After Canceling Halloween to Avoid Mass Tourism, Tokyo Is Now Calling Off New Year’s Eve, Too

In October, Tokyo authorities implemented a measure that will be remembered for its impact on both locals and tourists. The mayors of Shibuya and Shinjuku, the city’s most popular and bustling wards known for their commerce and leisure activities, made a major decision. They banned alcohol on the streets to prevent large crowds of tourists from flooding the area on Halloween night. The initiative was so successful that they plan to expand it further.

Canceling Halloween. In early October, the mayors of Shibuya and Shinjuku held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan to send a strong message. They didn’t want their streets filled with an influx of visitors celebrating Halloween on Oct. 31, especially those who might consume excessive alcohol. To emphasize their message, both mayors posed with posters announcing the prohibition of drinking in public areas.

In fact, to ensure that there were no misunderstandings, the posters were displayed in both Japanese and English, indicating that the message was directed at locals and tourists alike. Additionally, Shinjuku authorities hung similar posters in the ward and also displayed them on giant screens. Meanwhile, Shibuya officials provided automatic translators to the patrol guards to help communicate the restrictions.

Calling off New Year’s Eve. Most recently, Shibuya decided to cancel its New Year’s Eve celebrations for the fourth consecutive year despite the local government first announcing otherwise. This year, the decision comes after authorities and commercial associations drew lessons from the Halloween cancellation. Specifically, it’s motivated by public safety concerns, an increase in tourist numbers, and new regulations on alcohol consumption in public spaces.

An iconic postcard. Since 2016, the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing had transformed into the epicenter of Tokyo’s New Year’s celebrations, with concerts, celebrity appearances, and more than 120,000 attendees at its peak, making it a hallmark event for the city.

However, everything changed in 2020. The celebrations were suspended due to the pandemic, and even after the COVID-related health restrictions were eased, the ward didn’t resume the festivities. The main reasons cited for this decision were logistical challenges and security issues in managing large crowds in a confined space.

The alcohol issue. This year, a key factor behind the cancellation of the New Year’s Eve celebration is the recent implementation of a permanent ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces in Shibuya, the first of its kind in Tokyo.

The measure was announced in October 2024 in response to the large number of tourists arriving in the city. It aims to create a more orderly and safe environment by mitigating behavioral issues associated with excessive drinking during large public events. A Shibuya spokesperson told Ashai, “As we work to reduce drinking on the streets, we decided that holding events that attract large numbers of people is inappropriate,” according to a Google translation.

Tourism and logistical challenges. It’s also important to note that the increased influx of international tourists following the reopening of borders has added unprecedented complexity to managing large events in the country. Authorities are concerned that the combination of visitors, alcohol consumption, and crowds could jeopardize public safety and strain the resources available to manage potential chaos.

Moreover, the success of the Halloween ban in Shibuya has strengthened the belief that reducing mass gatherings can enhance coexistence and public order in the area.

An uncertain future. While there was discussion about resuming the festival in 2024, the organizing committee has decided to postpone any possible revival until 2025 at the earliest. This raises questions about the continuity of these iconic celebrations, suggesting that Shibuya may abandon its reputation as a hub for mass festivities in favor of a more controlled approach.

In the end, the change in policy regarding large events signals a significant transformation in the ward’s identity. What was once the epicenter of urban parties and bustling nightlife may evolve into a more regulated space focused on public welfare, particularly for local residents. The future of New Year’s celebrations in Shibuya and other major events remains uncertain.

Image | Andre Benz

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