Ken Hasebe issues warning after 2022 Itaewon tragedy in Seoul, in which more than 150 people died

Authorities in one of Tokyo’s liveliest neighbourhoods are pleading with revellers to stay away during Halloween, fearing a repeat of last year’s deadly crowd crush in the Itaewon district of Seoul.

Ken Hasebe, the mayor of Shibuya – a popular destination for young Japanese and foreign tourists – said partygoers hoping to mark the celebration in the area on and around 31 October would be disappointed.