Halloween in Japan is expected to be celebrated in new ways this year, at socially distanced events or online with revelers upping their cosplay game, as attempts are being made to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Amid concerns that the famed Shibuya scramble crossing may become a virus hot spot should tens of thousands of revelers congregate there on Oct. 31 as in the past, ward Mayor Ken Hasebe on Thursday asked people to refrain from doing so this year and attend virtual events instead.
"Please do not come for Halloween this year," Hasebe said at a news conference. "I would like you to refrain from being raucous on the streets and consider other ways to celebrate during the pandemic."