|
TOKYO, Oct. 31-- Police in Tokyo's popular Shibuya shopping district are bracing for another raucous Halloween street party on Wednesday night with the build-up to the main event on previous nights leading to a number of arrests for indecent and antisocial behavior. The famous scramble crossing and its surrounding streets, known for drawing throngs of youngsters, are the center of Japan's Halloween celebrations, which have grown steadily over the years. Each year, thousands of revelers congregate on the streets to show off their ghoulish costumes, pose for photos, drink, and flirt. It is also a popular attraction for tourists, with thousands arriving in costume or simply to spectate, wandering with smartphones and cameras. When Halloween falls on a weeknight, as it does this year, crowds also assemble on the preceding weekend. This year was no exception. However, the event has become notorious for rowdy behavior, and on Saturday, police arrested five people on charges of groping, camera voyeurism, and damage to property. Though there were fewer incidents on Sunday, a vehicle was overturned and two revelers climbed on top of it. Its occupants escaped unharmed. The area was left covered in garbage including discarded costumes, cans, and broken glass. Police also received complaints from shops and restaurants saying revelers had blocked their entrances, preventing customers from coming and going. | 
