The annual countdown event in front of JR Shibuya Station on New Year's eve will not take place this year in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe said on Wednesday.
The crowd-pulling event has been held since 2016 at the famous Shibuya scramble crossing outside the station, with the streets around the area made free of vehicles. The organizing committee members include the ward and a local merchants' association.
Last year, about 100,000 people flocked to the event, which is usually held from the evening of Dec. 31 to the early hours of Jan. 1. It was also joined by such celebrities as former table tennis star Ai Fukuhara and popular YouTuber Hikakin.
Even though the event has been canceled, many people may still gather around the station on New Year's eve.
The ward will make more requests to not do so and have discussions with the Tokyo metropolitan police department on what measures can be taken should many people still turn up.
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