１．Introduction
Living in the United States, Halloween has become one of the most familiar and beloved events of the year for me. In this article, I would like to share my personal journey from my university days to the present, reflecting on how Halloween has evolved in Japan—and introduce two uniquely Japanese celebrations that embody a similar spirit: Kyoto’s Yokai Parade and Tokyo’s Bake-Neko (Monster Cat) Parade.
２． My University Days – When Halloween Was Still Unfamiliar in Japan
When I was a university student, Halloween had not yet taken root in Japan. I worked as a mentor and tutor for international students, and one year I was invited to a Halloween party at an international student exchange hall. Not fully understanding what Halloween represented, I dressed up as a vampire simply because it seemed like the thing to do.
Later, when I studied abroad in Texas, my experience of Halloween completely changed. The celebrations at sorority and fraternity parties were on an entirely different level—elaborate, creative, and exuberant. On the other hand, within Texas’s conservative church communities, Halloween was sometimes regarded as a “devilish ritual,” which shocked me deeply.
Now, after more than 15 years of living in the U.S., Halloween to me has become a joyful season for everyone—adults, children, dogs, and cats alike!
３． Halloween in Japan Today
Today, Halloween has become a mainstream event across Japan. Costumes are easy to find—you no longer need to search for imported items at LOFT or Tokyu Hands; even 100-yen shops are filled with affordable accessories and decorations.
Makeup tutorials are now just a click away on YouTube, making it easier and cheaper than ever to enjoy.
In Japan, Halloween tends to focus on adults dressing up and going out rather than children’s “trick-or-treating.” Although some outfits have occasionally caused controversy for being too revealing—especially at theme parks like Universal Studios—I still enjoy seeing the creativity and individuality in everyone’s costumes each year.
4. Kyoto’s Yokai Parade – Spirits of Japanese Folklore
One of my favorite “Japanese-style Halloweens” is the Kaikai Yokai Festival, held at Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Toei Uzumasa Eigamura). Each autumn through winter, weekends and holidays feature parades inspired by Hyakki Yagyo—the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.”
The event reimagines this ancient legend with a modern twist: people dressed as yokai (Japanese spirits or monsters) parade through the streets, and at times even invite the audience to join in special “yokai dances.”
Unlike the Western pumpkin-and-zombie-style Halloween, Kyoto’s parade celebrates uniquely Japanese folklore. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves traditional culture, mythology, and creativity.
５．Tokyo’s Cat Parade – The Whimsical Bake-Neko Festival
Meanwhile, in Tokyo, another magical parade takes place—the Kagurazaka Bake-Neko Festival, a Halloween event themed entirely around cats! Though I haven’t had the chance to attend yet, I dream of going one day.
Participants dressed as cats—or bake-neko (supernatural cats)—walk through the shopping streets, joined by costume contests and workshops. You can even pay for makeup services or costume kits, and some people dress in kimono styled like “cat spirits.” For kimono and cat lovers alike, this is truly a dream parade!
６．My Halloween This Year – Kimono, Memory, and Reflection
This year’s Halloween was a quiet one for me. I recently lost my beloved dog, who used to dress up with me for events. One of my hospice patients’ conditions became urgent, and one of my foster cats found a forever home. So instead of going out, I spent the day reflecting.
Still, I decided to celebrate in my own way by exploring a “Japanese-style Halloween look.” I chose an orange kimono passed down from my grandmother—originally worn by my great-grandmother nearly 100 years ago. Despite its age, it remains in pristine condition with delicate crepe texture and finely dyed floral patterns.
I styled the black obi to resemble a black cat and tied a pink ribbon—once worn by my foster cat—as a collar using the obiage. I added cat-like eyes digitally to give a whimsical “Cheshire-cat” touch.
I had hoped to wear this ensemble for a pumpkin-patch photo shoot with my Kimono Club last week, but heavy rain canceled our plans. I still dream of taking that photo one day among glowing orange pumpkins.
