01:58Residents gathered at Tokyo's Shibuya crossing in spite of the local government asking people to refrain, in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Festivities have been cancelled in the spot for the second year in a row due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A public ban on drinking is also in place from 21:00 to 03:00 local time (12:00 to 18:00 GMT).
People could be seen walking past as cars crossed and police officers attempted to control the traffic. Police officers were present from 21:30 local time in order to prevent people from loitering in the area. The countdown was also cancelled.
The Shibuya crossing previously attracted around 100, 000 people per year.
Japan: Residents gather at iconic Shibuya crossing despite countdown ban
Residents gathered at Tokyo's Shibuya crossing in spite of the local government asking people to refrain, in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Festivities have been cancelled in the spot for the second year in a row due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A public ban on drinking is also in place from 21:00 to 03:00 local time (12:00 to 18:00 GMT).
People could be seen walking past as cars crossed and police officers attempted to control the traffic. Police officers were present from 21:30 local time in order to prevent people from loitering in the area. The countdown was also cancelled.
The Shibuya crossing previously attracted around 100, 000 people per year.
Residents gathered at Tokyo's Shibuya crossing in spite of the local government asking people to refrain, in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Festivities have been cancelled in the spot for the second year in a row due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A public ban on drinking is also in place from 21:00 to 03:00 local time (12:00 to 18:00 GMT).
People could be seen walking past as cars crossed and police officers attempted to control the traffic. Police officers were present from 21:30 local time in order to prevent people from loitering in the area. The countdown was also cancelled.
The Shibuya crossing previously attracted around 100, 000 people per year.