University of Tokyo May Festival resumes on May 17 after bomb threat forced cancellations
University of Tokyo May Festival resumed on May 17, 2026 after a bomb threat led to the cancellation of events on May 16; organizers closed gates and began bag checks at Hongo campus.
The University of Tokyo May Festival resumed its second day on May 17, 2026 after organizers canceled events on the afternoon of May 16 following a bomb threat, the festival’s standing committee said. The Hongo campus in Bunkyo Ward reopened with tightened security measures including the partial closure of gates and mandatory baggage inspections for attendees and participants.
Festival schedule altered after morning threat on May 16
Organizers reported that a bomb threat was received on the morning of May 16, 2026, prompting the cancellation of all scheduled programs from 2:00 p.m. that day for safety reasons. A lecture that had been scheduled for noon by the political party Sanseitō’s leader, Kamiya, was among the events affected and did not take place.
Standing committee officials said the decision to suspend activities on May 16 was taken after assessing the potential risk to visitors and participants. The committee emphasized that protecting public safety was the primary consideration in halting events.
Security measures in place at Hongo campus
On May 17, the standing committee said the festival would proceed with enhanced safety protocols across the Hongo district grounds. Several campus entrances were closed to control access, and security personnel conducted hand baggage inspections at remaining entry points.
Organizers also increased the presence of festival staff at key locations to manage crowd flow and to provide information to visitors. Signage and public announcements were used to guide attendees to inspected entry gates and explain the new procedures.
Canceled lecture by Sanseitō leader singled out in disruption
A lecture by the leader of Sanseitō, Kamiya, had been scheduled for May 16 at noon but was canceled after the morning threat, according to festival organizers. The standing committee cited “safety management reasons” when announcing the suspension of afternoon programs from 2:00 p.m. onward on May 16.
Organizers did not provide additional public detail about the nature of the threat or any direct evidence targeting that specific lecture. They described the cancellation as a precautionary measure intended to reduce risk for festival attendees and campus residents.
Visitor experience and guidance for attendees
Festival staffers and volunteers staffed information points throughout the campus to explain entry procedures and to advise visitors on permitted items and inspection protocols. Attendees arriving on May 17 were told to expect delays at checkpoints and to cooperate with security measures to ensure a smooth flow.
Some scheduled exhibitions and performances resumed as planned, while others remained canceled or adjusted to accommodate the revised operating plan. Organizers urged visitors to check posted schedules at the entrance and to follow directions from staff for the duration of the festival.
Organizers stress precautionary approach and monitoring
The standing committee characterized the response as a precautionary escalation rather than a confirmation of an imminent threat, and it said measures were intended to maintain a safe environment while enabling as many events as possible to proceed. The committee asked for public understanding given the extraordinary circumstances.
Officials also indicated that management would continue to monitor the situation and adjust security arrangements as necessary. The emphasis was on minimizing disruption where feasible while keeping attendee safety paramount.
Campus communities respond to heightened security
Students, faculty and community visitors expressed mixed reactions to the tightened measures, with many acknowledging the necessity of precautions and some noting inconvenience from entry delays. Local residents near the Hongo campus said they had seen an increased staff presence and signage related to the festival’s revised operations.
University groups involved in the festival said they would cooperate with organizers to ensure that performers, exhibitors and volunteers complied with inspection procedures. Several campus organizations announced they would continue outreach and communication with attendees to reduce confusion during the resumption of events.
The May Festival resumed under visible security changes on May 17, 2026, reflecting a cautious approach by the University of Tokyo’s organizers after the prior day’s threat. Organizers reiterated that the safety of participants and visitors remains the priority and asked the public to follow instructions at entrances and on campus while the festival continues.
