Halloween Candy and More: Spooky Season in Japan!
James Lau
Whether you’re enjoying scary anime or trying out Halloween candy, Japan has a variety of ways to celebrate this October. With so many options, it’s easy to see why you should experience the spooky holiday here!
What kind of food can I enjoy this Halloween?
Curry ramen is a fusion of Japanese ramen and kare (curry), combining rich flavors with chewy noodles. This dish originated in Japan in the 1960s, with one of the most famous versions coming from Muroran, Hokkaido. Shuichi in Ebisu features thick noodles with creamy kare soup, while Oretachi no Curry in Osaka serves curry ramen alongside its kare rice. Chinrai is known for its buttery curry broth filled with stir-fried noodles, cabbage, and pork.
Japan’s fast food and café brands go all out for Halloween, offering fun and spooky treats! Starbucks brings drinks like the Booooo Frappuccino. Aoki’s Pizza introduces the Zombino of Hell. Lotteria adds Halloween to its menu with purple cheeseburgers and Jack-o-Lantern fries. Baskin Robbins joins the festivities with flavors like Funky Franken, pistachio ice cream, and witch-themed sundaes. These Halloween-themed foods are perfect for enjoying the season!
What is kimokawaii?
Kimokawaii, short for “kimochi warui kedo, kawaii” (meaning “weird but cute”), is a blend of the adorable and the unsettling. Originating in the 1990s, this style captures things that might initially seem creepy or strange but eventually appear cute. It offers a mix of dark themes and kawaii. Characters from this style often have odd designs, mixing bright colors with strange features, making them interesting despite their initial weirdness.
Characters include Kobitoducan and Hiyawan, the mascot of Nabari City with a Noh mask-like face. They initially create feelings of discomfort but eventually win fans over with their distinct personalities and charm. Kimokawaii also extends into fashion and accessories. This style’s success lies in combining the unsettling with the adorable, creating a unique and memorable experience that defies traditional ideas of cuteness.
Where should I go for Halloween?
Halloween in Japan turns theme parks into spooky paradises. Fuji Q Highland hosts the Labyrinth of Fear, a haunted house filled with ghosts and zombies. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka amps with Halloween Horror Nights, featuring haunted houses and zombie-filled streets. Onryou Zasshiki at Tokyo Dome City brings classic Japanese ghost stories to life. Meanwhile, Tokyo Disney Resort embraces a more family-friendly Halloween.
Japan hosts several cosplay festivals where fans can display their creativity and love for anime. Some of the top events include the Dotonbori Cosplay Festival, the World Cosplay Summit, and the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival. The Nipponbashi Street Festa turns Osaka into a runway for cosplayers, while KYO-MAF focuses on manga and anime exhibitions. Each event offers experiences, from parades and photo shoots to competitions and workshops.
Looking for some great Halloween candy? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest spring goodies directly from Japan!
What should I watch this Halloween?
Scary anime is a fantastic way to get into the Halloween spirit! Gegege no Kitaro introduces viewers to yokai, and Death Parade is a psychological thriller where the dead are judged in games. Meanwhile, children must escape from an orphanage that hides a horrifying secret in The Promised Neverland. These shows blend supernatural elements, horror, and suspense, making them perfect for a spooky Halloween night!
Fans of lighter horror can enjoy Hozuki’s Coolheadedness, where the afterlife is run like a business. For those looking for action, Tokyo Ghoul explores the life of Kaneki, a half-ghoul struggling to survive in a world of monsters. Scary anime offers unique storytelling through visuals and horror, creating the perfect feeling for Halloween. Each show taps into different aspects of fear, keeping viewers engaged and on edge!
What’s so special about enjoying Halloween in Japan?
Halloween in Japan stands out for its mix of spooky and kawaii (cute) themes that you won’t find elsewhere. Cosplay plays a huge role, with major festivals where participants dress as their favorite characters. Amusement parks like Universal Studios Japan entice visitors with thrilling haunted houses and spooky parades. Japan’s fast-food restaurants join the fun by creating treats like squid-ink burgers and pumpkin-flavored desserts.
This holiday is unique because of the blend of traditional and modern elements. Local myths and ghost stories come alive in haunted houses and themed events like the Onryou Zasshiki attraction at Tokyo Dome City. Japanese cafes and restaurants create Halloween menus, and you can also enjoy Halloween candy with your friends! All of this makes Halloween in Japan a time of scares and fun, offering a one-of-a-kind experience! Have you ever experienced Halloween in Japan before? Let us know in the comments below!
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