As the end of October approaches, Japan is enveloped in a unique excitement: Halloween. In recent years, Halloween in Japan has become famous around the world.

Halloween in Japan (#JapanHalloween) is not just about having fun dressing up in costumes. It is a strong reflection of Japanese culture and national character. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of Halloween events in Japan and the "unique Japanese etiquette" you should be aware of when participating. Experience the deep charm of Japan through this special event, where enthusiasm and discipline coexist.

The "discipline" behind the enthusiasm: Japanese-style warm consideration

One thing you should know about Halloween in Japan is that places where lots of people gather, like the streets of Shibuya, are often not actually "official events" organized by someone.

Fun times are all about promises: Shibuya's "rules" that everyone should follow

The enthusiasm seen at Shibuya's Scramble Crossing is an expression of each participant's desire to have fun, but in order to ensure the safety of local residents and their everyday lives, the local government has established several requests (rules).

The most important request regarding alcohol

One particularly kind request on Halloween in Japan is to not drink alcohol on the street.

• Message from Shibuya Ward: Please refrain from drinking alcohol in "public places" such as the streets and parks around Shibuya Station, as stipulated by ordinance. This reflects the desire of Japanese society to cherish "the important order that allows everyone to spend their time safely and comfortably."

• Prohibited behavior: It is prohibited to buy alcohol at a convenience store and then shout "Cheers!" on the street. Alcohol should only be enjoyed in designated areas, such as inside a store or bar.

Other small considerations

Large groups of people making loud noises late into the night can be a cause for concern, as it can disrupt the sleep of local residents and pedestrians. Please keep in mind that Shibuya is not only a festival site, but also an important city where many people live and work.

A refined way of enjoying things that is unique to Japan

In addition to participating in urban street carnivals, Japan has many other heartwarming ways to enjoy Halloween, reflecting the nation's emphasis on harmony with others.

"Home Halloween" and "Intimate Connections"

"Home Halloween," where close friends get together to enjoy delicious food and dress up in costumes, is extremely popular. The culture of showing off elaborate costumes to friends at home is a comfortable way to have fun, reflecting the warm-hearted Japanese spirit of valuing intimate relationships.

Special Theme Park Rules

Events at well-managed theme parks such as Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are the best places to enjoy Halloween in Japan without worry. In particular, the rule that "dressing up as a character is specially permitted only during this period" is a great attraction that fans cannot miss.

Regional events that make use of local connections

Apart from the excitement of young people gathering in cities, more and more areas in Japan are enjoying "trick-or-treating," where children go around their neighborhoods. This is a safe and healthy way to have fun, reflecting Japan's culture of valuing "connections with the community" and everyone lovingly watching over the growth of children.

A disciplined "official parade" (e.g. Kawasaki Halloween)

Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture is a little different from Shibuya, as it is famous for its formal costume parade, which has an official organizer and is well-organized. You can experience the charm of Japanese event management, which is "well-planned and everyone cooperates."

Let's all practice this! Manners that reflect Japanese aesthetics

In order to enjoy the excitement, the following manners are important points to keep in mind when understanding Japanese culture.

Take your trash home (awareness of cleaning activities)

• Prohibited behavior: Littering on the street or leaving trash there when you go home.

• Japanese aesthetic sense: The next morning, volunteers cleaning up after themselves often make the news. Let's join together in practicing the Japanese aesthetic of "leaving the place clean after using it."

Photography etiquette (respecting privacy)

• Things you shouldn't do: Taking close-up photos of someone's face without their permission or uploading them to social media without their permission.

• Manners: If you want to take a photo, always ask kindly, "Photo OK?" and get permission before taking a photo.

summary

Halloween in Japan is a truly wonderful event, full of creativity and enthusiasm. But at its core is the Japanese values of "public order" and "compassion for those around you."

Even when tens of thousands of people gather at a scramble intersection, the next day it's clean as if nothing had happened. This is because we have a culture that values "everyone's comfort" and "public order" as much as each individual's "own enjoyment."

Please follow Japanese etiquette and let's all enjoy this special event together in a safe, fun, and beautiful way.

#JapanHalloween

Please also check out "What makes Halloween in Japan different! Limited-edition sweets and food that are also fun to look at" ▼▼