Ken Hasebe says ‘please don’t come’ after 2022 Itaewon tragedy in Seoul, in which more than 150 people died
Japan’s Shibuya crossing. Authorities have pleaded with people to stay away this Halloween, fearing a repeat of the crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea in 2022.Japan’s Shibuya crossing. Authorities have pleaded with people to stay away this Halloween, fearing a repeat of the crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea in 2022.
“The main concern is who would responsible if an accident happened,” Nishinari said, adding that some stores could be reluctant to miss out on a profitable few days. “Stakeholders need to consider whether priority should be given to safety or making money. Safety should come first, of course, but a lot of local businesses will put profits first.”“To prevent trouble and potential disasters from happening, we’re asking tourists to refrain from coming during the Halloween period.
According to the densely populated special ward – home to more than 220,000 people – damage caused by overtourism has “become serious, resulting in property damage caused by drinking in the street, altercations with local residents, and littering of large amounts of empty cans and bottles”. To deter crowds, the local government has passed an ordinance banning drinking in the street near the main railway station between 6pm and 5am from 27-31 October. Dozens of stores have been asked not to sell alcohol during the period, Hasebe said, adding that “most” had been cooperative.