Halloween revelry in Japan takes new forms
Halloween in Japan is expected to be celebrated in new ways this year, at socially distanced events or online with revelers upping their facial decorations, as attempts are being made to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Concern that the famed Shibuya scramble crossing may become a virus hotspot should tens of thousands of revellers congregate there on Oct 31 as in the past, has forced the ward’s mayor, Ken Hasebe, to call on people to celebrate virtually.
People are instead encouraged to enjoy a virtually created Shibuya, approved by the ward, where people can walk around as avatars and show off their costumes. They can also watch pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s show live.
Other cities are switching to online celebrations as well.
The city of Kawasaki, near Tokyo, which saw around 120,000 people come to its costume parade last year, has launched an online costume contest on its public website. Contestants from around the world can submit videos of themselves wearing their costumes for a grand prix award of 500,000 yen (147,000 baht).
“Halloween originates from the practice of expelling evil spirits. We want our wish of expelling the coronavirus to be granted by using the possibility of people connecting online from home,” said Yohei Yatabe, who manages the project.
Theme parks are also taking various measures to avoid becoming virus hotspots.
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea have cancelled their Halloween events, saying they are “prioritising the safety and health of visitors and employees”.
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is implementing entry restrictions so visitors naturally spread throughout the park.
Yomiuriland in greater Tokyo, which is offering free entry to those wearing costumes and decorated masks on weekends and holidays until Nov 1, decided against holding close-contact events.
Worries about the coronavirus are not limited to large event organisers, with a small-scale online survey by a Tokyo-based marriage agency showing deep concern at the individual level.
More than 70% of 1,000 men and women in their 20s and 30s were either “very worried” or “worried” about Halloween celebrations, according to the September survey conducted by enkonkatsu agent.
With events moving online, individuals at home are focusing on decorating their faces to show off on screen.
A Don Quijote discount store in Roppongi said sales of patterned masks and face shields have been brisk as people make them part of their Halloween costumes.