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Halloween in Japan has rapidly grown in popularity over the past few years, becoming a widely enjoyed annual event in autumn. How did this American-born tradition take root in Japan and evolve into its own unique culture? Let's take a look at the background and how Halloween is celebrated in Japan today.
Halloween began gaining traction in Japan during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Especially with the introduction of Halloween events at theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, public awareness of the holiday increased rapidly. Along with a general interest in foreign cultures, Halloween slowly became established as an event where people could enjoy dressing up in costumes.
In America, Halloween is traditionally associated with children going door-to-door saying "Trick or Treat" to receive candy, but this aspect is not widely practiced in Japan. Instead, the focus is on dressing up in costumes and participating in events such as parades or attending theme park celebrations.
Halloween Horror Night All-Night Pass. Image via UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
One of the key differences between Halloween in Japan and the U.S. is the diversity of costumes. In the U.S., costumes typically revolve around horror-themed characters like ghosts, witches, or skeletons. In Japan, however, costumes span a wider range, including anime characters, video game figures, and even cute animals.
Additionally, during the Halloween season, commercial establishments and cafes across Japan offer limited-edition Halloween-themed sweets and products. Pumpkin-flavored treats and snacks packaged in Halloween designs are particularly popular, becoming a unique way for people to enjoy the holiday.
In recent years, one of the most iconic Halloween celebrations in Japan has become "Shibuya Halloween." On October 31st, the streets of Shibuya in Tokyo are flooded with crowds of people in elaborate costumes, especially around the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This event has rapidly grown in popularity since the mid-2010s, drawing attention not only from Japan but from international visitors as well.
However, as the scale of Shibuya Halloween has increased, so too have issues like littering, noise, and even riots in some cases, raising social concerns. In response, the Shibuya Ward has recently introduced restrictions, such as banning public drinking during the Halloween period, in an effort to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.
Scenes of promoting a drinking ban in Shibuya during Halloween. Image via PhotoAC
In Japan, Halloween is celebrated without the religious connotations found in Western traditions. Much like Christmas or Valentine's Day, it has become a largely commercialized event. October is now marked by Halloween sales and campaigns nationwide, making it a major seasonal opportunity for boosting consumption.
Halloween has also become a fun event for families and friends to enjoy together. Many kindergartens and preschools host Halloween parties where children dress up in costumes, and more and more companies are incorporating Halloween-themed parties or allowing employees to dress up for work.
Halloween pumpkin. Image via PhotoAC
Japan's version of Halloween has incorporated elements from the traditional American celebration while adding its own unique flair. From the wide range of costumes to the commercial aspects and large-scale events, Japan has created a distinctive Halloween culture. As it continues to evolve, Halloween will remain a popular and cherished autumn event for people across Japan.