Halloween is almost here! Supermarkets, department stores, and sweet shops are already decked out in spooky decorations, with plenty of Halloween-themed packaging and seasonal treats to enjoy.
Halloween in Japan is a fascinating mix of Western influence and Japanese creativity. Unlike the traditional “trick-or-treat” style you might see abroad, Halloween here is more about costumes, themed events, and playful social interaction.
Crowds gather in cities like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Osaka to celebrate with parades, cosplay, and photo-worthy decorations.
For learners aiming to sound natural and confident, knowing the right phrases and cultural context is essential. Here’s your ultimate guide to enjoying Halloween in Japanese — and speaking like a native while doing it!
Essential Halloween Vocabulary
仮装 (かそう) Costume / dress-up
Often used as a noun or in 仮装する (to dress up)
お菓子 (おかし) Sweets / candy
かぼちゃ Pumpkin
Common in shops: pumpkin desserts, sweets, lattes, etc.
ランタン Lantern
Refers to carved pumpkins (jack-o’-lanterns)
コスプレ Cosplay
Natives often use this instead of “costume”
ハロウィンイベント Halloween events
Cafés, malls, and amusement parks host these
期間限定 (きかんげんてい) Limited-time
Used to describe seasonal sweets or menu items
おばけ Ghost / spooky creature
Common in Halloween decorations
ゾンビ Zombie
Popular costume choice, pronounced in katakana
Essential Halloween Phrases
- ハッピーハロウィン！ (Happii Harowin!) – Happy Halloween!
- その仮装、めっちゃ似合ってる！ (Sono kasou, meccha niatteru!) – That outfit suits you perfectly!
- 写真撮ってもいいですか？ (Shashin totte mo ii desu ka?) – Can I take a photo of you?
- あのかぼちゃのスイーツ美味しそうだね。 (Kabocha no suiitsu oishisou da ne.) – Those pumpkin sweets look delicious!
- ハロウィンの日の渋谷って、すごい人だよね。 (Harowin no hi no Shibuya tte, sugoi hito da yo ne.) – Shibuya’s Halloween crowd is huge!
- ハロウィンパーティーはする予定？ (Harowin paatii wa suru yotei?) – Are you planning to do a Halloween party?
- 今年はどんな仮装する？ (Kotoshi wa donna kasou suru?) – What costume are you wearing this year?
💡 Tip: Japanese Halloween conversation often focuses on costumes, sweets, and events rather than “trick-or-treating.” Complimenting someone’s outfit or asking about plans is a natural way to start chatting!
Cultural Insights
- Costumes are king: Most people go all out with cosplay, anime, or creative outfits rather than scary masks.
- Halloween treats: Shops sell 期間限定 sweets like pumpkin lattes, chocolate treats, and Halloween-themed snacks. Asking for or talking about these is a common conversation starter.
- Events at theme parks: Theme parks such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan host special Halloween events with parades, shows, and decorations.
- Shibuya’s street party (in the past…): Thousands gather here, making it more of a social phenomenon than trick-or-treating.
A bit deep into the Shibuya Halloween chaos…
Shibuya has long been a hotspot for Halloween celebrations, drawing crowds in elaborate costumes to its famous Scramble Crossing. However, the growing number of revelers has led to challenges such as overcrowding, public drinking, and disturbances.
In response, Shibuya Ward has implemented stricter regulations:
Public Drinking Ban: Since 2019, public drinking has been prohibited during Halloween. As of 2024, this ban has been extended year-round from 6 PM to 5 AM in areas surrounding Shibuya Station.
Increased Security Measures: On Halloween night, additional security personnel and police officers are deployed to manage crowds and ensure safety.
Restrictions on Alcohol Sales: Convenience stores and other retailers are requested to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages during the Halloween period to discourage public drinking.
Closure of Popular Gathering Spots: Iconic locations like the Hachikō statue are cordoned off to prevent congregation and maintain order.
These measures aim to balance the enjoyment of Halloween with the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors.
Practical Tips to Use Phrases
- Compliment people’s costumes – This is a natural icebreaker.
- Ask about Halloween treats – In shops or at events, you can ask about seasonal items.
- Comment on decorations – Japanese people love taking photos of themed cafés, streets, and displays.
- Adding Halloween emojis 🎃👻💀 can make your messages feel festive and playful!
So this Halloween, immerse yourself in Japanese festivities, use these phrases, and observe how locals interact. Not only will you sound more natural, but you’ll also gain confidence speaking in casual and festive settings.
ハッピーハロウィン！ 🎃
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