Something for everyone this Halloween

Although Halloween is still a few weeks away, the season began in early September in Japan. Theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland have been in Halloween mode since mid-September.

Stores such as Tokyu Hands, Daiso, Don Quijote and Loft have dedicated Halloween sections. Besides confectionery makers rolling out Halloween-themed goodies, some restaurants are offering Halloween-inspired menus, fashion outlets are selling Halloween-related costumes and accessories, while entertainment facilities are going all out with Halloween events planned for Oct 27-31. Many hotels and cafes are offering special Halloween afternoon tea sets.

In the last five or six years, Halloween has exploded in popularity (mainly propelled by social media) and is now the second most popular "imported" festive season in Japan after Christmas which still remains far ahead in terms of merchandising and consumption.

Japanese people love getting dressed up to take part in Halloween parades which attract tens of thousands of fans in Kawasaki, Harajuku, Roppongi and the biggest gathering of all — at Shibuya.

If you are on the streets of Roppongi or at the famous Shibuya scramble crossing on the night of Oct 31, you will be in for an eye-opening experience. Japanese in costumes mass on the streets, not going anywhere in particular. The whole celebration is more like a big cosplay festival. There is no trick or treating, by the way.

It's all a far cry from the 1980s when the only sign of Halloween most Tokyoites likely saw was a group of foreigners in costumes who used to ride the Yamanote line every year on Oct 31 to celebrate Halloween, which was then known as Kabochasai (Pumpkin Festival).

Here are a few recommended places to join in or just observe the Halloween festivities.

Shibuya

The biggest Halloween event in Japan takes place in the middle of the Shibuya district where thousands of people gather in costumes and hang out around the Shibuya center gai shopping street and scramble crossing at night.

Many bars and restaurants in the area hold events and the street party gets so chaotic that during the past few years, the term “DJ police” was coined, referring to police officers who regulate the crowds through witty remarks and humor.

Many people go to Miyashita Park to change into their costumes.

Halloween this year is a Wednesday, so big crowds of revelers are expected between Oct 27 - 31.

Roppongi Hills

Roppongi Hills holds its very own unique Halloween event every year.

This year’s “Roppongi Hills Happy Halloween 2018,” from Oct 11 - 31, also offers a variety of fun, such as a limited time menu of special jack-o’-lantern pancakes and ghost-themed apple pies that come with separate bloody red berry sauce you can pour on your own.

On Saturday, Oct 27, a movie-themed parade led by a brass band will be held in the streets of Roppongi, from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. Anyone wearing a costume is free to join in.

Stores in Roppongi Hills also offer special Halloween makeup and nail design services that range from ¥3,000 to ¥16,000.

http://www.roppongihills.com/press_release/pdf/180927.pdf

Sanrio Puroland

Partnering with popular ghost house (obakeyashiki) producer Obaken, Sanrio Puroland, otherwise known as Hello Kitty Land Tokyo, is taking on a spooky nighttime theme in contrast to its usual kawaii concept.

The Halloween special event, which began on Sept 14, runs through Oct 31, with each day split into a daytime parade section and a nighttime spooky section.

The parade features characters dressed up in cute costumes and there will be photo booths so that park visitors can have their photos taken with them.

"Ghost Pierrot’s Sneaking Horror House," the spookier side of the event, gives visitors the mission to escape from a room full of lurking ghosts.

"Sanrio Character Boat Ride in the Dark" is another attraction to keep your eye out for.

Sanrio Puroland is in Tama New Town, roughly a 30-minute train ride from Shinjuku Station.

Kawasaki Parade

This year marks the 22nd annual Halloween event in Kawasaki. Run by local entertainment company Chitta, this event dates back to 1997 when Halloween was not as big as it is now in Japan.

The parade which spreads all around the east side of Kawasaki Station has grown big throughout the years, with the number of attendees increasing to 2,600, while the number of spectators is expected to top 120,000.

The main spectacle this year will be a performance by dancers with extravagant hairstyle designs, that is a part of the “Dance x Art Make x Kawasaki Halloween” project.

Other events to watch out for include a “Dancing Pumpkin After Party” and a costume contest where the winner will receive a cash prize of ¥500,000.

It costs ¥1,000 to participate in the parade.

http://lacittadella.co.jp/halloween/

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

The theme park's Halloween festivities began on Sept 7 and will continue until Nov 4. Universal Studios Japan is hosting three different experiences: “Screaming Halloween,” “Kowa Kowa Halloween” and “Otona Halloween.”

“Screaming Halloween,” also known as Halloween Horror Night, refers to the different horror-themed mazes and attractions around the park. Different types of street zombies will be roaming around depending on each area.

“Kowa Kowa Halloween” is a tamer version for kids where they will be greeted by Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Elmo in cute and spooky outfits.

In “Otona Halloween,” participants are able to dress up in dance hall costumes and take part in a hotel-themed attraction where the participants themselves have a chance to be characters in a story.

http://www.usj.co.jp/e/halloween2018/

For more information on Halloween events, click here.

© Japan Today