October 31st is Halloween. Originally celebrated as a children’s event in Europe and the United States, Halloween in Japan has taken on a unique evolution. It is now known for young people dressing up in costumes and partying.
This phenomenon is depicted in “Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident.”(Episode 83) In recent years, it has become a tradition for young people to gather at Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing.
Episode 83
People put effort into their costumes, dressing up as anime or manga characters, zombies, and more. The dynamic energy of the metropolis can be felt.
However, when such a large crowd gathers, Halloween rarely ends peacefully. Drunken youth cause car accidents, assaults, and incidents of harassment, troubling Shibuya Ward. Recent memories of the crowd disaster in Itaewon, South Korea, and the fact that this year marks the first Halloween after the lifting of COVID restrictions, have led to increased vigilance.
An unusual announcement has been made on “X” (Twitter) and large station advertisements: “Shibuya is not a Halloween venue,” in English and Chinese. Similar statements from the Shibuya Ward Mayor are being repeatedly broadcasted through various media. On the day of Halloween, traffic restrictions and increased police presence are planned.
While “Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident” portrayed a major disaster involving citizens, can the Shibuya Ward Mayor prevent a Halloween-related Shibuya incident?
What I am feeling from this situation is as below. Young people causing a ruckus under the Halloween, Shibuya ward trying to control it using various methods and taxpayer money, and Japan’s Halloween losing its original essence. What are we doing? How are we being perceived by people overseas?”
