Japanese Halloween has been recognized as one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in the world. Each year, thousands of attendees gather to participate in the biggest street parties, theme park events, and celebrations across Japan. And, of course, Halloween is the best time to showcase Japan’s best cosplay.
Since its inception in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Japanese Halloween has exploded in popularity. It has attracted visitors outside Japan to experience this unique event that brings pop culture icons and fantasy elements to life.
In addition, Japan’s Halloween celebration isn’t just a carbon copy of the western Halloween tradition. Plenty of twists make Japan’s Halloween truly a treat for those who wish to experience it.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Halloween in Japan. We will learn the origin of Japanese Halloween, explore the most notable Japanese Halloween spots and events, and talk about merchandise you can buy during the Halloween season.
Does Japan Celebrate Halloween?
As surprising as it may seem, Japan loves Halloween. Despite being a more recent addition to their list of holidays and events, Halloween has become one of the most exciting celebrations in Japan.
It is the time of the year when Japan transforms into a completely different place. The streets, buildings, and familiar landmarks turn into iconic scenes from movies, anime, and video games.
Establishments such as fast-food chains and restaurants also participate in the fun. Limited-time Halloween candies, snacks, and meals are offered exclusively in Japan.
And, of course, the main highlight of Halloween in Japan is Japanese Halloween cosplay. Japan is already renowned for introducing its cosplay culture to the world. Halloween serves as a special event to showcase Japan’s creativity in a fun way.
How Did Halloween Start in Japan?
Halloween wasn’t always a big deal in Japan. In fact, Japanese Halloween wasn’t even celebrated until the 2010s. Halloween’s late entry in Japan is very surprising, given how much the country loves to dress up and cosplay.
Japan’s residents were already familiar with the concept of Halloween thanks to western movies and shows. However, they simply didn’t get its appeal. To many, it was just foreigners wearing funny costumes.
But despite its lack of local interest, there have been several attempts in the past to bring the Halloween spirit to Japan. During the 1970s, Harajuku’s Kiddy Land started selling Halloween-themed toys.
And in the 1980s, they started hosting Halloween costume parties and parades for children. International schools also started introducing the concept of Halloween by encouraging children to dress up in spooky costumes and share sweets, snacks, and candy.
Some foreigners, however, had a different idea for Halloween. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a group of anonymous foreigners started conducting Halloween parties inside trains, which were borderline illegal. These Halloween train parties were infamously known as the “Yamanote Halloween Train/Gaijin Train.” This tradition also prevailed on the JR Loop Line trains in Osaka, and shared much of the same notoriety.
While it was fun for those who attended, it was a massive inconvenience for regular people trying to use the subway. These parties caused so much inconvenience that people started protesting.
However, what truly started kicking off Halloween in Japan was Tokyo Disneyland’s “Disney Happy Halloween” one-night event in 1997. Its success led to other Halloween-themed events, such as the “Happy Halloween Twilight Parade” in 2000.
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With Tokyo Disneyland’s success, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka also started introducing its own “Hollywood Halloween” event in 2002. Since then, it has become a successful annual event and is now known as “Halloween Horror Nights.”
The success of the Halloween events hosted by Japan’s biggest theme parks has helped give birth to a new Japanese holiday. And with the rise of social media in the 2010s, Halloween cemented its place as a Japanese holiday.
How Does Japan Celebrate Halloween?
Japan Celebrates Halloween in a number of ways, with the most popular being listed below:
- Street Parties
- Parades
- Theme Parks
- Underground Train Parties
- Children’s Parties in Schools and Neighborhoods
Japan’s version of Halloween is purely for fun. They did not adopt western Halloween culture and traditions and instead chose to make it their own. There is, however, a Japanese tradition similar to Halloween, which we will discuss later.
Japanese Halloween is mainly celebrated through street parties, parades, musical and live performances, theme parks, cosplay festivals, and small-scale celebrations in schools and neighborhoods. Some well-known spots include Shibuya, Osaka, Roppongi Hills, and Ikebukuro.
Halloween in Japan mostly caters to young adults who love to party and cosplay. However, there are tons of organized events that appeal to children and the whole family.
The trick-or-treat tradition is mostly omitted in Japanese Halloween traditions. Most Japanese do not want to bother others by visiting their homes. It is, however, conducted in theme parks and some neighborhoods for those who wish to experience it in Japan.
The infamous Japanese Halloween train tradition also made a comeback in recent years. However, it is a far cry from the chaotic and disruptive parties that ensued in the past. Instead, Halloween train parties are now more organized with online registrations and proper rules and regulations.
