Shibuya Halloween 2017: Mario Karts, Minions, and the “Prequel” Chaos

Halloween in Tokyo isn’t just a holiday; it is a multi-day phenomenon. While the world looks to October 31st, the initiated know that the energy in Shibuya begins building well before the main event. I headed to the famous Shibuya Crossing on October 30th—the unofficial “prequel” to the chaos—to see what the streets had in store. I was not disappointed. The energy was electric, the crowd was massive, and despite one noisy irritation, it was a night of serious fun.

The cast: Shibuya’s costume parade

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.

Highlights from the street

The creativity on display was impressive. 2017 marked the debut of Mario and Luigi driving their go-karts, followed closely by Minions riding through Shibuya Crossing on motorbikes. 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. Even the Pope made an appearance, flanked by two bishops.

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?

The noise pollution problem

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.

A resounding success

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. If this was just the warmup, the big night on October 31st promises to be a monster.

Summary: Shibuya Halloween 2017

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!