Halloween in Japan
Recently I talked about Halloween with a Smith’s student at Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi. She said it had become more popular recently in Japan. I would say that I agree. You can now see Halloween decorations and goods at shops. There are also some festivals or activities held to celebrate it. The Rokko Island Halloween and Harvest Festival at the River Mall on Rokko Island in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture is a large festival. It has a parade, costume contest, pumpkin carving, a haunted house, various food booths, performances and trick-or-treating. Another one was the shopping mall Nishinomiya Gardens in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture had “GARDENS HALLOWEEN”, holding events for kids in October this year.
This celebration has indeed become more popular in Japan. However do Japanese actually know what it is all about? From talking to my students of English, it seems they don’t, but they do seem to enjoy the activities and decorations associated with it. I tell my English students that Halloween has some similarities to Japan Obon, a Japanese Buddhist 3-day holiday when it’s believed the souls of the dead return to Earth from the land of the dead and visit their old homes.
Trick-or-Treating in Japan
Trick-or-treating is not normally done in Japan, but this year my kids, who are mixed (half Canadian, half Japanese) dressed up and went trick-or-treating in Tsukaguchi, Amagasaki accompanied by my wife. They visited 2 relatives who live in Tsukaguchi. My wife brought them some candy in advance but they ended up preparing some candy of their own too, so my kids got lots of candy! (^.^)
Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi Halloween Parties
Over the years, I have held several Halloween parties for my English students in addition to other events. This year on September 29, I held one at my home. We all enjoyed a potluck and some special bowling for candy! Some people dressed up. I wore skull make up which my wife kindly applied for me. We had a great time! To see a video on the event, please click here.
Want to Read More?
If you haven’t yet, be sure to read my last blog on studying English at Smith’s School of English Tsukaguchi before studying English and working in Canada by clicking here. Enjoy! (^.^)
Derek
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