[Itaewon Tragedy] Japan Orders Nationwide Police to Manage Halloween Traffic... Increased Security in Shibuya and Other Areas

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japan, having witnessed the Itaewon crowd crush disaster in Korea, instructed police nationwide to implement 'Halloween traffic control' on the 31st, Halloween Day, according to Hirokazu Matsuno, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun and others, at a regular press conference on the morning of the same day, Matsuno was asked about the Japanese government's response to prevent accidents during Halloween. He stated, "Upon learning of this accident (the Itaewon disaster), and anticipating large crowds during Halloween, the National Police Agency has instructed police nationwide to coordinate with local governments to conduct traffic control and make efforts to prevent accidents."

He explained, "From this evening until early tomorrow morning, the police will work with Shibuya Ward around the intersection in front of Shibuya Station (Tokyo) to prevent accidents." The area near Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo's representative bustling districts where young people gather during Halloween, similar to Itaewon in Seoul.

According to local media, Japanese police and administrative authorities have strengthened security around Shibuya Station following the Itaewon disaster. The Metropolitan Police Department is reportedly planning to deploy about 350 officers in Shibuya on that day.

Meanwhile, Matsuno confirmed that two Japanese women died in the Itaewon disaster that occurred on the 29th. He said, "We are continuously gathering information, but at this point, no reports of Japanese victims other than these two have been received," adding, "We sincerely mourn those who passed away in this accident and extend our condolences to their families."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.