing.

The police stayed on duty into the evening to monitor the situation. Last year, police arrested nine people in Shibuya on suspicion of attacking an officer and other criminal offenses.

A representative of the Shibuya Center-Gai shopping association said he was relieved the streets were much less crowded compared to past Halloweens.

He said he feels bad for telling people not to come to Shibuya, but hopes they will understand that it was to keep people from spreading the coronavirus.

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