Celebrating Halloween has become very popular in Japan in recent years, even though it does not have deep cultural roots as in Western countries. The Japanese version of Halloween differs in many ways from the celebrations in Europe or the USA and is less focused on traditional origins such as driving out ghosts or the connection to All Saints' Day. Instead, in Japan it is more about fun, costumes and experiencing an extraordinary night.
Origin and development
Halloween was popularized in the 1990s by major theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan. Disneyland began offering special Halloween parades and decorations, which quickly caught people's attention. The popularity of Halloween grew steadily as a result, and today it is an established, albeit commercialized, celebration in Japanese cities. Stores and shopping centers also contribute by offering elaborate Halloween decorations and special products in October.
Costumes and disguises
Costumes are at the heart of Halloween in Japan. Halloween is often seen there as an extension of the popular cosplay trend, and Japanese people love to dress up and express their creativity in imaginative costumes. Costumes range from traditional Halloween characters such as witches and vampires to anime and manga characters, which are particularly popular in Japan. The most famous costume party takes place every year in Shibuya, a lively district of Tokyo. Thousands of people gather there in colorful costumes and the streets are transformed into a huge festival area. However, this big party is not officially organized, which occasionally leads to chaotic conditions.
Decorations and events
During the Halloween season, many Japanese stores and shopping centers decorate their premises with pumpkins, ghosts and other typical Halloween decorations. Some restaurants offer special menus, such as pumpkin dishes and Halloween-themed sweets. Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Osaka in particular host elaborate Halloween events with parades, light shows and “spooky” experiences that attract the interest of many visitors.
“Trick or treat” and other customs
Although “Trick or Treat” is not as common as in the USA, there are opportunities for children to collect sweets in some neighborhoods and at special events in Japan. Some kindergartens and schools organize small Halloween parties where children dress up and receive small pieces of candy. However, this tradition remains a rarity in Japan and is mainly practiced in the big cities.
Halloween for adults
Halloween in Japan is more of a celebration for adults and young people than for children. For many young Japanese, it is an opportunity to break out of everyday life and slip into a different role. In the big cities, there are Halloween parties in clubs, bars and hotels with special themes and costume competitions. The focus here is on having fun and celebrating with friends.
Interestingly, there are already some festivities in Japanese culture that are reminiscent of the original, spiritual elements of Halloween, such as the “Obon” festival in August, where the souls of deceased ancestors are honored. However, Halloween in Japan is usually seen as a more light-hearted, creative and fun-oriented celebration and is not associated with spiritual or religious elements.