It was barely September first and Halloween stuff could be found in The stores. That is obviously very similar to the U.S. What is also similar is how little Japanese influence there is on decorations. Everything is in English and at times, a very funny translation.
Not to confuse you, hotdogs are sold on a stick in Japan.
Costumes don’t have the “sexy” appeal.
And if you notice, the costumes show a lot of leg – no cleavage. Exposing cleavage is not acceptable by the Japanese, even on Halloween! There apparently a limit to the spectacle you are permitted to be.
Sumo masks – of course!
I made Dave check my head for lice after trying this on!!
Octopus head?
Makeup
What is different? Well, to start, the Japanese do not go “trick or treating.” Because of this, it is a special treat for Japanese to be escorted onto both the main base and here in Ikego housing. An American can escort up to 10 Japanese nationals instead of the usual six. Trick or treating lasts from 4:30-8:00. To prepare for the madness, I spent about $40 on candy. Roughly, 500 pieces. My neighbor adviced me to give out one piece at a time. She said last year she went through over $100 of candy in two hours. After about three hours, I was a bit chilly and ready to call it a night. I definitely did NOT run out of candy and started giving away 2-3 pieces to get rid of the extra!
Two highlights from the evening. One was asking to have my picture taken with Japanese trick or treaters. Since they asked, I asked them to take one with my phone as well!
The other highlight was after a group of about 25 Japanese came to the house, a young girl gave me a small package. She said, “Happy Halloween. We have present for you.” So sweet.
Overall, it was a pretty fun evening!
Next year, Dave and I discussed going to Shibuya station and informally parading around the crosswalks dressed in costumes with the locals. If you remember, when I went to the kimono fitting, we crossed Shibuya intersection. It is one of the busiest intersections in Tokyo. On Halloween, people come dressed in costumes and walk around the intersection. This activity shuts down traffic and draws out the police to ensure there is good order and discipline during the festivities. The thought of there being a need for police kind of makes me laugh. The Japanese are so orderly, I honestly can’t imagine things getting out of control. None the less, have 364 days to come up with our costumes!