TOKYO - Tokyo's Shibuya Ward issued 394 fines of 2,000 yen each for littering and street smoking during Halloween celebrations on October 31, while neighboring Shinjuku Ward recorded 498 cases of street drinking and smoking despite efforts to discourage disruptive behavior.
Shibuya Ward, which imposes a 2,000 yen administrative fine for littering and smoking on public streets, had repeatedly warned visitors that both activities were prohibited during the festivities. This year's Halloween fell on a Saturday for the first time in six years, raising concerns about large crowds gathering in the district.
Despite the warnings, authorities recorded 394 violations resulting in fines. Waste collected at temporary garbage disposal sites set up for the celebrations filled 264 bags, each with a capacity of 90 liters.
In Shinjuku Ward, authorities also conducted patrols and warned visitors against prohibited and disruptive behavior. A total of 498 cases involving street drinking and smoking were recorded during the Halloween period.
Garbage collected in Shinjuku filled 15 bags with a capacity of 70 liters each, considerably fewer than the number reported in Shibuya.
Shinjuku Ward officials said they would continue monitoring littering and other nuisance behavior, maintaining efforts to prevent disturbances in entertainment districts during major public events.
Source: FNN
