Happy Halloween -- in August

Later Christianity appropriated it (as is usually the case) and it became a religious holiday.

Apologies, it became a separate religious holiday - All Saint's Day, November 1st. Halloween is still a pagan/consumerist holiday on 31st October. Yay!

Halloween is Irish? Didn't know that.

To be more precise, it stems from the Gaelic festival of Samhain. Great feasts were held and it was believed that this time of year, the spirits and otherworldly folk were in attendance. Later Christianity appropriated it (as is usually the case) and it became a religious holiday.

But it's a global event now, very inclusive, much like St Patrick's Day - which has far outgrown its pious origins.

Personally, I could eat pumpkin all year round! But I believe the pumpkin (in Halloween celebrations) was an American addition.

Tahoochi - Halloween is Irish? Didn't know that.

It actually goes back way before there was an Ireland. It was a pagan ritual dating back to around 1500 years ago. However, it's just merchandising in Japan. 99.9999% of Japanese people have no idea why Halloween is celebrated or where the tradition comes from. It's just a time to buy more 'Kowaii' junk from the ¥100 shop.

@Toasted Heretic: Halloween is Irish? Didn't know that.

" where are the Xmas decorations?"

The trees are up at Costco!

Pathetic.

I quite like it. If Japan wishes to include foreign holidays and festivals, why not? Especially Irish ones like Halloween and St. Patrick's Day...

Halloween has really gone big here, when I had first came to Japan in 2005 people may have been vaguely aware of the holiday but you couldn't find many products outside of import stores. Now it's crazy with official events everywhere and tons of halloween-related crap in the local stores.

I noticed that Easter is also starting to be on that trend, probably in less than 10 years we'll be seeing a similar boom. I wonder what will be after that, Thanksgiving?

It's 2 months away; this is normal. At least in Europe.

It's as predictable as people moaning about it every year.

even spoonfed Japanese consumers have to be thinking this is lame

Forget Halloween, where are the Xmas decorations?

I saw a display like this last week. Lame.

Makes you look desperate and low on ideas imo.