Halloween in Japan

Introduction to Halloween in Japan

Although Halloween wasn't celebrated in Japan until recent years, it's becoming more popular year after year. Many stores sell colorful Halloween decorations, costumes, and sweets, and Halloween traditions, such as costume parties and trick-or-treat events are seen in many Japanese cities, shopping malls, theme parks, and so on. Here are major Halloween Events in Japan.

It's said that Japanese o-bon is similar to Halloween. It is a Buddhist event and is the period of praying for the repose of the souls of one's ancestors. Japanese ghost story telling and kimo-dameshi (traditional Japanese bravery test) events, where people walk through creepy places, are often held in summer. Also, Japanese haunted houses (obake yashiki) are very popular, especially in summer. If you want to experience spooky attractions, the Namco Nanja Town in the Ikebukuro Sunshine City, Tokyo is a place to go.

As people dress in Halloween costumes, costume play has been a trend among Japanese youth. Kosupure is a Japanese word for costume play. Cosplay in Japan usually means masquerade. People dress in anime/movie/computer game character costumes, uniforms, samurai/ninja costumes, kimono, and more. Lots of people enjoy wearing various costumes and make-ups/masks and becoming to their favorite characters.

If you are interested in wearing Japanese Halloween costumes, these are some ideas.

Buy Direct: Japanese Halloween Costumes

Japanese Pumpkin Recipes from About Japanese Cuisine Site