TOKYO (TR) – The area around the Hachiko statue in front of JR Shibuya Station in Shibuya Ward has been sealed off to prevent entry in anticipation of New Year’s Eve revellers congregating in the area, reports TBS News (Dec. 31).
At around 7:30 a.m on Tuesday, workers placed a white curtain was posted in front of the statue of the iconic dog. A message in red text on the curtain reads, “Hachi is sleeping today. Do not wake him up.”
With many people expected to gather for the New Year’s Eve countdown festivities, the ward sealed off the area around the statue as a safety measure. The blockade will last until 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, which is New Year’s Day.
For the fifth consecutive year, a countdown event in front of JR Shibuya Station has been cancelled. However, Shibuya Ward plans to deploy approximately 100 security guards from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday to prevent accidents.
