Shibuya Halloween 2017: A Photographic Prequel
Halloween in Shibuya used to be a multi-day phenomenon. While the world looks forward to the big day, the initiated know that the energy in Shibuya once began building well before the big day. Before the crackdown, I and thousands of others would head to the famous crossing to see what the streets had in store. I was not disappointed on October 30, 2017. The energy was electric, the crowd was massive, and despite one noisy irritation, it was a night of serious fun.
Shibuya cosplay: From undead nurses to Mario
The streets were occupied by a veritable army of cosplayers. I spotted undead nurses, a pair of Cinderellas, and mad scientists weaving through the traffic. There were plenty of characters I couldn’t quite identify, but the camaraderie was universal. Everyone was out for a good time. I can’t recall a single person refusing a request for a photograph; the night was an absolute blast. The undead Mario was one of the best. Can you imagine him with half of his face ripped off?
Mario Karts and Minions at Shibuya Crossing
The creativity on display was impressive. 2017 marked the debut of Mario and Luigi driving their go-karts. A bunch of Minions on motorbikes rode their motorbikes through Shibuya Crossing. That was certainly something new for the year.
Near the Hachiko statue, I spotted “Killer Ronald McDonalds” brazenly walking past the crowds. They projected a genuinely evil aura that was perfect for the occasion.
Does anyone remember the Miniskirt Police? They used to be huge on Japanese TV. Several girls graced the event dressed as the troupe, adding a touch of nostalgia to the evening. It felt like nothing could spoil the night. Or could it?
Crowd control and police presence in Shibuya
If there was one downside to the evening, it was the police strategy. In hindsight, their presence wasn’t a bad idea; they managed traffic at the crossing and kept the few rowdy revelers in check. However, the execution left much to be desired.
Rather than physical crowd control, they opted for an audio assault. Loudspeakers bombarded the crowd with incessant announcements, warning us that “everything was dangerous.” We were told not to run, not to stop suddenly, and to be careful taking pictures.
The warnings were repetitive, relentless, and broadcast in English as well as Japanese. It felt like overkill, especially considering the vast majority of the crowd appeared to be locals. It was a nonstop loop that threatened to dampen the mood.
Capturing the energy of Tokyo street photography
Despite the megaphone bombardment, the crowd refused to have their spirits dampened. Smiling faces were everywhere. It seemed most people managed to zone out the police announcements, focusing instead on the excitement of the night. The October 30th “prequel” was a resounding success, setting the stage perfectly for the main event.
Review: Shibuya Halloween 2017 highlights
The experience: A flashback to the chaotic energy of the “prequel” night on October 30, 2017, at Shibuya Crossing.
The highlights:
- Costumes: A mix of horror and pop culture, including Mario Karts, Minions on bikes, and the nostalgic Miniskirt Police.
- Atmosphere: Friendly, energetic, and highly photogenic.
- The downside: Overzealous police announcements via loudspeaker that bordered on annoyance.
- Final thought: Despite the noise control, the crowd’s enthusiasm made the night a photographic success.
Were you at Shibuya Halloween 2017? Did the police announcements drive you crazy, or did you love the chaos? Let us know in the comments below!
