Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Nov 9, 2019
Shibuya Scramble Square is a dessert-lover's dream
by Patrick St. Michel
Don't wait to check out the new desserts on offer at Shibuya Scramble Square!
Food & Drink Nov 2, 2019
Shibuya Scramble Square shakes up the depachika
by Claire Williamson
On Nov. 1, the latest gem in an ambitious multiphase plan to redevelop the Shibuya area — Shibuya Scramble Square — opened its doors.
National / Media | Japan Pulse Nov 2, 2019
Halloween festivities in Tokyo appear to embrace a softer side
by Patrick St. Michel
Domestic news outlets and social media users love a good scare. Ever since a horde of rowdy Saitama-types turned Shibuya into something akin to “The Purge” last year, many Tokyoites have viewed this year’s Halloween festivities with trepidation. Reports over the past few weeks in ...
National Nov 1, 2019
Halloween in Shibuya: Mayhem ensues despite increased security and ban on alcohol
by Ryusei Takahashi
Chaos unfolded in Shibuya on Thursday night as countless costumed partygoers pushed, pulled and squeezed their way through a seemingly endless crowd running amok despite efforts by police to contain the madness of the annual Halloween celebrations in the area. Hundreds of police officers and ...
General | 2010s: Decade in Review Oct 31, 2019
Halloween's rise in the 2010s provided Shibuya crossing with plenty of tricks and treats
by Mike Sunda
While Halloween has been around in Japan for a few decades it wasn't until recently that it became a true phenomenon, especially at Tokyo's iconic Shibuya crossing.
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Oct 31, 2019
Tokyo's cops choreograph a Halloween 'spooktacular'
by Julia Dean
A writer spends her first Halloween at Shibuya crossing at a street party directed by the Tokyo police.
Business Oct 24, 2019
Shibuya Scramble Square, towering over a transforming Tokyo district, set to open Nov. 1
by Ryusei Takahashi
An ambitious effort to redevelop Shibuya, one of the highest-profile areas in Tokyo, will reach a milestone next month when Shibuya Scramble Square — the tallest building in the district — opens its door to the public. Together with a handful of massive projects around ...
National Oct 21, 2019
Hoping to avoid Halloween-related rowdiness, Shibuya Ward in Tokyo will ban alcohol consumption on streets this coming weekend and on Halloween itself. Although the ordinance carries no punishment for violations, the ward adopted it in June as part of efforts to keep the area around ...
Business / Corporate Jul 23, 2019
Shibuya's landmark Tokyu Toyoko department store to close in March
by Kazuaki Nagata
With a continuously changing landscape around Tokyo's Shibuya Station amid a massive redevelopment project, another familiar face will be saying goodbye next year. Tokyu Department Store Co. announced Monday that it will close down its 85-year-old Toyoko outlet that is directly connected to the station ...
Food & Drink | TOKYO FOOD FILE Jul 6, 2019
Utsura Utsura: Food, sake and ambience worth the detour
by Robbie Swinnerton
Set back far enough from the sidewalk that most people give it barely a second look, this welcoming little izakaya tavern has the warm feel of a local watering hole, but it's near enough to the lights of Shibuya to reward a few minutes' ...
Food & Drink | DESSERT WATCH Jun 29, 2019
Strawberry Fetish: Instagram-worthy riffs on a Japanese festival classic
by Patrick St. Michel
Strawberry Fetish serves up a wide variety of sweets starring the titular fruit, including a couple of strawberry-centric drinks and strawberry ice cream.
National Jun 20, 2019
Tokyo's Shibuya Ward bans drinking in some areas for Halloween and New Year's
The Shibuya Ward Assembly approved an ordinance Wednesday banning the consumption of alcohol on some of the area's streets and parks during Halloween and New Year's events to address an increasing number of incidents by rowdy partygoers. The ordinance calls on restaurants to refrain from ...