In addition to partying and having fun, Japanese Halloween is famous for having limited-time Japanese snacks, treats, and goods. Everything from toys to candies receives a special Halloween treatment available only during the event.
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Japanese Halloween Spots Across Japan
Japanese Halloween in Tokyo
Shibuya Street Party
There are various official and unofficial Halloween events held in Tokyo. In Shibuya, thousands gather for the biggest unofficial Japanese Halloween street party.
Unlike official Japanese Halloween events, Shibuya’s Halloween does not have organizers, performances, or live shows. Instead, it is more similar to a large meet-up where attendees can show off their creative costumes.
Everything from scary ghosts, vampires, and witches, to anime, video games, and even hilarious costumes can be seen during the event. Shibuya Halloween is also the perfect place to take pictures and socialize with strangers. And, of course, attendees love to party all night long.
Shibuya Halloween has become well-known worldwide and has amassed attendees both locally and internationally. Each year, Shibuya’s Halloween street party keeps on getting bigger.
There are no official numbers. However, some sources report that over one million people gathered during the event.
Do note that Shibuya Halloween can get very chaotic. The government has taken measures to make the event safer, such as banning drinking in public. However, things can still get crazy, so Shibuya Halloween isn’t for the faint of heart. It should be noted however, that it has calmed down a bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can bet that it will bounce back quickly.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
There are official Japanese Halloween events held in Tokyo for those looking for a more relaxed and fun time with family and friends. The most famous theme park that holds Halloween events is, of course, Tokyo Disneyland. Being the pioneer of Japanese Halloween, Tokyo Disneyland has tons of Halloween-themed activities and surprises.
During the event, Tokyo Disneyland transforms into its iconic spooky Halloween theme and is decorated with the classic Jack O’ Lantern. There are different parades, such as the “Spooky Boo!” and the “The Villains Rockin Halloween” parades.
There are also live shows and meet-and-greet events with your favorite Disney characters wearing Halloween costumes. Delicious snacks and Disney-themed Japanese Halloween candy also appear during the special event.
And lastly, visitors are highly encouraged to cosplay as Disney characters to make the event even more engaging. Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea Halloween celebrations start on September 15 and end on October 31.
Also Read: HOW TO BUY FROM TOKYO DISNEYLAND AND TOKYO DISNEY SEA? [2022 GUIDE]
Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland’s “Puro Halloween” celebration is another well-known theme park event in Tokyo. It features popular Sanrio characters, such as Hello Kitty and Gudetama, wearing Halloween costumes and doing cute dances during their special live performances.
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There are also special events, such as Trick or Treat candy games, dance battles, and meet and greet sessions with various Sanrio characters. Sanrio Puroland also offers a Vampire Butler Cafe hosted by horror producers Obaken. Puro Halloween runs from September 9 to November 1.
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Yomiuri Land
Yomiuri Land is one of Tokyo’s largest theme parks. During Halloween, Yomiuri Land becomes inhabited by zombies and monsters. The theme park holds several special events, such as games, Trick or Treat spots and restaurants with special menus.
There is also the “Hyuuuuuudoro” haunted house and “Jewellumination” light-up event that turns on every evening. Yomiuri Land has plenty to offer and is a perfect alternative to other Tokyo Halloween theme parks.
Roppongi Hills
Roppongi Hills usually hosts Halloween parades that are targeted toward children. Each year features a different theme. The area also has a variety of cafes and restaurants that offer limited Halloween-theme menus.
For 2022’s event, the usual parade will be replaced by a “Halloween mobile walk rally.” Children will collect digital stamps during the event, which can be exchanged for candies.
Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival
Another popular Japanese Halloween event is the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival. This festival started in 2014 and has continued to evolve and grow. This event is more organized than street parties and focuses more on anime, manga, and video game cosplay.
It is a two-day event that usually draws over 20,000 cosplayers and 100,000 spectators. The event is free but has a fee for cosplayers and photographers. Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival starts on October 29 and ends on October 30.
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Japanese Halloween in Osaka
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka is home to a number of different Halloween spots. First up is Universal Studios Japan. USJ is another pioneer of Japanese Halloween and continues to innovate its offerings each year.
The main Halloween event in Universal Studios Japan is their iconic Halloween Horror Nights. Some highlights include their “Street Zombie event,” “Biohazard Escape Room,” and“Legends of Fear maze.”
During their Halloween event, you can expect dancing zombies, Halloween-themed merchandise and goodies, and various scare zones. USJ’s Biohazard Escape Room (known as Resident Evil in the west) is a real treat for fans who wish to experience the beloved franchise in a brand-new way.
Of course, Universal Studios’ Halloween event isn’t only for thrill seekers. There are plenty of attractions meant for families and younger audiences.
