![\"Hard](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182437\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_04-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Omotesando](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182446\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_05-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nCelebrating Halloween in Shibuya: An Instant Classic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Despite being a relatively recent celebration, Halloween has become one of the most famous events in Tokyo<\/a>.<\/strong> Quite possibly, the one most people congregate for on the streets without a lot of institutional support. But beyond being a massive party, Halloween is also a social phenomenon that has entered Japanese society like a wrecking ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the usual observations of foreign visitors is the cleanliness of Japanese public spaces.<\/strong> Efforts to leave no trash behind at big events <\/a>abroad generate headlines that go around the world. But the annual chaos in Shibuya allows little room for excuses: the images and videos that have spread like wildfire on social networks made it clear that the most notorious disorders carry the Made in Japan label. The eve of All Saints’ Day seems to have given carte blanche to the partying Tokyoites. What happened here?<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Shibuya](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182455\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_06-1024x683.jpg\")
The Origins of the Halloween Mischief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The evolution of Halloween in Tokyo as a crazy street party has its origins in the 90s.<\/strong> At the time, among certain circles of foreigners, the so-called Yamanote Train Party<\/em><\/a> started becoming popular: costume parties and lots of alcohol on the Yamanote line<\/strong> (\u5c71\u624b\u7dda, the loop train line that covers the most central area of Tokyo) without particular regard for its passengers. These parties’ rowdy spirit was also attractive for many Japanese youngsters, who joined the fray following the trail of the partygoers on the Internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pics or It Didn’t Happen<\/h2>\n\n\n\nWe can only understand this within the context of the rise of the Internet and social networks. Part of the event’s point was to record it, photograph it, and hang the trophy on the virtual walls<\/strong> of the most popular pages of the moment. Images of impact as an antidote to the corseted civism, which people release during the witches’ night to blend in with the alcohol and the crowd. And unlike Christmas <\/a>and Valentine’s Day \u2014 the other celebrations imported from abroad \u2014 virtue and romance and a significant other are not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Halloween](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182429\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_03-1024x683.jpg\")
Immortalizing the event is just as important as participating in it | \u00a9Dick Thomas Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nGoing out in a group or alone are equally valid options when any stranger can become your street mischief accomplice. Corporate marketing also began to do its part, advertising Halloween activities in bars or clubs<\/strong> as perfect occasions for the risky and improper. Tokyo, one of the safest cities in the world\u2026 we can barely recognize you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Morning After Halloween in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe problem with spontaneous and ephemeral connections is that sometimes the consequences end up being nobody’s business. It didn’t take long for the lack of individual responsibility of the masses to translate into serious garbage issues. The media and social networks’ bitter complaints about the lack of citizen education were quick to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"Twitter](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182514\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_09.jpg\")
“They only enjoy Halloween in Shibuya while leaving the garbage behind\u2026 it can’t be possible”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Halloween](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182512\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_08.jpg\")
“I don’t need Halloween next year”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe reactions of Japanese Internet users ranged from disbelief to outrage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nConsequently, the civic response made an appearance in groups of volunteers doing campaigns in social networks<\/strong> announcing affected spaces’ cleaning. The controversy didn’t spare those apparent selfless acts for the benefit of the community, either. Some perceived them as virtue-signaling and a desire for self-glorification, unleashing flames in social networks among different exhibitionism factions. Regardless of their civic nature, the debate centered on whether doing the right thing for imaginary Internet points could actually be considered rightful or not.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182521\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_10-1024x683.jpg\")
In the surroundings of Shibuya station, a permanent poster avoids making direct allusion to the controversy but reminds the population what is expected of them on Halloween<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA Night to Remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In any case, the socio-philosophical debate is irrelevant for authorities concerned with public order. The 2018 edition was corrosive enough. So they decided to ban alcohol consumption on the streets<\/a> during the Halloween partying in Shibuya in 2019. That seemed like the only possible option. That means a remarkable milestone for a highly permissive society with alcohol and drunkenness.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182504\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_07-1024x683.jpg\")
