Society | Oct 23

Halloween revelry in Japan to take new forms during pandemic

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 in Tokyo may become a virus hotspot, should tens of thousands of revelers 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 being encouraged to enjoy a virtually created Shibuya, approved by the ward, in which people can walk around as avatars and show off their costumes. They can also watch a live show by pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

Other cities are switching to online celebrations as well.

Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, which saw around 120,000 people attend its costume parade last year, has launched an online costume contest on its website. Contestants from around the world can submit videos of themselves wearing their costumes for a grand prix award of ¥500,000 ($4,700).

“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.


MORE Society NEWS

A fire chief in Shiga Prefecture has been disciplined for "vaccine harassment," after a staff member who chose not to receive the COVID-19 jab was made to work in the office hallway.

As more people keep pets indoors, there has been a call for caution regarding unexpected pet behavior leading to fire accidents.

Last year saw a record-breaking 1,963 prohibition orders issued in Japan under the Stalking Control Law, marking the highest number to date.

POPULAR NEWS

Japan's Meteorological Agency announced the blooming of the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms in Tokyo at 2 p.m. on Friday, five days later than average.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) announced a formal plan on March 28 to establish priority lanes for autonomous vehicles along expressways stretching from Tohoku to Kyushu within the next ten years.

JAXA has announced the revival of the unmanned explorer "SLIM" following its successful hibernation after making Japan's first moon landing. The probe successfully endured a second lunar night, a period during which temperatures can drop to as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius.

Seven-Eleven have extended the expiry date of its hand-rolled onigiri (rice balls), including salmon, plum, kelp, spicy cod roe, and tuna mayonnaise varieties.

The Japanese government finalized a new strategy on Wednesday aimed at the development of next-generation domestic aircraft, including initiatives for eco-friendly aviation technologies.

FOLLOW US