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Chilling online rumor spreads telling people to 'cancel all plans and stay home' on October 30
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A social media post has claimed that Japanese residents should stay home on October 30, which has left many alarmed.
The poster alleges that both they and their daughter work for the biopharmaceutical company Pfizer, while also posting a video of Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi at an official press conference.
The warning from 'Pfizer' remains unverified, with many confusing it with the warnings given by the government ahead of Halloween weekend.
Traffic restrictions in Tokyo are being placed, while disaster-preparedness advice is also being provided, though neither confirms that Japan has issued a nationwide stay-at-home order.
So, how much of the claim should be believed - if at all?
'Stay Home' social media post goes viral
The X post warned people to cancel plans and remain at home on the day before Halloween.
It read: "My daughter and I both work at Pfizer. I'll say this just once. Cancel all your plans on 30 October and absolutely stay home!"
Several social media accounts have shared the warning, but there has been no official report or announcement that has backed the claim up.
The video also doesn't reveal if he made the claims that have seemingly been attributed to him, while the Pfizer link has remained unconfirmed.
Why is October 30 mentioned?
The date has been included in public announcements for a very good reason.
It was announced by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department that there will be traffic measures around Shibuya Station for Halloween, starting on the evening of October 30, going up to the early hours of 1 November.
Included in the measures are vehicle restrictions on designated roads, the suspension of parking meters around the station, and possible additional traffic controls depending on conditions.
Shibuya is aiming to prevent overcrowding, littering and public disturbances during an anticipated busy weekend.
The restrictions are directly about Halloween crowds, and don't explicitly order Japanese people to avoid going out.
Disaster preparedness warning
Japan is looking forward to the launch of its new National Disaster Management Agency on November 2, 2026, where Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono will make an appeal for households to strengthen their disaster preparedness.
Hosono will urge households to save three days' worth of food, drinking water and sanitation supplies, aiming to have enough for a week.
The emergency kit will help families cope if a major disruption takes place, as the aim is to help households deal with any impending major disasters.
The island nation is known for suffering earthquakes, typhoons and other natural disasters over the years, as government guidance recommends stocking up.
Current information is not a warning of an upcoming emergency, but of disaster preparedness.
So far, no link has been drawn between this campaign and the viral, outlandish claim that people must stay home on October 30.