Tokyo's Shibuya Ward has decided not to hold a countdown event on New Year's Eve around its major train station for the fourth-straight year. Ward officials are concerned about possible trouble caused by extreme congestion.

Shibuya Ward had held such events until 2019, but the ward suspended them in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sunday is Japan's first year-end holiday since the government downgraded COVID-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza.

This year, officials are wary that outdoor events might draw huge crowds and raise risks of problems such as public drinking and crowd crushes.

Even though the event has again been cancelled, security personnel will be deployed on the night of the New Year's Eve as many people are expected to gather at the famous scramble crossing in front of the station.

Under the ordinance on outdoor consumption of alcohol, restrictions will be in effect from 6 p.m. on Sunday through 5 a.m. on Monday. Convenience stores and other retailers will be asked to refrain from selling alcohol during these hours.

Shibuya Mayor Hasebe Ken has asked for understanding and cooperation. He said he reached the decision not to hold events this year in light of an increase in the number of visitors to Shibuya.