The return Sunday of the pedestrian-only zone in Tokyo's Akihabara electronics and entertainment district is being watched with a mixture of positive expectation and anxiety.
The "pedestrian heaven," as it is called, was suspended following a fatal attack there in June 2008. Before the incident, cars had been blocked from the area starting at noon Sundays and national holidays since 1973.
Merchants hope the reopening could bring in more money, but nearby residents are concerned it will also bring back various problems, such as rampant litter and street performances getting out of control.