Halloween in Japan is a big deal. Over the past couple of decades, the holiday has slowly grown from a small event celebrated only by foreigners to one of the biggest party weekends in the country. That’s not to say children and families are left out. Beyond the clubs and the truck-tipping wild antics found in Shibuya, there are parades, costume contests and even trick-or-treating, although these are still mostly limited to shopping malls and shotengai (shopping streets).

Unfortunately, we are still in a horror movie come to life, thanks to COVID-19. While fears appear to be easing around the country, event organizers are being urged to help curb the virus. Many of the country’s most popular events, such as the Kawasaki Halloween Parade, have been canceled. Even Shibuya’s mayor is pleading with revelers to stay the heck out of Shibuya over the Halloween weekend.

Stay inside or brave the clubs?

Instead of just skipping the celebrations entirely, many organizers are taking the fun online or changing in such a way to maintain social distancing measures. Using social media, your phone, apps such as Cluster (a virtual online world-building application popular in Japan) and even VR headsets, you can participate from the comfort (and safety) of your very own home.

Here are five ways to enjoy Halloween in Japan online this year.

1.Virtual Shibuya au 5G Halloween Fes

Tokyo is hoping partygoers stay out of Shibuya this year, but it remains to be seen whether anyone listens. For everyone that does, the city’s officially endorsed online option will feature live musical performances and interactive events using the social media app Cluster. You can even participate in a Halloween hunt—searching for hidden characters in a virtual recreation of Shibuya (and win a donut in real life).

You can also take …continue reading