Shibuya’s Halloween in 2019 was marked by the prohibition of alcohol on the streets and the increase of what was already a significant police presence | \u00a9Dick Thomas Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Main Events of Halloween in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to enjoy Halloween in Tokyo while keeping your memory intact the next day.<\/strong> For those not overly enthusiastic about the public disorder, Tokyo offers many options for all tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Halloween](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182404\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_01-1024x683.jpg\")
Ikebukuro has taken advantage of Halloween to capitalize on the existing fans and promote one of the biggest cosplay events in Japan.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFans of manga and\/or anime have their place in the festival of Ikebukuro<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most otaku neighborhoods. On the other hand, if we are talking about theme parks, the topic is widely covered. We have the Halloween festivals celebrated in the famous theme parks Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Halloween](\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/05182417\/Voyapon_HalloweenTokyo_02-1024x683.jpg\")
The Kawasaki parade is gaining followers with each passing year<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThose just looking for general entertainment will feel right at home too. There are events held in the modern Roppongi Hills complex or the neighboring city of Kawasaki<\/a>. Those who prefer a more family-oriented approach can attend events in Harajuku, Ueno, or Futago Tamagawa Rise. It is always advisable to check on the Internet for the most up-to-date information in all these cases. Very often, the dates of each event may change every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is much speculation about what will happen with Tokyo’s Halloween in the future<\/strong>. But it isn’t easy to close Pandora’s box. The ultimate paradox is that unknowingly, the Japanese transformed traditional Halloween into something closer in spirit to Carnival.<\/a> A masked lawless hustle and bustle in the street. This is the way we understand Carnival in Southern Europe and Latin America. It’s an occasion to temporarily subvert all the norms established in society<\/strong> under the protection of masked anonymity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Going out in a group or alone are equally valid options when any stranger can become your street mischief accomplice. Corporate marketing also began to do its part, advertising Halloween activities in bars or clubs<\/strong> as perfect occasions for the risky and improper. Tokyo, one of the safest cities in the world\u2026 we can barely recognize you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Morning After Halloween in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe problem with spontaneous and ephemeral connections is that sometimes the consequences end up being nobody’s business. It didn’t take long for the lack of individual responsibility of the masses to translate into serious garbage issues. The media and social networks’ bitter complaints about the lack of citizen education were quick to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n“They only enjoy Halloween in Shibuya while leaving the garbage behind\u2026 it can’t be possible”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n“I don’t need Halloween next year”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe reactions of Japanese Internet users ranged from disbelief to outrage.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nConsequently, the civic response made an appearance in groups of volunteers doing campaigns in social networks<\/strong> announcing affected spaces’ cleaning. The controversy didn’t spare those apparent selfless acts for the benefit of the community, either. Some perceived them as virtue-signaling and a desire for self-glorification, unleashing flames in social networks among different exhibitionism factions. Regardless of their civic nature, the debate centered on whether doing the right thing for imaginary Internet points could actually be considered rightful or not.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nIn the surroundings of Shibuya station, a permanent poster avoids making direct allusion to the controversy but reminds the population what is expected of them on Halloween<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nA Night to Remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In any case, the socio-philosophical debate is irrelevant for authorities concerned with public order. The 2018 edition was corrosive enough. So they decided to ban alcohol consumption on the streets<\/a> during the Halloween partying in Shibuya in 2019. That seemed like the only possible option. That means a remarkable milestone for a highly permissive society with alcohol and drunkenness.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nShibuya’s Halloween in 2019 was marked by the prohibition of alcohol on the streets and the increase of what was already a significant police presence | \u00a9Dick Thomas Johnson<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThe Main Events of Halloween in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to enjoy Halloween in Tokyo while keeping your memory intact the next day.<\/strong> For those not overly enthusiastic about the public disorder, Tokyo offers many options for all tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nIkebukuro has taken advantage of Halloween to capitalize on the existing fans and promote one of the biggest cosplay events in Japan.