There are areas where you can enjoy your favorite Universal Studios franchise characters from Shrek, Sesame Street, and Minions dancing and wearing Halloween costumes. Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights celebration runs from September 8 to November 6.
Also Read: HOW TO ORDER FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN (USJ) ONLINE STORE
Sankaku Koen
For those who prefer street parties over theme parks, Triangle Park (Sankaku Koen), located in Osaka's Shinsaibashi District, is well known for holding the best Halloween Street Party in the Kansai Region.
Just like in Shibuya, attendees will be able to see all sorts of fun and creative costumes. The event is unorganized but is a fun place for those who wish to socialize and party.
Doutonbori River & the Ebisu Bridge
The Ebisu Bridge takes people from the Namba side of the Doutonbori river to the Shinsaibashi side. It is right in front of the Glico Man sign and is within walking distance of a number of stations, bars, restaurants, clubs, and other gathering places for Halloween partygoers.
The bridge is often host to many buskers, but on Halloween is notorious for becoming crowded. Given its central location, many people hang around here while waiting on friends before heading elsewhere. Often though, it can get very rowdy due to the excitement of Halloween, and with some alcohol induced bravery, somebody often ends up jumping into the river.
Japanese Traditions Similar to Halloween
Obon Festival is an annual Japanese event meant to honor the spirits of deceased families, friends, and ancestors. It is a Buddhist tradition celebrated for more than 500 years. In many ways, it resembles traditional Halloween from the west.
During the celebration, the Japanese believe that the spirits of the dead return to visit their loved ones. It is an opportunity to reunite, celebrate, and have good times with friends and family from both worlds. The celebration is filled with festivities and traditions.
During the celebration, paper lanterns called “Chochin” are placed inside or outside houses to help guide spirits. In some areas, fires are lit to welcome the return of the spirits. This tradition is called “mukaebi” (迎え火).
The Obon Festival is also the time of the year when families visit and clean the graves of their loved ones. They also offer food, rice, and sake to spirits.
Several dances called “Bon Dances” are done during the festival. Performers utilize a yagura stage and traditional instruments such as taiko drums. They are usually performed in parks and other public places.
Various festivals, which tourists can visit, also take place during the celebration. The most popular ones include the “Daimonji Festival” in Kyoto and the “Gujo Odori Festival” In Gujo. During these festivals, several kinds of food are available. Some common examples include street foods and sweets, such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, uji-kintoki, and dango.
At the end of the celebration, send-off ceremonies are done. Some light up fires while others send the lanterns to the river or the sea. This tradition is called “Toronagashi.”
The Japanese Obon festival is usually celebrated on August 12-16. The dates will vary depending on where the celebration is held.
Also Read: 8 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT OBON
Japanese Halloween Costumes
The real highlight of Japanese Halloween is the creative costumes that cosplayers don during the celebration. No matter where you choose to spend Halloween in Japan, it is guaranteed that the streets will be filled with amazing cosplays of your favorite characters.
There are a variety of costumes that are showcased during Japanese Halloween. There are the usual Halloween favorites, such as vampires, witches, ghosts, zombies, and ghouls. There are also popular and easily recognizable characters from manga, anime, and video games.
One of the most common types of costume that you will likely encounter is Disney characters. Given that Tokyo Disneyland is the one that popularized Halloween in Japan, it is no surprise that Disney heroes and villains are popular during Japanese Halloween.
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Another popular Japanese Halloween costume is Batman's archnemesis, the Joker. The Clown Prince of Darkness has surprisingly become a pop culture cosplay icon in Japan.
Superheroes and Supervillains from Marvel and DC franchises have also become popular during Japanese Halloween. Popular heroes such as Spiderman, Iron Man, and the Avengers are great choices, especially for those who want to be extra creative and cosplay in groups.
Another common costume you will see during Japanese Halloween is characters from the Super Mario franchise. Super Mario is easily recognizable, and his costume isn’t too hard to pull off.
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The same can be said with Pikachu, Snorlax, and other popular characters from the Pokémon franchise. Some even do a cosplay within a cosplay, such as Pikachu cosplaying another character from a different franchise.
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Of course, Japanese anime and manga characters are a mainstay at Japanese Halloween. Characters from popular manga and anime franchises, such as Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Dragon Ball, Jujutsu Kaisen, Spy x Family, Sailor Moon, and more, can often be seen.
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And lastly, Ghibli characters are a true classic in Japanese Halloween. Iconic Ghibli characters, such as No Face, Totoro, and Kiki, will most likely appear no matter which Japanese Halloween party you choose to attend.
