TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The district of Shibuya in Tokyo, Japan, famous for its bustling pedestrian crossings, has cancelled the New Year’s Eve countdown in front of Shibuya Station due to concerns about large crowds at the station and surrounding streets.
Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe expressed his appreciation for the many people who come to enjoy the energy and charm of Shibuya in Japan, while emphasizing the need to ensure public safety and maintain order in the community.
“At the same time, to ensure a safe and secure community, we remain vigilant against rowdy behavior and crowd incidents caused by street drinking. Consequently, the Shibuya Countdown Executive Committee has decided to cancel this year's countdown event,” he said, as quoted by Japan Today on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
To prevent congestion and ensure safety around Shibuya Station, the district will set up temporary fences around the Hachiko Statue from 06:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, until o1:00 AM on Thursday, January 1.
Improving Security
Mayor Hasebe added that the city has strengthened security measures around Shibuya Station and coordinated closely with police, public transportation operators, and local residents to prevent accidents caused by crowded conditions.
“We also request cooperation from supermarkets and other alcohol vendors not to sell alcoholic beverages at night,” he said.
Since last October, Shibuya has banned nighttime alcohol consumption around Shibuya Station to address disruptive street drinking habits.
The ban on New Year’s Eve celebrations in Shibuya has now been in place for six years. Initially introduced as a safety precaution during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has since become an annual measure. The New Year’s Eve celebration in Shibuya began in 2016 and attracted over 100,000 people in 2019 before being cancelled the following year.
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