Hey there! Welcome to part 2 of our Halloween Around the World series, where we introduce you to wonderful, whimsical, and sometimes downright spooky Halloween traditions from all over the world.
This week we’re going to Japan and taking part in its fantabulous Halloween street parties.
Halloween burst into the scene in Japan in 2000, when Tokyo Disneyland hosted its first Halloween event. It was a smash hit, and soon other theme parks followed suit, making Halloween one of the biggest calendar events in Japan.
Halloween in Japan is mostly for adults: there’s no trick-or-treating, but there are huge street parties in places like Shibuya and Roppongi Hills, where people dress up in costumes.
The costumes range from classic (ghosts, vampires, etc), to cuddly anime faves, to downright terrifying ensembles. You’ll also find people in costumes partying in nightclubs, or creating a little chaos in a zombie run or flash mob.
You can also head down to the subways, where you can sign up for Halloween trains. Characters ride the trains and party in costumes—a tradition that started in the 90s when groups of American expats started throwing parties on the trains. They left a huge cleanup behind back then, but today the party trains are much more organized.
And of course, you can’t forget about the theme parks. They’re some of the most exciting places to be on Halloween. Head to Tokyo Disneyland (the place that started it all), Universal Studios Japan, or Sanrio Puroland for Halloween-themed parties!
That’s it for Japan, dear reader. Come back next week as we continue our series, Halloween Around the World.
Celebrate Halloween Nippongo-Style With These Costumes
$19.99
The iconic Hannya is a face mask that traditionally represents an obsessed and jealous female demon in classic Japanese Noh theater. Renowned to be perilous and maniacal, the Hannya also symbolized a tortured and anguished soul, fittingly illustrating the intricacy… SEE MORE
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Japanese, Korean and Chinese folklore share common legends and beliefs about foxes, who were said to be messengers of heaven.Fox spirits, or kitsune, were said to have supernatural abilities which grew as they aged. The older, wiser and more powerful… SEE MORE
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This super versatile outerwear featuring the tentacles of a fabled ocean monster is inspired by the traditional Japanese Haori jacket. Made with smooth and thin material, it is comfortable to wear in the summer, over clothes on a day out… SEE MORE
$14.99
Look sharp with these Katana keychains!Made with durable metal, these miniature models can be a functional key chain, props for large action figures/statues or as a cool display piece when placed on a specially sized stand. Material: Zinc Alloy, ABSSword Length: 15.5cm (6.0")Stand… SEE MORENoh Hannya Mask Ear Studs
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Kitsune Fox Spirit EL Mask
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Kraken's Tentacles Haori
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Samurai Katana Keychain
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