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Aside from pop culture icons, there are also other unconventional and wacky costumes during Japanese Halloween. In 2021, “Mundane Costumes” were showcased on Twitter. Some funny costumes included “person leaning in when turning a curve in Mario Kart,” “KTV MV that doesn’t match the song,” and many more.
Where to Buy Japanese Halloween Costumes
During the Japanese Halloween season, many stores start offering Halloween-themed costumes. One really good store for costumes and cosplay items is Rakuei. They have everything from costumes, makeup, decorations, etc. While they are great for putting together Halloween costumes, they specialize in all things cosplay, and as such, have items available for costumes & cosplay all year round.
Daiso Japan is another popular store for simple Halloween costumes, decorations, and other small goods. The store is well-known for offering items at reasonable prices. They also have Halloween x Character collab merch from companies such as Disney, Sanrio, and famous anime franchises.
In terms of accessibility, Amazon Japan is a great option. Shoppers can conveniently purchase their costumes and other Halloween-theme accessories from the ZenMarket website. Simply search for the franchise or character you want, and add the word "costume" or "halloween". Searching in Japanese may yield better results.
Aside from these three, there are lots of other stores that offer Japanese Halloween costumes and goods. Check out our cosplay showcase on ZenMarket to put together your own special Halloween costume.
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If you find an item you like on any Japanese website, simply copy and paste the product page link into the ZenMarket search box, and our customer support will check its availability for you.
Also Read: HOW TO BUY FROM JAPAN WITH ZENMARKET
Special Japanese Halloween Goods
Japan loves offering seasonal goods. So when Halloween finally arrives, you can expect limited-time Japanese Halloween sweets, candies, snacks, and other goodies. For those looking for candies, Kit-Kat Japan offers a limited-edition sweet potato flavor every Halloween.
Sanrio Halloween Snacks are also popular during the event. Popular Sanrio characters, such as Hello Kitty, Gudetama, and Pompompurin, each have their unique flavors to enjoy. Plus, the packaging of Sanrio Halloween goods contains mini-games and puzzles, making them even more entertaining. If you'd like to order some for yourself, simply login to ZenMarket, and copy the link for the item you want into the ZenMarket search box, and follow the prompts. See some great choices below:
Also Read: HOW TO PURCHASE FROM SANRIO JAPAN ONLINE
Aside from Japanese snacks and treats, Japanese fast-food chains and cafes also join the fun. Every year, Starbucks Japan offers limited-edition Halloween drinkware. Mcdonald’s has also traditionally offered Halloween-themed food, such as their dark burger.
Krispy Kreme also offers their Halloween special, known as Monster Harvest. There are many interesting donut designs, such as their pumpkin, cat, and caramel monster. Those are only a few examples, as many other restaurants and vendors sell creative Halloween-themed food and snacks.
Of course, it wouldn't truly be Halloween in Japan without anime x Halloween crossover merch, with tons of your favorite characters rising up to the occasion. These goods are even more likely to be available if they are popular during the Halloween period.
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You can be sure there'll be plenty of Demon Slayer, Pokemon, and much more available! Halloween Bishoujou characters in particular get very popular during this period.
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Japanese Halloween Terms and Phrases
Lastly, let us learn some fun Japanese terms and phrases used for Halloween. The Japanese term for Halloween is “Harowin” (ハロウィン). It is pretty much a direct translation of the English word.
Likewise, Happy Halloween directly translates to “Happii Harowin” (ハッピーハロウィン) in Japanese. As for the Halloween phrase “Trick or Treat.” its Japanese counterpart is “Okashi ka itazura ka” (お菓子かイタズラか).
Next, we’ll learn some terms used for Japanese Halloween monsters. Here are some common Japanese Halloween terms:
- Zonbi (ゾンビ ) - Zombie
- Miira (ミイラ) - Mummy
- Gaikotsu (骸骨) - Skeleton
- Majo (魔女) - Witch
- Kumo (クモ) - Spider
- Ohaka (お墓) - Grave
- Obake (おばけ) - Ghost
- Kyuuketsuki (吸血鬼) - Vampire
- Koumori (こうもり) - Bat
- Kuroneko (黒猫) - Black Cat
- Furankenshutain (フランケンシュタイン) - Frankenstein
- Kabocha (かぼちゃ) - Pumpkin
- Obake yashiki (お化け屋敷) - Haunted House
- Okashi (お菓子) - Candy
- Kowai (怖い) - Scary
- Akuma (悪魔) - Devil
And that's all there is to know about Halloween in Japan! If you want to get your hands on exclusive Halloween themed goodies such as Halloween figures, Halloween candies, or all kinds of Halloween crossover anime merch from Japan, make sure you're signed up with ZenMarket.
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