Although the time for ghosts and ghouls in Japan is traditionally in summer — the Bon holiday in August finds families welcoming the spirits of relatives returning from the afterlife — Halloween has become part of modern-day Japan’s cultural calendar.
And it’s no surprise. Dressing up in elaborate costumes and cosplaying is a popular pastime regardless of season; there’s a long list of traditional ghost stories and other freaky folktales; and kimodameshi (literally "testing the liver") challenges see teenagers daring each other to visit graveyards and other spooky sites.
Halloween is a seasonal excuse for people of any age to dress up, decorate and eat way too many treats. Although the pandemic lingers on, here are ways for everyone to enjoy this frightfully fun holiday.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.