Halloween in Japan?
 

Just wondering if the Japanese people recognize or know of Halloween. It just so happens I'll be in Tokyo on Halloween and if there is anything to do or see. I know people in Asia don't usually "celebrate" this day, but maybe Tokyo is different?

Younger people have probably have heard of Halloween, with its pumpkin/witches/bats/ghost decorations and merchandises. However, it is not celebrated, so nothing special to see. The only place you're likely to see trick-or-treating is at some expat apartment buildings or at English schools/nurseries. Or see if Tokyo Disney Land has something special.

Mainly English-speaking young expats in Tokyo stage a Halloween party on board JR Yamanote line commuter trains, which can be a blast.
See http://www.japanprobe.com/?p=3002

I bought a Halloween-themed t-shirt at the Hard Rock Cafe in Fukuoka seven yeara ago (in November). My impression was that people dressed up and partied there on Halloween. So, maybe they would celebrate Halloween at the HRC in Tokyo or Yokohama (or other bar/restaurant chain popular in the U.S.)

I had an American Thanksgiving Day traditional dinner at the HRC in Osaka. So I would not be surprised if Halloween was celebrated in some way.

Shizuko-san at gojapan.about.com has an article about Halloween in Japan:
http://tinyurl.com/3ud37y

Thanks for the link mrwunrfl. Seems like theres a few things going on during Halloween in Japan.

I also did a search on the web and found a little bit more about the Yamanote halloween train party where many foreigners/japanese dress up and party and drink on the train around the Yamanote line. It sounds fun! Too bad they only do it on Saturdays before Halloween and I'm leaving Tokyo on a Saturday.

Japan loves Halloween! There are decorations everywhere-even in bakeries and restaurants. I'm sure if you went to the Harajuku area and Takeshitadori, you would see some amazing outfits/costumes on Friday, Oct. 31st. Or come to the Arisugawa Park area in Hiroo, and see all the expats and English speaking children roam around trick or treating!