In October, Tokyo implemented one of the measures that will be remembered for what it meant for citizens and tourists. The mayors of Shibuya and Shinjuku, Tokyo’s most popular and lively areas of the capital due to their commercial and entertainment opportunities, made an important decision: alcohol was banned on the streets to avoid the crowding hordes of tourists. entered the popular festival. Looks like they did so well they’re going to double down.

First there was Halloween. We said it a few weeks ago. The mayors of Shibuya and Shinjuku held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan to deliver a resounding message: They did not want their streets to be filled with a flood of visitors who wanted to celebrate the night of his death on October 31. with a few too many drinks. To be clear, both councilors posed with signs declaring that drinking on the street is prohibited.

Also, in case there was any doubt, the fact that the posters are not only in Japanese but also in English is proof that the message is not just for the locals. Similar posters were also hung in Shinjuku, and messages were broadcast on giant screens installed throughout the district. And in Shibuya, they decided to provide automatic translators directly to the guards assigned to patrol on Halloween.

And now it’s New Year’s Eve. News focuses on Shibuya. Japan’s capital’s most iconic and popular neighborhood has decided to cancel its New Year celebrations for the fourth year in a row. With a difference, this year, where a “party” was finally promised, the decision taken by representatives of the local government and business associations is taken as a reflection of what happened on Halloween and is motivated by reasons such as public safety concerns and the increase in the number of tourists. and new regulations on alcohol consumption in public spaces.

That neighborhood. Since 2016, the famous Shibuya Scramble parade has been transformed into the heart of Tokyo’s New Year celebrations every December 31. Concerts were held here, there were famous guests and it was the iconic image of the end of the year; a party that attracted more than 120,000 attendees at its peak and became an iconic event in the city.

But everything changed in 2020. Celebrations were suspended due to the pandemic, and although Covid passed and health restrictions were no longer necessary, events were not continued in the district. It was later stated that the main reason was logistical and security problems in managing such large crowds in a small area.

Alcohol. The hero of the “veto” this year is quite clear. The key factor behind the decision is the recent implementation of a permanent ban on alcohol consumption in public spaces in Shibuya, the first of its kind in Tokyo, driven by hordes of tourists flocking to the city.

The measure, which was implemented in October 2024, aims to provide a more orderly and safe environment by reducing behavioral problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption during mass events. As a district spokesperson explained, “We are in the process of changing the culture of public alcohol consumption in Shibuya. “We do not believe this is the right time to hold events of this size.”

Tourism and logistical challenges. It is the other leg that cannot be ignored. The increased influx of international tourists following the reopening of borders has added an unprecedented layer of complexity to the management of major events in the country. Authorities fear the combination of visitors, alcohol consumption and crowds will jeopardize public safety and the resources available to manage the chaos.

Moreover, as we said, the success of the Halloween ban in Shibuya reinforced the idea that reducing mass events could improve coexistence and public order in the region.

An uncertain future. This being the case, although it was discussed that the party would restart in 2024, the organizing committee decided to postpone a possible restart to at least 2025. There is a suspicion in the background: the continuity of these iconic celebrations, which has seen Shibuya abandon its reputation as a center of mass festivities and adopt a more restrained approach.

Regardless, the change in mass events policy reflects a fundamental transformation in the district’s identity. What was once the epicenter of urban parties and hustle and bustle could become a more orderly space, focused on public and, above all, local well-being. The future of New Year’s celebrations in Shibuya, and other major events in general, leaves a big question mark.

Image | Dick Thomas Johnson

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