TOKYO - Halloween celebrations across Japan are becoming increasingly expensive as October 31 approaches, with costume prices nearly doubling over the past five years and the average spending budget rising to 8,148 yen, prompting more people to find creative ways to enjoy the annual event without stretching their finances.
At Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, a theme park dedicated to the Harry Potter film series, visitors are entering a magical Halloween setting filled with pumpkin lanterns hanging from the ceiling and special appearances by characters from the movies. The seasonal event has attracted fans from around the world, many dressed in the familiar robes of Hogwarts students, while others have prepared elaborate costumes specifically for Halloween.
One visitor said dressing up alongside so many other fans added to the excitement. "I came in costume because it's Halloween, and seeing so many other people dressed up makes me really happy. It's a lot of fun."
For some enthusiasts, Halloween is a once-a-year occasion worth spending heavily on. One visitor said there was no particular budget for the event, estimating that the entire outfit and accessories cost between 40,000 and 50,000 yen.
However, rising prices are making such spending increasingly difficult for others. Costume purchases, decorations and other Halloween-related expenses have become more expensive, forcing shoppers to reconsider how much they are willing to spend.
According to a survey by a private research company, the average Halloween budget this year has reached 8,148 yen, approximately 1,000 yen higher than last year and roughly 50% above the level recorded in 2023. The continuing rise in consumer prices is believed to be a major factor behind the increase.
At a store selling Halloween merchandise, shoppers were carefully comparing costumes and accessories ahead of parties planned for the weekend.
One university student preparing to attend a Halloween party at school had planned to dress as Whisper, a character from the popular Yo-kai Watch franchise, but was surprised by the price of the costume.
"This costs 8,000 yen," the student said. "I was shocked. Financially, 8,000 yen is just too much for me."
Parents shopping for costumes for their children are also facing difficult choices. One shopper said Halloween had become an annual family tradition, making costumes an important part of the celebration, but acknowledged that price was increasingly influencing purchasing decisions.
"The things you really like tend to be quite expensive, so sometimes you have to consult your wallet and prioritize the price," the shopper said.
Retailers say the cost of producing Halloween costumes has climbed considerably in recent years, reflecting higher prices for raw materials and other manufacturing expenses.
Costumes that sold for around 2,000 yen five years ago are now increasingly priced between 3,000 and 4,000 yen, with some elaborate outfits costing considerably more.
Store representatives say manufacturers are attempting to limit price increases by switching to less expensive materials without significantly changing the appearance of their products.
For example, accessories included with a police officer costume, such as toy handcuffs, may be made from cheaper materials to reduce production costs while maintaining the overall look of the outfit.
Consumers are also finding ways to reduce their Halloween expenses by reusing clothing and accessories they already own rather than purchasing an entirely new costume each year.
One participant said existing items could be combined with a few new purchases to keep spending down to several thousand yen. "I try to use things I already have so I can keep the cost to just a few thousand yen. It's difficult to keep spending money on everything. If I have the money, I'll spend it, but otherwise I have to make do."
Others are reconsidering how they celebrate Halloween altogether, choosing smaller gatherings at home rather than expensive outings.
"Instead of going out, we might all cook something together and have a party," one person said. "I want to find ways to enjoy Halloween that don't necessarily involve going somewhere."
Practicality is also becoming an important consideration when choosing costumes. Some shoppers are selecting black-and-white clothing and accessories that can be incorporated into Halloween outfits but also worn on ordinary occasions.
One shopper explained that buying something that could only be used for a single event felt wasteful, making everyday usability an important factor in the decision.
The shift reflects a broader change in consumer behavior as households face rising living costs and look for ways to preserve seasonal traditions without excessive spending.
Although Halloween remains a major autumn event in Japan, the growing financial burden is encouraging a more economical approach to celebrations, with homemade costumes, reusable accessories and gatherings at home becoming alternatives to expensive outfits and large-scale outings.
Source: TBS
