Happy Halloween
Japan doesn't really understand Halloween. I was on the train the other day and there were little plastic pumpkins dangling from the ceiling of the train car. What about ghosts and witches? Cosplay is a year round thing here, so what's the big deal with dressing up in costume on the last day of October?
In Shibuya, people have been so foolish in the past that this year the city decided to cancel any and all types of Halloween events from taking place. In the past, huge crowds of unruly people dressed in costumes have caused problems, probably due primarily to alcohol. In addition to the trash and fights and other problems, city officials are concerned about the possibility of a fatal disaster like the one that happened last year in Itaewon, South Korea where 159 people died and 196 people were injured.
I don't know if big signs are enough. I don't imagine the police will be taking people to jail. I'll watch the news and see if the signs worked or if people were behaving badly again. Hopefully no one will get hurt.
Happy Halloween, whatever you are doing to celebrate.
5 comments:
That's interesting, Pamela. I wonder why?
Happy Halloween without troubling others.
Hi Pamela: Cute photos who is the wizard, so fun.
I can understand the reason why the crowds that cause problems use up resources that are need for a real emergency.
Catherine
Young Japanese people may think of Halloween as a festival to cosplay.
I think the Japanese just appreciate any reason to celebrate and let loose, even if they don't know exactly what it's all about. But in areas as busy as Shibuya, that can be dangerous! I hope everyone stayed safe this year.
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