A chance to get a glimpse of the real Halloween at Expo 2025

Halloween has its roots in my home country, Ireland. A fact I am very proud of. Halloween is huge in Japan, but it is celebrated very differently. Although, elements are the same, such as people dressing up in costumes. There is a place for Halloween in Japan, because both countries have a love of ghost stories and deep-rooted beliefs that the worlds of the living and the dead come into close contact at certain times of the year.

Modern day Halloween stems from Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated from October 31st to November 1st. A time when the veil between the world of the living and the spirit world was believed to be thin, allowing for increased interaction with spirits and the dead. Samhain celebrations included large bonfires, rituals to honor ancestors, the wearing of costumes to ward off evil spirits, and large feasts. Does it remind you of anything? I liken it to Japan's Obon, less the costumes! Samhain marked the end of summer and the harvest season, and the beginning of winter. It was considered the Celtic New Year. Japan also has special occasions during the year to mark the start / end of seasons. 

This year, you have a chance to get a glimpse of the true Halloween at a special program at Expo 2025, in Osaka. From October 6th to 11th they will recreate and introduce the culture of Ireland with a special Halloween program. This program, made possible through the cooperation of Dublin City Council, the Bram Stoker Festival, the world-renowned theatre company Macnas, and Tour Ireland, will showcase the charm of Irish Halloween through screenings of spooky films, a parade featuring the giant amphibian puppet Alf, ancient Irish songs, and more. Will you go? If you do, please report back!