Police To Restrict Crowds In Shibuya Crossing New Year's Eve

Above, Shibuya Crossing at night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Steps are being taken to control crowds at Shibuya Crossing on New Year's Eve. It appears that rowdy crowds have gathered at the famous intersection in past years. The Japanese Metropolitan Police apparently don't want Shibuya Crossing turned into New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO —The Tokyo Metropolitan Police plan to limit pedestrian access to Shibuya’s famous scramble crossing to avoid trouble from rowdy revelers on New Year’s Eve. 

Every year, thousands of young people flock to Shibuya Station for the New Year countdown. However, police say that in recent years, the numbers have gotten out of hand, increasing the risk of traffic accidents, stampedes and other serious incidents such as causing damage to shops and restaurants. 

Among measures announced by police, the Hachiko entrance/exit and one of the underground subway entrances will be closed from 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 2 a.m. on Jan 1, Fuji TV reported Thursday.

Somehow, the word rowdy never comes to mind when I think of Japanese people or Japan in general. This is quite amusing.

To read the full article, go here.