Officials of Tokyo's Shibuya Ward have a plan to discourage people from gathering at the iconic Hachiko dog statue on New Year's Eve. They're going to cover it up.

Every year, revelers pack the area around Shibuya Station for the countdown to the new year. Officials are concerned this could lead to accidents and trouble.

Workers will cover the famous statue just outside the station at 6 a.m. on December 31. It will be uncovered at 1 a.m. on January 1.

This is the second time Hachiko will be kept out of the public eye. The first time was during this year's Halloween period.

Shibuya officials say they decided to take this step to ensure public safety. They are asking for cooperation so that people can enjoy a trouble-free New Year's celebration.