TOKYO - Halloween celebrations are taking place across Japan ahead of October 31, which falls on a Saturday for the first time in six years, with Tokyo's Shibuya district introducing crowd-control measures including barricades around the Hachiko statue and road closures, while Tama Zoological Park has reopened its lion exhibit after seven animals recovered from heatstroke.
In Toyama City, around 50 children participated in a Halloween party at a nursery school specializing in English-language education, dressing in costumes and enjoying activities designed to introduce them to the annual celebration.
Children in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, also took part in Halloween festivities, wearing a variety of costumes and strengthening ties with local residents through community activities.
This year's Halloween falls on a Saturday for the first time since 2020, raising concerns about large crowds gathering in Shibuya, one of Japan's most popular destinations for Halloween celebrations.
On the morning of October 30, barriers were installed around the Hachiko statue outside Shibuya Station, a popular meeting place that typically attracts large numbers of visitors.
The Metropolitan Police Department plans to deploy several hundred officers over three days beginning on the evening of October 30 to manage crowds and maintain public safety. Some roads around Shibuya Station were scheduled to close from 4 p.m. on October 30 as part of the security arrangements.
A visitor from Mexico expressed mixed feelings about the restrictions, saying, "It's a little disappointing, but Halloween in Japan gets very lively, so I can understand why the restrictions are necessary."
Shibuya Ward has also called on businesses near the station to voluntarily suspend alcohol sales from 6 p.m. on October 31 until 5 a.m. on November 1, aiming to discourage street drinking and prevent disorderly behavior.
Some electric scooter parking and rental stations in the area will also be temporarily unavailable as authorities seek to reduce congestion during the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Tama Zoological Park in western Tokyo resumed public viewing of its lions on October 30 after seven animals recovered from illnesses linked to severe summer heat.
Since July 2026, all 10 lions kept at the zoo had developed health problems, with three subsequently dying.
The zoo announced on October 29 that the three deaths were believed to have resulted from multiple organ failure caused by heatstroke.
Following the deaths, the zoo introduced measures aimed at preventing similar incidents and protecting the remaining animals from extreme temperatures.
With the seven surviving lions having recovered, the zoo reopened their exhibit on October 30, allowing visitors to see the animals again after the suspension prompted by the health crisis.
Source: FNN