７．Why “Pumpkins”? – Yayoi Kusama’s Inspiration
When I think of pumpkins, the first image that comes to mind is the art of Yayoi Kusama. Recently, I posted a “pumpkin cat” artwork on Instagram and Facebook—this piece can currently be seen at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Whenever I return to Japan, I always visit Kusama’s exhibitions if they are open. I attended two in the past two years. The most memorable was at the Louis Vuitton flagship store in Osaka, where the exhibition was completely free. A staff member personally guided each guest, explaining the works, and even offered luxury bottled water—a truly refined hospitality experience. Visitors could take photos alongside the art, and I was amazed that such a world-class experience was offered at no cost.
But why pumpkins? Kusama once said:
“Pumpkins bring about poetic peace in my mind.”
As a child, she grew up surrounded by plants in her family’s seed and nursery business, and she has spoken of how each pumpkin seemed to “speak” to her. To me, that sentiment resonates deeply. Every autumn at the pumpkin patch, I find myself surrounded by pumpkins so charming that I can’t decide which one to bring home.
8. Closing Thoughts
Originally imported from the West, Halloween in Japan has evolved into a fascinating fusion of global and local cultures. It has become not only a day for costume play but also a rare moment of self-expression and joyful escape from daily life.
Through my NPO, the Japanese Institute of St. Louis, I will continue to share and celebrate Japanese culture—kimono, tea ceremony, meditation, art, and crafts—as bridges between Japan and the U.S.
If you plan to travel or wish to experience cultural workshops, please feel free to contact us.
For art lovers, I especially recommend visiting Naoshima’s Benesse Art Site, home to Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin sculpture overlooking the sea. The island is perfect for cycling, art exploration, and quiet inspiration.
If you are in the U.S. or abroad, here are some major places to see Kusama’s work:
• San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) – Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart (2023–Nov 2025)
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington D.C. – Outdoor “Pumpkin” installation
• Kensington Gardens, London – Pumpkin (2024)
May this season bring you a beautiful and meaningful Halloween.
Chiren
President, Japanese Institute of St. Louis
http://jiostl.org/
https://www.instagram.com/jiostl
＠JIOSTL
https://www.facebook.com/JIOSTL
#japaneseinstituteofstl #japaneseinstituteofstlouis #JIOSTL #jiostl #japaneseinstitute #kimonoclubstl #kimonoclub #STL #japaneseSTL #japanesestl #monk #deathdoula #meditation #doula #tea #matcha #teaceremony #workshop #hospice #japaneseworkshop #buddhism #kidsactivity #Halloween #JapaneseHalloween #YokaiParade #CatParade #KimonoCostume #YayoiKusama #PumpkinArt
(Reference links)
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/halloween-in-japan
https://blog.japanwondertravel.com/how-to-celebrate-halloween-in-japan-19964
https://tokyotreat.com/blog/yokai-magic-embark-on-a-parade-adventure-in-kyoto
https://soranews24.com/2024/09/04/kyoto-becomes-city-of-yokai-with-night-parade-of-one-hundred-demons-festival-this-autumn/
https://global.toei-eigamura.com/detail/season-events/
https://matcha-jp.com/en/25872
https://tokyocheapo.com/entertainment/tokyo-halloween/
https://timeout.com/tokyo/things-to-do/kagurazaka-bakeneko-parade-1
https://matcha-jp.com/en/6661
https://ninjakotan-travel.com/post/kagurazaka-bakeneko-festival-2025-10-days-to-go-for-tokyo-s-most-authentic-cat-halloween-parade
https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/story/20210611-1661.html
https://www.phaidon.com/agenda/art/articles/2018/march/21/why-does-yayoi-kusama-love-pumpkins/
https://www.timeout.com/tokyo/art/where-to-see-yayoi-kusamas-pumpkin-sculptures-in-japan
https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/halloween-in-japan
https://soranews24.com/2024/09/04/kyoto-becomes-city-of-yokai-with-night-parade-of-one-hundred-demons-festival-this-autumn/