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFans of manga and\/or anime have their place in the festival of Ikebukuro<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most otaku neighborhoods. On the other hand, if we are talking about theme parks, the topic is widely covered. We have the Halloween festivals celebrated in the famous theme parks Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nThe Kawasaki parade is gaining followers with each passing year<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThose just looking for general entertainment will feel right at home too. There are events held in the modern Roppongi Hills complex or the neighboring city of Kawasaki<\/a>. Those who prefer a more family-oriented approach can attend events in Harajuku, Ueno, or Futago Tamagawa Rise. It is always advisable to check on the Internet for the most up-to-date information in all these cases. Very often, the dates of each event may change every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is much speculation about what will happen with Tokyo’s Halloween in the future<\/strong>. But it isn’t easy to close Pandora’s box. The ultimate paradox is that unknowingly, the Japanese transformed traditional Halloween into something closer in spirit to Carnival.<\/a> A masked lawless hustle and bustle in the street. This is the way we understand Carnival in Southern Europe and Latin America. It’s an occasion to temporarily subvert all the norms established in society<\/strong> under the protection of masked anonymity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Consequently, the civic response made an appearance in groups of volunteers doing campaigns in social networks<\/strong> announcing affected spaces’ cleaning. The controversy didn’t spare those apparent selfless acts for the benefit of the community, either. Some perceived them as virtue-signaling and a desire for self-glorification, unleashing flames in social networks among different exhibitionism factions. Regardless of their civic nature, the debate centered on whether doing the right thing for imaginary Internet points could actually be considered rightful or not.<\/p>\n\n\n
A Night to Remember<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In any case, the socio-philosophical debate is irrelevant for authorities concerned with public order. The 2018 edition was corrosive enough. So they decided to ban alcohol consumption on the streets<\/a> during the Halloween partying in Shibuya in 2019. That seemed like the only possible option. That means a remarkable milestone for a highly permissive society with alcohol and drunkenness.<\/p>\n\n\n
The Main Events of Halloween in Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\nThis doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to enjoy Halloween in Tokyo while keeping your memory intact the next day.<\/strong> For those not overly enthusiastic about the public disorder, Tokyo offers many options for all tastes.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nIkebukuro has taken advantage of Halloween to capitalize on the existing fans and promote one of the biggest cosplay events in Japan.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFans of manga and\/or anime have their place in the festival of Ikebukuro<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most otaku neighborhoods. On the other hand, if we are talking about theme parks, the topic is widely covered. We have the Halloween festivals celebrated in the famous theme parks Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nThe Kawasaki parade is gaining followers with each passing year<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nThose just looking for general entertainment will feel right at home too. There are events held in the modern Roppongi Hills complex or the neighboring city of Kawasaki<\/a>. Those who prefer a more family-oriented approach can attend events in Harajuku, Ueno, or Futago Tamagawa Rise. It is always advisable to check on the Internet for the most up-to-date information in all these cases. Very often, the dates of each event may change every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is much speculation about what will happen with Tokyo’s Halloween in the future<\/strong>. But it isn’t easy to close Pandora’s box. The ultimate paradox is that unknowingly, the Japanese transformed traditional Halloween into something closer in spirit to Carnival.<\/a> A masked lawless hustle and bustle in the street. This is the way we understand Carnival in Southern Europe and Latin America. It’s an occasion to temporarily subvert all the norms established in society<\/strong> under the protection of masked anonymity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fans of manga and\/or anime have their place in the festival of Ikebukuro<\/a><\/strong>, one of the most otaku neighborhoods. On the other hand, if we are talking about theme parks, the topic is widely covered. We have the Halloween festivals celebrated in the famous theme parks Sanrio Puroland and Tokyo Disneyland<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n
Those just looking for general entertainment will feel right at home too. There are events held in the modern Roppongi Hills complex or the neighboring city of Kawasaki<\/a>. Those who prefer a more family-oriented approach can attend events in Harajuku, Ueno, or Futago Tamagawa Rise. It is always advisable to check on the Internet for the most up-to-date information in all these cases. Very often, the dates of each event may change every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is much speculation about what will happen with Tokyo’s Halloween in the future<\/strong>. But it isn’t easy to close Pandora’s box. The ultimate paradox is that unknowingly, the Japanese transformed traditional Halloween into something closer in spirit to Carnival.<\/a> A masked lawless hustle and bustle in the street. This is the way we understand Carnival in Southern Europe and Latin America. It’s an occasion to temporarily subvert all the norms established in society<\/strong> under the protection of masked anonymity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"